The Forest of Life Commercial | Winner Designs
The Forest of Life Commercial by Lei Dong

The Forest of Life Commercial

Silver A' Design Award Winner 2023

The Forest of Life Commercial by Lei Dong exemplifies a compelling synthesis of biophilic design principles and contemporary exhibition architecture, positioning itself within the broader movement toward immersive, experiential commercial spaces that seek to reconnect urban dwellers with natural systems through sophisticated architectural mediation. The installation's central sculptural element, a cascading series of elliptical rings descending from the ceiling plane, demonstrates remarkable formal invention while evoking organic growth patterns, geological stratification, and the eternal cycles of natural regeneration that the space's title explicitly invokes. The technical achievement of integrating multiple material systems, including linear metal ceiling slats, perforated sculptural rings with rough textural surfaces, seamless digital display technology, living plant installations, and illuminated glass information panels, reveals a mastery of contemporary exhibition design methodologies while maintaining visual coherence through consistent formal vocabulary. The chromatic strategy balances the cool neutrality of architectural surfaces with strategic warm and cool accent lighting that creates zones of visual interest and guides visitor circulation through the space. The cylindrical central volume, wrapped in curved display technology presenting landscape imagery, functions simultaneously as information delivery system and symbolic axis mundi, a world tree around which the exhibition narrative unfolds. The presence of what appears to be an architectural scale model at the base suggests the space serves urban planning or development communication purposes, transforming potentially abstract planning concepts into tangible, experiential understanding. One might observe that the work participates in longstanding traditions of creating artificial paradises or idealized natural environments within architectural enclosures, from ancient Roman gardens to contemporary biophilic office designs, while advancing these traditions through integration of digital media and parametric design sensibilities. The viewer is invited to consider how such spaces might shape our collective imagination regarding the integration of built and natural environments in future urban development.

The design team uses various design elements to achieve its goals in terms of interior space. For example, high-tech lighting, audio-visual displays, and interactive exhibits can help create a futuristic and immersive atmosphere. At the same time, incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, and water can help create a connection with the natural environment. The park-like setting is also a great way to create an immersive experience for visitors. Visitors can enjoy corporate stories and technology by following a path through the park.