Modern Tranquility by Studio8 Architects
Photo by Sven Zhang

Modern Tranquillity: Zen in the Office | Cishan's Workspace Design

Studio8 Architects has designed the interiors of the Cishan Workspace, as part of the 'Modern Tranquillity: Zen in the Office' series in Hangzhou, China.
Cishan, a catering company with multiple brands, boasts an office on the top floor of a building in a business park near Xixi Wetland.

"Our design subtly reflects the brand ethos through thoughtful material selection, strategic spatial layouts, the interplay of solid and void spaces, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, the integration of natural landscapes and the display of antique furniture," said Studio8.

"The client envisioned a workspace that reflects the brand's ethos – low-key, restrained, rational and calm – while supporting both efficient work and social interaction."

The office, located on the top floor of a standard column-grid building, presented challenges such as limited floor load, ceiling height and natural lighting.

The design responds by preserving the structural integrity and strategically modifying the building to introduce a lightwell and sunken courtyard, drawing daylight and greenery deep into the interior.


This project has been shortlisted in the office interior category of Dezeen Awards China 2025.

Studio: Studio8 Architects
Project: Modern Tranquillity: Zen in the Office | Cishan's Workspace Design
Credits: Cishan, Unolai Lighting Design and Associates and Shanghai Delhom Acoustics Science and Technology Consulting