“The spirit of the valley never dies;

It is known as the mysterious feminine.

The entrance to the mysterious feminine

Is called the root of heaven and earth.

Enduring like a thread that survives,

It is used yet never exhausted.”

—— Tao Te Ching

Returning to the essence of eternal wonder, nurturing vitality, and shedding common troubles to be free from worries. This embodies the essence of “returning” that Shuiguo 2.0 advocates, rooted in primal purity and distant from worldly distractions. As Water Encased becomes a lifestyle, the evolving products of Shuiguo 2.0 find their place in Wujiaochang, Shanghai.

The plaza-style layout and naturally organic spatial design create an elevated, soothing, and healing atmosphere for both body and mind.

Embracing the purity and gentleness of life’s beginnings, embracing the life-giving waters that nurture all things. Safety and reliance, nourishment and reverence, blending reality and illusion, distant yet subtle. This marks the genesis of a life by the springs, and the culmination of a restorative vacation.

1. Immersed in the Womb: The Inaugural Journey of Life

Crafting natural forms, traversing temporal rifts, and unraveling the spiritual rituals of life’s genesis. The organic contours of canyons, caves, and evocative womb imagery introduce a fresh dimension to urban healing escapes. Delicately navigating the interplay between logical spaces and sensory encounters, employing diverse mediums to probe human spatial perception, and delving into the timeless themes of body, time, and spatial relationships.

A parting canopy symbolizes life’s genesis, revealing the gentle radiance within the maternal womb, embracing life’s genesis.

The grand, symmetrical expanse resembling monumental sculpture and subdued tones set the stage for a soulful journey. The ceiling meanders like a flowing stream, enveloping an interior architecture with arched walls. Light dances in various hues and textures on the mosaic surface, bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern design.

Guided by the central band of light, ascending the elongated stairs linking heaven and earth, progressing toward the enigmatic depths of the soul. The play of light and shadow on the walls resonates with life’s rhythm.

Through temporal crevices, entering an ancient sanctuary. The pyramid structure, reminiscent of a luminous gateway, draws attention inward, inviting an encounter with primordial strength and a return to tranquility.

Geometric patterns and interplay of light and shadow create a contemplative space infused with philosophical depth. Present seamlessly blends with ancient, reality intertwines with illusion, and the past converges with the future. Space transcends physicality, becoming a spiritual haven where unseen energies foster newfound hope and vitality.

Here, serenity reigns over tumult, fostering a dialogue with life’s origins, akin to the “mysterious female gate” in the Tao Te Ching, the foundational nexus of heaven and earth, nurturing the essence of all existence.

2. Sensory Tale: Submerged in Primal Splendor

Focused on the themes of fluidity, elegance, and intimacy in storytelling, a range of mediums is carefully chosen to awaken not only the five senses but also the sixth. A mysterious and subdued tone casts a distant, ancient cave-like aura over contemporary bathrooms, infusing the space with profound connections to life, humanity, and a serene existence. Listening to the gentle flow of water and immersing oneself in the essence of life cleanse away trivialities and troubles.

The rugged, blocky texture of rock surfaces evokes a primal quality and robust strength reminiscent of caves. Softly illuminated rays delicately caress the rock walls, creating an interplay of intertwining curves and shadows that conjure a deep, ancient ambiance, akin to wandering through an enigmatic sanctuary of old. The moment your toes meet the gravel, a collective awakening of unconsciousness occurs, freezing time and blending with the realms of heaven and earth.

As the granular sensation dissipates underfoot, the path unfolds onto a marble-paved corridor where synesthesia unfolds under a gentle, muted glow.

Within the immersive darkness lies a tranquil silence woven from shades of black and white. Each beam of light from the cave’s entrance illuminates a path to the deepest secrets, reflecting the innermost emotions.

The slender strip of light on the ceiling and the delicate metal handrails harmonize, creating a minimalist masterpiece of modernity and rational beauty. The serene water surface acts as a mirror leading to an unknown realm, narrating the eternal passage of time and eternity. The subdued space encapsulates life philosophies and resonates emotionally.

3. Space-time Illusions: Unlocking the Inner Sanctum

The design not only indulges the senses but also seamlessly integrates functionality. Spaces such as sleeping pods, dynamic gaming zones, and Water Encased stores offer diverse experiences for guests, creating a holistic gathering around the Water Encased lifestyle. This 24/7 immersive experience redefines leisurely vacations.

The sleeping pod area resembles a labyrinthine dreamscape in black and white, with geometric blocks and mirrored ceilings crafting a multi-layered spatial depth. Despite its rich layers, the design maintains a sense of order, favoring simplicity and tranquility over complexity.

Subtle glints of light, akin to twinkling stars, beckon visitors into this secluded sanctuary. Light playfully dances between walls, reminiscent of the threads of time weaving through dreams, delving into deep-seated secrets and desires.

Beneath the soaring ceiling of the Shuiguo store, a grid structure adds depth to the space, complemented by soft lighting that fosters a sense of fluidity. Wooden display racks juxtapose metal platforms, while sculptural seats echo the artistic motifs on the walls.

The washroom bathes in a gentle blue-pink hue, evoking a sci-fi ambiance of an alternate dimension. Mirrored materials enhance spatial symmetry, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, creating a symbiotic relationship.

A purple halo cascades from the elongated ceiling, defining a futuristic smoking area. Neon logos and transparent, modern seats hint at an escape from the ordinary.

Engaging with Water Encased extends beyond the physical, reaching into the realms of perception and spirit. This space, with its tangible presence, evokes primal memories of returning to the womb, harnessing the healing essence of life-giving waters. It encapsulates a life philosophy and contemporary reflection jointly conveyed by the brand and design.

Project Information

Project Name: Shanghai Shuiguo · Tangquan Life (Wujiaochang Store)

Project Address: Block E, 111 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai

Project Area: 13,000 square meters

Completion Date: November 2023

Design Scope: Architecture/Interior/Lighting

Video: Mingze

Photography: Tan Xiaozhong, Wu Hehongquan