Architect, founder of Wutopia Lab and proud native of Shanghai, Yu Ting, has since renovated a number of places, rendering each and every space into a personal narrative that reflects the hopes and desires of its occupants. Quaint, modern, marked by apparent influence of East-Asian aesthetics, these places offer a resting place for the soul to find refuge in a megacity that’s racing towards the future.
Q: Why did you get into Interior Design?
A: In china architectural and interior design are two separate practice fields. I began my career as an architect. But as time passed by, I found it was not enough to express my design if I limited in architectural design. So, I did my very first Interior design project in 2010.
Q: How did you start up your career?
A: 1995, ever since I graduated from Tsinghua University.
Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
A: All creatures
Q: Can you tell us about a significant accomplishment or project that you regard as notable?
A: Kaisersaal of Longevity，Kun opera playhouse
Q: Where would you like to see your company in 5 years from now?
A: Based in Shanghai, inheriting local culture and being design vanguard.
Q: What project(s) are you working on at the moment?
A: Kid’s restaurant, Chapel, long-term rental apartment and some structures
Q: How do you think an Interior Designer should dress?
A: Appropriate, clean, elegant
Q: If you could design anything, what would it be?
A: Space city. It don’t have to obey the rules of gravity.
Q: What type of restaurant would you choose to go to for dinner?
A: Clean, and with a chief who have passion on cooking.
Q: Can you give us a statement about Design
A: Design is a behaviour with a person interacting with the world.
Q: If you could describe your designs related to food, what would it be and why?
A: In my opinion, my design is similar to advanced Shanghai cuisine. As in Shanghai cuisine, varies of ingredients are exquisitely cooked to express the merit of different flavours.
Q: What do you think of the design trends in the future?
A: It’s hard to say. All the things that we are familiar may not be the trend in the future.
Q: Who is your favourite Designer and why?
A: Mies van der Rohe. My design enlightenment.
Q: In which country would you like to have your project in?
A: UK, Cause I have spent one year in London.
Q: What element of a design is the most important thing to you?
A: Space and space spirit
