Recently, the "Strata Nexus" project, led by renowned interior designer Muxuan Zhao, won the prestigious London Design Award, a globally recognized honor in the design field. This award celebrates the project’s exceptional achievements in design innovation and social responsibility, while also underscoring Muxuan Zhao’s remarkable talent in advancing modern urban design and sustainable development.

"Strata Nexus" is a high-rise mixed-use complex designed to address the urban renewal needs of Wuhan’s historic city center. The project breathes new life into the area by leveraging vertical space and integrating multifunctional modules, while also aligning with global sustainability goals. By organically blending cultural, commercial, and office functions, "Strata Nexus" introduces a new spatial model for urban living and cultural interaction, setting a benchmark for future architectural and community design.

Integration of Cultural Heritage and Innovation: A Pioneering Practice in High-Rise Mixed-Use Design

The Strata Nexus project spans 28,900 square meters, including public squares and green spaces, with a building footprint of 5,250 square meters and a height of 250 meters. Located on Youth Road in Wuhan, the site is a key area of the city's historical and cultural heritage but faces challenges such as aging infrastructure and functional decline. To overcome the limitations of traditional single-use layouts, the design team proposed an innovative approach centered on "interlayer convergence and vertical integration" ,maximizing vertical space and integrating diverse functions to enhance both functionality and efficiency.

The lower levels of the building, up to a height of 140 meters, focus on fostering public interaction and engagement, providing spaces for cultural and commercial activities. The middle section serves as a hub for exhibition and educational purposes, supporting cultural exchange and knowledge dissemination. The uppermost levels, from 220 to 250 meters, are dedicated to modern office and research facilities, creating highly efficient work environments. Through modular design, large spaces are effectively divided into adaptable and efficient smaller units, enhancing spatial utilization and flexibility. This layout not only addresses the scarcity of land resources but also establishes a benchmark for multifunctionality and sustainability in future urban development.



Photo Courtesy:Muxuan Zhao


The Glory and Influence of the London Design Award

The Strata Nexus project has been honored with the Gold Award at the London Design Awards, a prestigious accolade that underscores the project’s exceptional achievements in global design innovation. Organized by the renowned creative platform DRIVEN x DESIGN and affiliated with the International Awards Association (IAA), the London Design Awards is recognized as one of the most influential honors in the design industry. This award celebrates works that excel in creativity, visualization, and their ability to address critical contemporary challenges, with a particular focus on urban renewal and forward-thinking design.

The recognition of Strata Nexus at such a prestigious international platform highlights the extraordinary vision of Muxuan Zhao and her ability to address complex urban challenges with innovative solutions. More than just an architectural and interior achievement, the project embodies a bold exploration of the future of urban living, providing a model for how design can shape vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities. By earning this honor, Strata Nexus has cemented its influence as a transformative work that continues to inspire the global design community.

Muxuan Zhao's Vision for Sustainable Urban Development

Building on this accolade, Muxuan Zhao's vision for sustainable urban development has been vividly realized through the Strata Nexus project. As the project’s interior designer, Muxuan Zhao demonstrated her ability to integrate functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability into a cohesive design vision. Her academic journey, including a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she graduated with a perfect 4.0/4.0 GPA, and her foundational education at the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts in China, equipped her with advanced knowledge of environmental design and critical technical skills. Meanwhile, Her professional experience at Hirsch Bedner Associates and other leading design firms further refined her expertise in transforming large spaces into dynamic, efficient, and visually compelling interiors.

In Strata Nexus, Muxuan Zhao's commitment to sustainability is evident through her innovative application of materials and technologies. The design incorporates low-emission glass curtain walls, breathable concrete enhanced with nano-coating, and recycled materials to significantly reduce the building's environmental impact. These materials optimize energy efficiency and enhance performance while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The use of low-emission glass treated with optical coatings ensures maximum natural light while minimizing energy consumption, showcasing Muxuan Zhao’s deep understanding of sustainable interior design practices.

Muxuan Zhao elevated the ecological functionality of the project by integrating advanced features such as interior vertical greening and rainwater harvesting systems. These elements not only improve the microclimate and reduce the urban heat island effect but also contribute to the building’s role as an "urban air purifier" through photocatalytic coatings. This approach merges innovation with ecological responsibility, making the high-rise a model of urban environmental sustainability.
By blending cutting-edge materials and technologies with an eye for both cultural and environmental considerations, Muxuan Zhao has redefined the role of interior design in sustainable urban development. The Strata Nexus project exemplifies her vision for how interior spaces can enhance urban functionality, aesthetic harmony, and ecological balance, solidifying her reputation as a leader in the global design community.

Transforming Urban Landscapes: A Visionary Approach

Through the Strata Nexus project, Muxuan Zhao has reimagined the possibilities of urban renewal by seamlessly integrating sustainability, innovation, and cultural preservation. This landmark achievement showcases her exceptional talent as an interior designer, setting a new benchmark for the future of urban living. By addressing critical challenges in modern city development, she has crafted a transformative space that inspires vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities. As Strata Nexus continues to shape global design discourse, it stands as a compelling testament to the transformative power of visionary design in fostering a more sustainable and harmonious urban future.