Hoormem by CUN PANDA NANA in Fuzhou

Project: Hoormem
Architects: CUN PANDA NANA
Location: Fujian, China
Area: 10,763 sq ft
Year: 2023
Photography by: INSPACE

Hoormem by CUN PANDA NANA

The Hoormem Center for Muscle Research and Aesthetics, located in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, was created to offer a soft and healing environment in the cold and harsh city. It warmly welcomes white-coated professionals to set aside their masks and armor, returning them to their bodies. CUN PANDA redefined the entire brand concept, offering an aesthetic space that is soft, more transparent, and full of vitality.

Inspired by the concept of 'softness' presented by Austrian designer and architect Gerhard Rittler, who once said: "Softness as an expression of aesthetics possesses the power to enhance our lives," NANA translates this idea into spatial design.

Softness enhances physical flexibility, allowing us to adapt gracefully to various conditions and express a range of postures. At the Hoormem Center for Muscle Research and Aesthetics, softness is perceived externally from the building.

The impermeable exterior facade distinguishes Hoormem from other commercial spaces. The entire wall is covered with large areas of milk-white textured marble, with arched lines on the wall that serve as golden metal openings. This not only enhances the richness of the facade but also serves as a gentle hint inviting people to explore the space.

Upon entering, sharp angular blocks are barely visible. Instead, your eyes enjoy the delightful reflection of elegant curves. The opening is circular and smooth, resembling bubbles that organically connect different parts of the space.

The gentle sensation of hand pressure physically and spiritually connects hearts and minds, bringing a feeling of calmness and tranquility.

The central 'symbol,' a clear presence, vertically passes through two levels of space. This top-to-bottom connection creates an overall spatial sequence within initially enclosed spaces, making people feel closer and more relaxed in their surroundings.

Yellow light filters through rice paper, creating a soft visual perception and conveying a gentle and soothing atmosphere.

The second level is demonstrated independently, following the illuminated railings. The second level is not a closed and isolated zone but rather a corridor connecting various spaces. Standing in the corridor, one can observe the first level from different angles, experiencing both a sense of independence and closeness in spatial relationships.

Softness does not mean weakness; rather, it is a form of vitality with organic properties. With flexibility and connectivity, softness triumphs over rigidity and the sense of order, freeing power and magnificent strength. It stimulates a desire for change and nurtures an appetite for beauty and innovation.

As renowned architect Frank Owen Gawar said: "Curves do not mean a lack of strength or determination, but rather an amazing expression of strength and determination."

NANA aims to present the brand slogan "illuminate the moment for skin" using organic and natural language instead of copying natural beauty. Creating a therapeutic space with scents that help people awaken inner calm and beauty.

In terms of lighting, Panda NANA uses the same transition as in space. Instead of direct illumination of specific areas, light softly guides vision through limited use of general lighting. Lines replace focal points so that the contours of space are outlined by ambient light.

The brand's visual identity is based on brand attributes and the creation of three-dimensional space. Panda NANA integrates "illuminate the moment for skin" with the language of softness in three-dimensional space, leading to a successful two-dimensional visual transformation.

"Hoormem" uses serif fonts with elegant curves or straight lines, giving letters an artistic sense of classicism and elegance. As light serves as important decoration in three-dimensional space, Chinese character design also follows the same principle.

Both two-dimensional graphic design and three-dimensional spatial design serve as visual expressions of Hoormem. Panda NANA uses an artistic language of design to tell the invisible brand attributes, thus helping Hoormem present a stronger brand image and convey greater brand value. A more recognizable brand is likely to attract commercial attention and increase conversion rates.

This is a dialogue with the inner self, allowing one to feel vitality and softness in the heart. The Hoormem display system was created by combining light, health, and art.

The arched door on the facade uses light reflection on the floor to enhance the three-dimensional texture of the artistic coating. Six groups of eccentric circles are layered and flow over one another. Light circulates both inside and outside, creating a graceful and dynamic aesthetic effect.

The registration area uses low brightness and low color temperature techniques to create a soft and warm lighting atmosphere. The product features in the display area are highlighted with directed lighting.

Light columns are installed on the first floor. Their dual color temperatures are programmed to change from cool to warm over time. This symbolizes the brand theme of renewal and layering. The base sizes vary, with semi-transparent internal frames. Each layer must be coordinated with the column size to ensure uniform brightness emitted from each surface.

Triangular soft film skylights on the ceiling increase mounting height, allowing light to spread fully and evenly before connecting and reaching the floor, resembling a gentle sunbeam filtering through semi-transparent curtains.

