Tomoaki Watanabe's timeless design art in the Tomson Sky Mansion

　　 Heidegger, in "The Origin of the Work of Art," describes: "As human dwelling unfolds toward the distant horizon, there, in that faraway place, grapes gleam brightly. Nature is imbued with the figures of time; it abides, while time itself swiftly glides by. And all of this arises from perfection."

　　In an era where technology is advancing at breakneck speed—and even wielding the power of a double-edged sword—we, in the post-pandemic world, have developed an even stronger yearning for a poetically enriched way of living. Unconditional trust, boundless tolerance, and an endlessly expanding imagination—these qualities feel like a mother’s "embrace," offering warmth, brightness, and a profound sense of safety and freedom. In the 767-square-meter mansion at Tomson One titled "Embrace," Japanese designer Tomoaki Watanabe has transformed the waters of the Huangpu River into a multifaceted design element that “extends” and enriches the space, bringing to life the ideal vision of poetic living and creating the perfect setting for it.

▲ Watanabe Tomoaki

　　Japanese designer Tomoaki Watanabe, who has witnessed the dynamic shifts in China's luxury housing market, seamlessly weaves the fluidity, ripples, and endless continuity of water into his designs. He thoughtfully integrates the concept of "extension" into spatial scales, textural details, and artistic accents, creating a harmonious blend of timeless modernity, cutting-edge technology, and vibrant cultural trends. This approach crafts an otherworldly, idealistic living environment that transforms homes into symbols of infinite, everlasting elegance.

(Caption: In the entrance elevator hall, a diamond-patterned glass cabinet displays and neatly stores the owner’s trendy AJ sneakers and Bearbrick collectibles, highlighting the youthful and fashionable style of the post-90s clientele.)

　　Stepping into the elevator hall marks the beginning of both your homecoming and your imagination. The designer has seamlessly opened up the floor plan, creating a breathtaking, over-6-meter-tall space that exudes luxurious grandeur and ritualistic elegance. The diamond-patterned glass panels soaring all the way to the ceiling shimmer like ripples on the Huangpu River. Meanwhile, the high-definition mirrored surfaces embedded within the lower shoe cabinet visually extend and amplify the space, seamlessly blending curated displays with everyday functionality—and even the joy of savoring and appreciating each piece.

　　Turning around, you’ll find the elevator entrance archway—a tribute to Italian surrealist painter Giorgio de Chirico. Its sleek, metallic design exudes modern elegance, seamlessly blending with the arched benches that further evoke the dreamlike, surreal atmosphere of his art—creating a whimsical, otherworldly space where surprises unfold at every turn.

(Caption: In the spacious and airy living room, the textured cabinet wall serves as both a striking design focal point and a practical solution for concealed storage.)

　　At the top of the entrance gate, a metal perforated art panel lets sunlight stream freely through. Passing through the handcrafted, intricately carved copper doors from Germany, you step into a soaring, ethereally lit living room where light and shadow dance in perfect harmony. The seamless, curvaceous interplay between the facade and the domed ceiling subtly conceals the grand entrance, unveiling this space as a poetic sanctuary designed exclusively for family.

(Caption: In the living room, artist Xu Zhen's hollowed-out sculpture "Venus de Milo" and Lu Pingyuan's sculpture "Look! I’m Picasso!" infuse the space with boundless artistic imagination and vibrant energy.)

(Caption: The living room wall seems to ripple upward like water waves.)

　　The curve is a call from nature—Tomoaki Watanabe has designed an entire wall of textured, recessed cabinetry in soft beige and pale champagne tones, creating a visual interplay of depth and subtle gradations. Like rippling water waves rising and falling, these sculptural elements seem to come alive against the wall, gracefully reflecting the ever-changing dance of light and shadow. The walls, finished with Italy’s Novacolor beige paint, exude the soothing warmth of earthy hues, effectively shielding the space from external chaos. Meanwhile, generous areas of negative space enhance the serene beauty of the design, making every glance a truly delightful experience.

