By: Aileen Wuornos
The “NestWorks” project (formerly known as Warehouse Renovation – Super Innovative Enterprise Park), spearheaded by interior designer Muxuan Zhao, has earned widespread acclaim in the global design community. It has received notable honors such as the 2024 MUSE Design Award Silver and the Good Design Award Platinum. These prestigious recognitions highlight the project’s outstanding design and execution, further establishing Muxuan Zhao’s expertise and influence in the design world.
“NestWorks” transforms a historic map publishing factory into a vibrant office park tailored for small art and technology studios. By utilizing modular layouts, the project divides the expansive warehouse into flexible office spaces that foster creativity and collaboration while maximizing utility. The street-facing building has been repurposed into a sales office, serving as a public-facing hub for the community, while a multifunctional office hall within the park supports daily business operations.
The design integrates lightweight materials and dynamic forms to enhance spatial experience, creating a welcoming environment. Modular spaces bring a human scale to the tall warehouse structure, while transparent materials promote openness. The juxtaposition of original brick walls and steel trusses with modern wooden panels, white steel frames, and perforated aluminum sheets creates a space that is both visually light and contemporary.
The thoughtfully crafted transitions and spatial variations encourage exploration, while natural light and shadow patterns emulate an outdoor feel, improving comfort for extended indoor stays. Distinct architectural elements also act as recognizable landmarks, enhancing navigation and engagement within the park.
“NestWorks” exemplifies the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage, offering a model for urban renewal in China. By repurposing an idle factory, the project has revitalized the community, spurred local industrial transformation, stimulated economic growth, and created new job opportunities. Aligning with government initiatives to improve public spaces and boost employment, this project provides valuable insights for cities undergoing similar transformations.
As the lead interior designer, Muxuan Zhao infused “NestWorks” with her creative vision and expertise. A Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA, Zhao has garnered numerous awards, including the SCAD Graduate Thesis Research Award, IDA Design Awards, and recognition from the IDEC South Conference. Her professional experience at firms like Hirsch Bedner Associates and Studio Munge has further refined her global perspective and design depth.
Zhao’s innovative approach to modular layouts, vertical space utilization, and sustainable materials showcases her ability to merge functionality with aesthetics. Her work reflects a socially responsible vision, aligning perfectly with the evaluation criteria of the MUSE Design Awards and Good Design Award, both of which recognize excellence in creativity and execution.
The MUSE Design Awards, regarded as the “Oscar of Design,” celebrate the highest standards of creativity, with evaluations conducted by a panel of 200 experts from 23 countries. Winning the Silver Award affirms “NestWorks” as a leader in urban design innovation. Similarly, the Good Design Award, established by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, honors achievements in aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. The Platinum Award reflects the transformative impact of “NestWorks” on community revitalization and industrial heritage reuse.
These accolades emphasize the exceptional quality and innovation of “NestWorks,” while solidifying Muxuan Zhao’s reputation as a leader in sustainable urban design. Her dedication to creating spaces that address contemporary needs and drive positive urban change highlights her role in shaping industry trends and advancing socially responsible design.
Published by Iris S.