The ambient lighting of the water wall near the stairs changes with various colors, exerting different influences on emotions and psychology. The area of the water curtain is illuminated with modulated orange light, reminiscent of sunrise glow. Visually, excessive gray contrast against bright colors like orange invites customers to linger and have some fun.

Several bands of low, medium, and high brightness are strategically used in spa rooms to avoid glare from direct lighting. The wall texture is designed to redistribute light through diffused reflection. Rooms are equipped with a wireless smart system allowing customization of greeting, treatment, shower, and cleaning modes according to different needs.

The lighting design of the disinfection room followed health principles. In the evening, a blue light disinfection mode can be activated while maintaining normal color temperature and brightness.

Indeed, how to optimize functionality, create atmosphere, and introduce visual distinction – all these aspects are considerations a brand should contemplate.

Healing begins with the five senses

We can smell aromas from products, flowers and everything around us, perceiving molecules in the air through our nose. Smell has a significant impact on memory and emotional experiences.

We can taste flavors, acidity, sweetness, bitterness, saltiness, and umami by perceiving the chemical substances in food with our tongues. Smell not only allows us to enjoy cuisine but also serves as a protective mechanism for checking food safety.

Moss Installation

Location: Side lobby area

The large moss installation creates a living atmosphere like an oasis, evoking a sense of closeness to nature. It not only provides visual pleasure but also focuses on sensory stimulation. A light touch of moss, a mysterious aroma penetrates between nose and mouth, creating a symphony of scent and taste. The harmonious interaction of light and shadow allows clients to enjoy a comprehensive sensory experience, as if immersed in an enigmatic and charming world filled with greenery.

Vision: We can see shapes, colors, and sizes of objects by perceiving reflection and refraction of light. Vision is one of our primary ways of perception and the most direct way we experience the world.

Island of Light

Location: Center lobby

Thanks to light, the five senses are activated within the space. The Island of Light will serve as a beacon guiding people from the noisy city to their inner self. It will lead each visitor through noise and stress, helping them find peace and thus heal the heart.

"Island of Light" uses a gradient breathing rhythm reminiscent of gentle breath, allowing people to experience natural rhythms. The outer surface of the light columns is covered with softly textured rice paper, and warm lighting slowly rises from the column bases like a gentle breeze brushing across the face, evoking feelings of calm and peace. Gentle changes in light and shadow bring healing power to the soul. Here, people can sit or lie down, closing their eyes and fully experiencing the healing effects of "healing light." Accompanied by soothing music synchronized with the breathing rhythm of the light, individuals enter a state of tranquility.

Ethereal Mirror

Location: Wall Water

The concept draws inspiration from the enchanting beauty of flowing water. The material bestows a shimmering quality to the mirror. The interplay of light and shadow brings life to the space, while skillful lighting usage enhances a mysterious feeling within the installation. The ethereal atmosphere invites clients to enter a heavenly realm.

The white noise of flowing water creates a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere for clients, allowing them to immerse in therapy and forget the hustle of the city.

Forest for Healing

Location: Spa rooms

Curved mountains and tranquil forests evoke a sense of innate connection with nature. Inspired by nature and integrated into the "natural" aesthetics (relating to natural beauty and health), they are artistically expressed through abstract nature curves at the entrance of healing spaces. This is like entering a secluded path where Zen rooms and flower-laden trees are found. The entrance to the forest is partially hidden, directing visitors toward an atmosphere that helps them forget worries and irritations.

Tactile sense: We can feel temperature, texture, and pressure when touching objects. Tactile sensation is one of the primary ways to interact with and communicate with the world.

Transform Stone into Gold Through Touch

Location: Entrance bar

The "stone," an essential part of the world, testifies to the flow of time in evolution. Gold, a chemical element imbued with realistic meaning through civilization, is presented artistically on the stone. The surface is carefully polished to feel smooth as skin touching real gold. The soft and warm feeling of gold contrasts with the cold and solid sensation of stone, like sitting by a stream feeling eternal beauty in nature.

Hearing: We can hear sounds, tones, rhythms by listening to acoustic wave frequencies. Hearing allows us to appreciate the sounds of nature and music in the world.

Antique Tones

Location: Ōryōki at entrance

In pursuit of a higher level of artistic emotional expression, there is a saying: "The greatest sound is silence and the greatest form has no form." The prototype of the healing instrument "Ōryōki" at the entrance represents eight trigrams in the Book of Changes (I Ching). The core of Yin-Yang and the spiritual essence of Hoormem unconsciously achieve deep harmony within the space. The inner noise clears when skin touches objects, instantly relaxing body and mind. The profound spiritual essence hidden in minimalist form guides individuals through simple forms to inner peace and the infinity of the universe.

-Project description and images provided by ZZ Media