Design & Inspiration

The Pursuit of “Jing”: Chung Tai Hsieh’s Philosophy of Spatial Atmosphere

The Pursuit of “Jing”: Chung Tai Hsieh’s Philosophy of Spatial Atmosphere

Chung Tai Hsieh

As founder of THE CREATIVE 10 DESIGN STUDIO, Chung Tai Hsieh pursues design that goes beyond decoration, focusing instead on atmosphere and the emotional resonance of space. By experimenting with textures and material relationships, he creates environments that balance technical precision with sensory experience.

I am the founder of THE CREATIVE 10 DESIGN STUDIO. To me, space is not just a collection of structures but a vessel for emotions and the soul. My inspiration to pursue design came from a desire to materialise abstract thoughts through the pursuit of "atmosphere" (Jing), allowing individuals to experience peace and inspiration in their daily lives.

Being recognised by the French Design Awards signifies that our dedication to aesthetics and detail transcends cultural boundaries. It is not just an honour; it is a validation of our philosophy—transforming life sensations into a higher level of art.

This achievement has greatly motivated our team. It has enhanced THE CREATIVE 10’s international visibility and attracted more challenging commissions, providing us the opportunity to practice our ideals of "spatial storytelling" on a broader global stage.

Experimentation is at the core of our design. We often challenge traditional material usage. For instance, in our award-winning work, we attempted to blur the boundaries between light, shadow, and physical form, creating a sense of fluid visual experience through layered textures rather than simply following function.

The concept of "negative space" (Liu-Bai) in poetry and philosophy. I once drew inspiration from ancient verses regarding the passage of time, translating the interplay between reality and emptiness into the flow of an interior layout.

I wish more people understood that design is not just about decoration; it’s about "problem-solving" and "defining life." Behind every great design lies countless hours of precise calculation and a delicate balance of sensibility.

I view this not as a conflict, but as a process of "co-creation." I dedicate significant time to listening to my clients' visions for their lives, treating their needs as the foundation of the design. I then amplify this through my professional aesthetics and interpretation of "Jing" (atmosphere). When my creative ideas effectively address the client’s pain points and elevate their quality of life, my design philosophy and their expectations reach a perfect synergy.

The biggest challenge was pursuing perfection within constraints. We had to balance budget with craftsmanship precision. Ultimately, through deep dialogue with artisans, we developed unique construction methods to flawlessly bring the details of our blueprints to life.

I choose to step away from screens and immerse myself in nature or reading. By sensing the subtle changes in the environment and reconnecting with myself, I allow my mind to reorganise creative threads in silence.

"Authenticity" and "Humility." I believe space should serve people rather than overwhelm them. I infuse my designs with a connection to the land, allowing the work to present a restrained yet powerful presence.

Stay curious about the world and maintain your "uniqueness." Don't just follow trends; try to dig into the essence behind things—that is the fuel that will carry you through a long career.

Architect Peter Zumthor. His masterful use of material sensations and precise control over spatial atmosphere have always been benchmarks that we study and aspire to achieve.

"What do you want people living here to feel?"

My answer: "To feel understood and completely relaxed."

Winning Entry

Platinum Refraction
Platinum Refraction
Platinum Refraction is a 327-square-meter residence located along the Keelung River in Taipei.
VIEW ENTRY

Explore the design interview where Danting Li Shares Her Expertise in Translating Ideas Into Visual Impact here, a recent winner of the French Design Awards.

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