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Zhi Lan Hotel: Merging Industrial Heritage with Sustainable Ecological Design in Shenyang

The Zhi Lan hotel project, led by Jinxiang Zhao and the LAFA innovation team, has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award 2025 in the Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism Design category. Located at No. 1 Yingpan North Street in Shenyang, China, Zhi Lan transforms a former industrial facility into a pioneering eco-friendly hotel that seamlessly merges the site's historic steel frame with lush greenery, advanced water purification, and intelligent energy systems. This visionary project stands adjacent to major urban landmarks, benefiting from excellent connectivity and comprehensive facilities.

Inspired by the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, Zhi Lan integrates a large-scale water purification system that collects and recycles wastewater and rainwater to support the hotel's landscaped terraces and plant areas. The transparent, modular purifier not only demonstrates the water cycle visually but also forms a vital part of the hotel's self-sustaining ecosystem. Smart lighting, climate controls, and energy-saving materials further optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and enhance guest comfort, all while preserving the industrial charm of the original factory structure.

The project's realization involved interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced digital modeling, and extensive research to overcome the challenge of blending industrial heritage with modern sustainability demands. By engaging designers, engineers, and the local community, the team developed a solution that boosts social cohesion, business viability, and innovation in sustainable design. Zhi Lan's success as a Bronze A' Design Award winner underscores its role as a model for future adaptive reuse projects, demonstrating how thoughtful design can honor history, foster ecological balance, and improve quality of life.

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