讀後心得

Li Zhonglin is the founder of Yunyi Interior Design and has won multiple international design awards since 2000. His design philosophy is limitless, focusing on the continuous exploration of spatial possibilities. His past experience in engineering drawing allows him to quickly master interior design. Li Zhonglin emphasizes the soul of design, integrating elements such as images and symbols into his creations to pursue spatial experiences that provoke thought in the viewer. He describes himself as "Different, Delusional, and Purposeful," showcasing unique personality and depth in his creations. In the future, he hopes to continue breaking conventions in design and exploring more unknown possibilities.

“Unbounded design has always been the keyword for me and my colleagues.” Li Zhonglin, the founder of Yunyi Interior Design, established the company in 2000 and has won numerous international design awards, including the German Red Dot Award and the German ICON Gold Award. He named the company Yunyi because “cloud” signifies variability, symbolizing that every dream can be concretely realized; while “yi” refers to a city, wishing for everyone to have an ideal living space. Li Zhonglin’s works fully demonstrate his design philosophy—that design should not be limited. As an interior designer, he continuously explores the various possibilities of space. We interviewed Li Zhonglin to delve into the intricacies of design and how “difference, murmuring, and attainment” embody his design concepts.

• How did you enter the field of interior design? What experiences did you have before becoming a designer? My early background in engineering drawing allowed me to create three-dimensional proportions and their rationality more intuitively and effectively, which helped me easily grasp the basic concepts when I encountered spatial design. Of course, I am especially grateful to my first client, whose trust and support helped me transition from a novice to the current state of Yunyi Design.

• What is your design philosophy? How has this philosophy helped your career? “Design” itself is a form of metaphysics; many concepts regarding space may fleetingly cross my mind, but I can summarize it in one sentence: continuously exploring all possibilities of space. Most designers have specific sources of inspiration, such as films, and transforming the space into images, image into space, and freely expressing emotions is the design aspect I am passionate about, which has led me down a unique path. The visible three-dimensional structure can no longer satisfy me; compared to mainstream superficial decorations, I prefer cross-dimensional imagery composition and storytelling. However, since spatial design is not my personal playground, it is only when I encounter compatible clients that the design can materialize from chaos.

• You have mentioned that design projects should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also have a soul. How do you inject soul into a specific space? I hope to give the space a deep self-awareness, that is, a “soul.” Many people are impressed by some of my works, often stemming from the transformation of imagery and symbolism, or the play of light and shadow, or the presentation of abstract visuals. Behind seemingly peculiar elements lies the fulfillment of the user's needs, ensuring comfort in living is paramount, which is a part of the creative practice process. How to give a specific space its unique soul completely depends on the resonance between the client and me. In short, it is about using the space as a platform for mutual communication of inner thoughts.

• As an interior designer, how would you describe yourself in three words? Describing myself in three words is not easy, but “difference, murmuring, and attainment” are quite accurate. First is “difference,” which indicates uniqueness, like my and my clients' preferences for personalized hardware and software. “Murmuring” symbolizes a dream talk; some works give a dream-like feeling because I wish to create spaces that entice one to dream. Finally, “attainment” represents a kind of cross-dimensional realm; if my space can evoke different emotions and imaginations, then it can be called a realm.

• What is the design project you are most proud of this year? At the beginning of the New Year 2025, a residential planning project located in the center of Taipei has become the most anticipated new work of the year. The inspiration comes from the compositional elements of film scenes and narrative visual storytelling that I adore, where primitive and avant-garde elements collide in details, and the shaping of light and shadow is particularly careful, ultimately presenting a harmonious yet unique sensorial experience.

• What are the secrets to achieving a successful interior design project? I believe the best state of a space lies in the flexible interaction between the predictable and the unpredictable, seeming complete yet still ongoing. Such a space is what constitutes outstanding interior design.

• What do the last two years mean to you? Although the entire Yunyi team has continued to create, we have increasingly realized the importance of resetting and settling down. Slowing down and shedding glory are necessary; it is time to tear off the labels of the past.

• What new design or development directions do you foresee in the future? “Unbounded” is my and my colleagues’ motto. Although the pursuit of novelty and change has become commonplace, in the field of spatial design, appropriate innovation will always generate discussion, and I hope the next work will be the key to unlocking unknown dimensions.