TAOA 798 Studio / TAOA

Architects: TAOA
Area: 450 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: TAOA
Manufacturers: M77
Lead Architects: Tao Lei
Design Team: Meng Xiangrui, Tai Ye, He Xiaotian
Construction Management: Tao Ye
Construction Firm: Beijing Sixiang Yingzao Decoration Co., Ltd.
Client: TAOA
City: Chaoyang District
Country: China

TAOA 798 Studio, a three-story renovation in the 798 Art District, was transformed by TAOA into a compact, nature-connected workspace. Wrapped in perforated anodized aluminum panels, the building offers semi-transparency, soft reflections, and protection from sunlight while harmonizing with its industrial surroundings. The ground floor serves as an exhibition space, the second as meeting areas, and the third as workspaces, all linked by an open stairwell. A yard with a preserved tree was created by expanding a narrow gap, complemented by a second-floor terrace and a third-floor balcony. West-facing windows filter sunlight through aluminum panels, and rooftop greenery adds vibrancy, symbolizing the team’s creative energy.

This project centers on the renovation of an existing structure, where the building’s aged and uncertain conditions served as the foundation for reimagining the office space. Operating within the limitations of the original building’s scale and volume, the design team aimed to craft a more enjoyable and inspiring work environment tailored to the specific needs of designers. The primary vision was to create a space that is simple, comfortable, compact yet refined, and as connected to nature as possible, even in the absence of abundant natural resources in the surrounding area.

The building’s exterior is clad in anodized aluminum plates, selected for their subtle reflective qualities. To reduce excessive sunlight and block direct views into the building from across the street, the design team perforated the entire west facade. This approach gives the structure a semi-transparent appearance, enabling it to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment of uneven brick walls. The objective was to establish a bright, revitalized architectural presence that forms a distinctive dialogue with its context while breathing new life into the aging neighborhood.

The original three-story building retained its existing steel frame, which was reinforced where required. The first floor was designated as an exhibition space, the second floor was designed to serve as meeting and reception areas, and the third floor was allocated for workspace. To create better integration across the three levels, a portion of the floor slab was removed, establishing vertical continuity that functions as both a stairwell and an open foyer at the entrance.

Moving upward through the building, the space progressively narrows, culminating at the roof. West-facing windows extend from the ground to the roof, allowing afternoon sunlight to filter through the perforated aluminum panels and softly illuminate the interior.

Flanked by neighboring structures on the north and south, the building is only open to the east and west. The east wall on the first floor, marking the boundary of the 798 Art District, was preserved. Seeking to connect the office with the outdoors, the design team discovered a narrow gap during demolition, which was expanded into a small yard on the first floor. This yard, featuring a large existing tree as its focal point, introduces a natural element into the office environment.

To strengthen the connection with nature, a balcony was incorporated on the third floor, providing a tranquil space beneath the tree for breaks. The renovation also involved opening up the east wall on the second floor to create a semi-outdoor terrace. As one ascends the stairs from the first floor, the space dramatically opens, evoking a refreshing sense of clarity and freedom.

Continuing upward, the vertical space narrows again, providing just enough room for the staircase and creating a feeling reminiscent of traversing a canyon. At the top, the space opens to a small open-air yard on the third floor, filled with natural light and adorned with plants, adding a touch of greenery and a sense of delight during work hours.

The small building has become the team’s creative hub, symbolizing their spirit and offering a space for independent thought within a raw and industrial setting.