Excerpt: Mumian Chengdu is an architectural project by CCD (Cheng Chung Design) that combines a modern experience with the city’s historic neighbourhoods. The initial concept for the project was to craft a space of art that incorporates antiquity and modernity. The designers rebuilt the original structure using oriental architectural elements, adorning it with soft lighting and crafting a sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] In the late 1950s, large-scale arsenals and heavy industries were transferred to Southwest China amid the country’s Third-Front Construction campaign. During this period, Factory 111 in Shenyang, a city in northeast China, was moved to Chengdu as Factory 420. Located in Shuangqiaozi, the factory used to be one of the largest enterprises in China’s defence industry, boasting nearly 20,000 workers in its prosperous time.
In 2007, the well-known factory in Chengdu was dismantled. The land on which it stood was obtained by CR Land in a bid and was developed into a project currently known as 24 City. The chimneys of the old factory have long gone, but memories of Factory 420 are still vivid for numerous people who have lived through its history.
Old memories echoed in a new development: For ancient Chengdu, 24 City marks the future. For today’s Chengdu, it represents the tradition and history of the older generations. As a participant in history, the site where Mumian Chengdu stands has evolved beyond the limit of time. It is not only a witness to Chengdu’s booming industries but also a signature of 24 City, a celebration of culture and history valued by CR Land.
The legendary history of the site has become a source of creativity. With the utmost respect for the past, CCD drew inspiration from the lifestyle of the literati in ancient Chengdu and the history of 24 City. They engraved the area’s historical and cultural essence into the hotel, thus unveiling a brand-new chapter.
The designers believe that the value of everyday life is truly relished only after experiencing ups and downs. They hope to create a space that offers a poetic lifestyle and subtly inspires appreciation for the city’s culture.
A new chapter was unveiled amid a bustling old neighborhood: While imbued with a sense of nostalgia for the bustling old neighbourhoods of Chengdu, the hotel also offers an exceptional modern guest experience. The new and the old, the present and the past, and time and space overlap with each other. It narrates a tale that began years ago, a narrative that continues to evolve with twists and turns, bound by an everlasting journey with no final chapter in sight.
The purity and ease found in nature are introduced into the project. The outdoor landscape and the interior harmonise with each other, infusing a sense of relaxing tranquilly into the space.
The initial concept for the project was to craft a space of art that incorporates antiquity and modernity. The designers rebuilt the original structure using oriental architectural elements, adorning it with soft lighting and crafting a sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere.
The artworks on the reception desk are inspired by the red walls of Wuhou Temple and the bustling streets next to the city’s East Gate. The elements of luxuriant bamboo, red walls, and bustling neighbourhoods serve as profound symbols, not only representing the historical capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom but also offering a wellspring of creative influence for contemporary art.
The land on which the hotel stands is like a piece of amber that seals the cultural legacy of Chengdu. It has documented and displayed the most beautiful memories about the city. Local cultural heritages become valuable art pieces for display, leaving the imprints of Factory 420 amid the changes in Chengdu.
A refined haven crafted in sophisticated detail: The designers showcase a profound reverence for history and nature as they embark on a quest to capture the vibrant yet poetic essence of Chengdu’s bustling existence in the past. They aimed to achieve a balance between the antiquated and the contemporary in their striving to rejuvenate the cultural heritage.
They skillfully interweaved elements of Chengdu’s traditional architecture into the space. By drawing inspiration from age-old compositions and fusing them with contemporary design, they skillfully juxtaposed the new and the old, resulting in a captivating harmony that resonates beautifully.
The structures, adorned with grey bricks and pitched roofs, evoke memories of an ancient street. However, the entire space exudes a contemporary ambiance fused with unceasing vitality.
Splendid Sichuan-figured satin is used to accentuate the beauty and tranquilly of the space, inviting visitors to experience the glory of traditional culture and the artistic vibe of a modern aesthetic. Inspired by the teahouses of Chengdu, the spatial design carries the social philosophy of Chengdu’s residents, creatively blending this unique culture into the details of the space.
An enchanting feast adorned with stunning satin By incorporating Sichuan-figured satin, the designers skillfully interweaved time into the space, curating an enchanting feast of the traditional craft.
The dining area, elegantly decorated with stunning satin, captures the lively atmosphere of the city. The vibrant hues of the craftsmanship evoke deep emotions for tales of the past, enveloping guests in a comforting embrace of nostalgia for the vibrant past.
An encounter with delight, an experience defined by poetic gracefulness: The pursuit of a refined lifestyle always stands as a guiding beacon in one’s journey. It is the appreciation of beauty that nurtures gracefulness. The guestrooms gracefully embrace a connection with the past. Every detail, whether it is a piece of furniture, a painting, an engraved porcelain pattern, or a motif on furnishings, serves as a medium for emotional resonance. Consequently, the design embodies timeless beauty, weaving together the essence of vintage charm and a contemporary aesthetic.
The hotel boasts the city’s rich culture, embraces local craftsmanship with timeless charm, and seamlessly combines ancient and modern design elements to unfold a distinctive and captivating atmosphere.