Sculptural shapes and a whimsical robot sculpture in the children’s area inspire play.
Sculptural shapes and a whimsical robot sculpture in the children’s area inspire play.

January 24, 2022

Words: Wilson Barlow

Photography: tenvisions.studio

Tomo Design Creates an Ethereal Sales Office in China

When Tomo Design was selected to design a property sales office for the Chinese real estate giant Sunac, they knew a conventional office would not be enough. “Customers want novel, superb, unknown experiences,” said founder Uno Chan. “We customized a variable selling and experiential space, that creates a spiritual realm beyond the physical one.” They called it “Art Beyond Mansion.”

That spiritual, ethereal quality is exemplified by a UFO-like installation of mirror stainless steel in the entry lobby. It hovers above a sandboard table where property models can be displayed. Nearly everything, from furniture in the lounge areas scattered throughout to whimsical robot sculptures, is custom. 

For all its extravagant touches, the designers never lost sight of the business function of the sales center. Relaxation areas and even a gift shop are multi-functional spaces that can also serve as places for meetings and conversation. Tomo Design also had to let go of some ideas due to budget constraints. But in the end, they delivered a forward-looking artistic environment that transcends its purpose as an office.

Above white terrazzo flooring, an oversize electronic screen on the wall of the entry lobby at Sunac: Art Beyond Mansion by TOMO Design shows art installations or informational videos.
Above white terrazzo flooring, an oversize electronic screen on the wall of the entry lobby at Sunac: Art Beyond Mansion by TOMO Design shows art installations or informational videos.
Stairs leading to the second floor are emblazoned with “NEXT A T;” next referring to the future and the letters AT standing for art and technology.
Stairs leading to the second floor are emblazoned with “NEXT A T;” next referring to the future and the letters AT standing for art and technology.
The “cultural and creative laboratory” sells art toys and architectural models, and can also be used as a social area.
The “cultural and creative laboratory” sells art toys and architectural models, and can also be used as a social area.
A digital screen displays information like weather and real estate data above a lounge area, where chairs and tables are custom.
A digital screen displays information like weather and real estate data above a lounge area where chairs and tables are custom.
A metallic green pillow pops in a bar area, with more furniture custom designed by TOMO.
A metallic green pillow pops in a bar area, with more custom furniture by Tomo Design.
Sculptural shapes and a whimsical robot sculpture in the children’s area inspire play.
Sculptural shapes and a whimsical robot sculpture in the children’s area inspire play.
Natural light shines through the skylight on the second floor, where art exhibits are often displayed.
Natural light shines through the skylight on the second floor, where art exhibits are often displayed.
Loop Gallery refers to the circular, free-flowing nature of the second floor space.
Loop Gallery refers to the circular, free-flowing nature of the second floor space.
A bicycle sculpture is among the custom furnishings in the leisure area.
A bicycle sculpture is among the custom furnishings in the leisure area.
Silver mirror stainless steel shines in the floating gallery, where the hope is to display works from students at local colleges.
Silver mirror stainless steel shines in the floating gallery, where the hope is to display works from students at local colleges.

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