Wide view of the Hanssem Beijing showroom

Spatial Design / Cross-Cultural Experience

Hanssem Beijing Showroom

Cross-cultural spatial design bridging Korean kitchen systems and Chinese living culture.

Role: Spatial Design Assistant / Project Coordinator Focus: Cultural adaptation · Materials · Execution

Overview

A showroom adapted for local lifestyle

Hanssem is a leading Korean kitchen and interior brand expanding into the Chinese market. This showroom in Beijing was designed to introduce modern modular kitchen systems while resonating with local lifestyle expectations. I worked closely with the lead designer, supporting both the conceptual development and on-site execution. My role focused on bridging communication between design intent and construction reality, while ensuring the space reflected cultural nuances in material, layout, and daily use. The project required balancing brand consistency with regional adaptation—translating a Korean design system into a spatial experience meaningful to Chinese users.

Dining area with curtain backdrop

Context & Challenge

Designing beyond visual translation

Designing for a new market required more than visual translation—it required understanding how culture shapes everyday behavior. Key differences influenced the design direction:

Cooking habits shaped layout and usage expectations.
Material preferences differed across markets.
Execution required constant interpretation across teams.

Design Approach

Translating intent into experience

The design approach focused on creating a layered spatial experience that integrates functionality, cultural familiarity, and visual clarity. My contributions included:

  • Cross-cultural interpretation
    • Translating design intent between Korean designers and local expectations, ensuring alignment in both concept and execution.
  • Material selection support
    • Assisting in selecting finishes such as curtains, marble, cabinetry surfaces, and lighting to balance modern aesthetics with local preferences.
  • On-site coordination
    • Working with the construction team to ensure design details were accurately implemented, resolving discrepancies between drawings and built conditions.
  • Experience-focused thinking
    • Considering how users move through the showroom, interact with displays, and imagine these environments in their own homes.

Corridor with bamboo and stone landscape Kitchen with metal chain partition

Spatial Experience

A sequence of connected living zones

The showroom is organized as a sequence of connected zones, allowing visitors to experience the kitchen not as an isolated product, but as part of everyday living. Each area is designed to highlight a different aspect of functionality, atmosphere, and cultural context, while maintaining a cohesive visual language throughout the space.

Entrance & Transition

The entry sequence was designed to create a gradual transition from the exterior into a curated interior environment. Elements such as bamboo, stone, and controlled lighting introduce a calm, grounded atmosphere, setting the tone for the showroom experience.

Kitchen Experience

The kitchen spaces highlight Hanssem’s modular systems while emphasizing usability and clarity. Clean layouts, integrated storage, and minimal forms allow users to focus on function. Lighting plays a central role—defining zones, highlighting surfaces, and creating a warm, inviting environment that encourages interaction.

Living Integration

The showroom blends kitchen, dining, and living areas to reflect real-life usage rather than isolated product displays. Traditional Chinese furniture elements are integrated with modern cabinetry systems, creating a dialogue between heritage and contemporary living.

Key Details

Materials, storage, and finishing

Stone countertop and integrated cooktop detail
Bathroom vanity continuity in finish and lighting
Glass wardrobe system balancing display and storage

Outcome & Reflection

What this project strengthened

This project reinforced that successful design extends beyond visual composition—it requires understanding people, culture, and execution constraints. Through this experience, I learned:

  • Design is collaborative
    • Effective outcomes depend on clear communication between designers, stakeholders, and construction teams.
  • Culture shapes behavior
    • Spatial decisions must respond to how people live, cook, and interact with their environment.
  • Execution matters as much as concept
    • Translating design intent into built reality requires attention to detail and adaptability on site.
This project strengthened my ability to think beyond aesthetics and approach design as a holistic, human-centered process.