Chongqing - “Nature, Humanity, and Beauty” form the core of Zhou Zijian’s design philosophy at Lanson Design. As the founder of this creative interior design company in Jinshan E-cool, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, Zhou remains dedicated to these principles.
Zhou Zijian, Founder of Lanson Design. (Photo/Zhou Zijian)
Zhou’s designs seamlessly integrate homes with their natural surroundings, whether serene landscapes or vibrant cityscapes. This natural inspiration fosters an intimate connection between living spaces and the environment, enhancing the harmony of each home with nature.
“Beauty has always been my relentless pursuit, and the beauty I pursue is a kind of enduring and profound beauty. I am drawn to a classic and enduring beauty, a ‘timeless’ aesthetic,” said Zhou. While Zhou’s work may appear simple, it carries profound meanings that withstand the test of time.
Modern design embraces Chinese culture and local spirit
“When designing homes for Chongqing natives, I strive to add a unique touch, creating a story that melds Eastern style and Western aesthetics,” said Zhou. He emphasized a keen focus on “locality.”
The Siheyuan, designed by Zhou Zijian, is located on Chongqing’s Nanshan Mountain. (Photo/Zhou Zijian)
Perched atop Nanshan Mountain, a symbol of Chongqing, lies a historic Siheyuan designed by Zhou—a courtyard house surrounded by buildings on all sides. Offering breathtaking vistas of the Yuzhong peninsula, its windows frame the majestic confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers at Chaotianmen.
Zhou highlighted that this Siheyuan, distinct from Beijing or Jiangnan styles, reflects Chongqing’s inclusive spirit. It harmoniously embraces diverse cultures, drawing inspiration from family traditions and cultural heritage.
He mentioned the study room, a symbol of Chinese culture, as an example. At the Siheyuan, the enclosed central courtyard evokes a traditional Oriental atmosphere. Positioned facing the courtyard, the study room becomes a space where the family legacy and traditional Confucian values persist, according to Zhou.
“In this space, family members can read together, and parents can communicate with their children, imparting family culture and values,” Zhou said. “This familial interaction and legacy is at the heart of Confucian values.”
Interestingly, this modern and internationally inspired design departs from tradition. Its large windows with black frames provide a contemporary feel while offering views of the courtyard. The glass windows also afford a direct sightline to the antique pavilion, creating a poetic and picturesque ambiance.
Zhou fuses Italian and international modern styles in furniture, featuring a unique wooden table with an acrylic base. This design, incorporating Chinese elements, prioritizes comfort and modern aesthetics. The wooden skeleton chair, with distinctive back support, offers both comfort and innovation, reinterpreting tradition with Eastern and Western influences.
Through the large windows of the study room, one can see an antique-style pavilion in the courtyard. (Photo/Zhou Zijian)
In the Siheyuan entrance hall, Zhou introduced modern aesthetics with a red triangular table, replacing the typical and classic folding screen. This contemporary approach adds a modern art style to the space.
“We also infused Eastern elements, such as plants, a traditional Eastern practice of floral art. While the geometric red block underneath is distinctly Western in its aesthetic, “Zhou said.
Zhou added the design of the entrance hall incorporates Western aesthetics from the entrance to the wall art. Japanese cat ceramic cartoon figurines are chosen to blend Eastern essence with modernity.
At the entrance hall, a red geometric table, whose surface is harmoniously blended with floral art, embodies an Oriental charm. (Photo/Zhou Zijian)
The courtyard walls, made of traditional Southern blue bricks and black tiles, complement modern furniture. Although it has an Eastern atmosphere, it doesn’t feel old or outdated. “This is the modern home with Eastern culture I aspire to create,” Zhou said.
From the entrance hall, the scenery outside features classical Southern charm with blue bricks and black tiles. (Photo/Zhou Zijian)
Staircase design recreates unforgettable climbing experience
Inspired by Chongqing’s winding bridges and roads, the house's staircase is a standout feature.
Zhou named it the “Eastern Gallery Bridge” to reflect his deep understanding of Chongqing. The homeowner, a genuine Chongqing native, embodies the city’s straightforward character and cultural traditions through generations.
Zhou highlighted this view of the three-story staircase from the corner, which resembles the meandering paths found in the old districts of Yuzhong or Nan’an, evoking memories of climbing steep slopes in childhood.
The staircase seamlessly connects the house’s three floors, mirroring Chongqing’s winding roads. It goes beyond functionality, paying homage to the spirit of the mountainous city.
Chongqing’s mountain city trail (left) and the staircase design (right) reflect a similarity in their unique approaches. (Graphics/Chen Yuting)
Zhou said that he consistently adhered to respecting local culture as a designer. “I aim to showcase the city’s distinctive design style for Chongqing residents,” said Zhou. “The curves and mountainous feel of this staircase are elements I deliberately recreated in the design.”
This staircase is a true homage to Chongqing, a reenactment of the Chongqing spirit, and a continuation of mountain city memories.