(Caption: On another level of the living room, Daniel Arsham, the globally acclaimed American contemporary artist known for "Future Archaeology," masterfully explores the theme of time in his work. His deliberate choice to incorporate broken mirrors subtly bridges the connection between past and future.)

　　Retro velvet fabric sofas, marble-accented curved coffee tables, and stainless steel art mirrors—beauty unfolds here in perfect proportions across diverse materials and hues. The highly sought-after contemporary artist Daniel Arsham’s "Broken Mirror," designed for Gufram, adds a touch of surrealism to the mix, seamlessly bridging past and future in a delightfully unexpected way.

(Caption: The fireplace area in the ground-floor living room features a curved, double-height design that flows seamlessly into the family zone above. To accentuate the architectural interplay, the designer has cleverly wrapped the structural junctions with reflective mirrors, while the textured, undulating cabinetry creates an even more captivating artistic ambiance under the shimmering play of light and shadow.)

　　On the exterior facade of the staircase leading to the second floor, the designer has elegantly adorned the walls with white marble, creating a fresh and serene ambiance that beautifully complements the geometric, bi-directional zigzag-shaped sofa and the sleek marble coffee table. Extending from the central living room all the way to the riverside balcony, this space offers an expansive view spanning the entire Bund and the Huangpu River. As residents move through the home, the Everlasting residence embodies its timeless spatial concept, delivering a delightful experience with every shifting perspective.

(Caption: At the end of the first-floor corridor, a red leather detail perfectly complements Kuang Shanji’s futuristic surf robot, highlighting its contemporary elegance.)

　　Through the living room, a spacious hallway connects the dining area, the parents' bedroom, and the children's room. The eye-catching yet understated design of the red upholstered end piece subtly reveals more of the everyday life unfolding within the space. Meanwhile, the iconic Japanese artist Yasumasa Morimura’s Surfing Robot injects this meticulously crafted environment with a futuristic, high-tech vibe.

(Caption: "God is in the details—here, the designer has pushed the art of material juxtaposition to its absolute limit, creating a restaurant space that exudes serene elegance and understated luxury.")

　　Beyond the two frosted glass double doors in the corridor lies a tranquil dining room. The walls, finished with gray-white maple wood veneer, feature linear patterns in the same tone, adding delicacy and elegance to the simple space. As an expression of the water motif, the circular dome design echoes the dining table, highlighting the refined and meticulous nature of dining in Chinese culture as an art of life.

(Caption: On the first floor, the cloakroom features soft, earthy tones like gray-white and off-white, creating a sense of security.)

(Caption: Parents' Bedroom)

　　The parent’s room features a fully rounded-edge, safety-designed layout connected to a first-floor walk-in closet. Timeless maple wood with a subtle water-stained finish and creamy white paint perfectly complement the elders’ traditional aesthetic preferences.

(Caption: First-floor children's room)

　　The widespread family structure of two children spanning three generations makes Tomson Mansion more attuned and thoughtfully designed in both functionality and aesthetics. In the children’s room design, ample space for interaction and play fosters boundless imagination, while a cozy, embracing atmosphere allows parents to witness the joy of watching their two kids grow up together.

(Caption: Ascend the stairs to the second floor)

　　Climbing the staircase with its taupe leather treads, life seems to bloom beneath your feet.

(Caption: The curved space feels as comforting as a mother’s embrace, while the silver-brown geometric pattern glows brilliantly under natural light.)

　　Climbing the staircase with its taupe leather treads, you feel as though life itself blooms beneath your feet. Ascending to the second floor, you’re greeted by a vibrant, three-dimensional masterpiece—its curved walls embracing you like a mother’s gentle arms. Above, silver metallic mesh frames set against the creamy art basecoat seem to scatter "sunlight" across the ceiling, weaving an elemental, poetic essence that touches your soul. After countless trials and meticulous refinement by the designer and team, this flawless curve and delicate handcrafted texture finally came to life.

(Caption: On the second floor, the living room features a free-flowing, curved spatial layout that exudes both Italian charm and a unique Chinese aesthetic, enhanced by delicate tea sets, metallic wall-mounted trays, and lush greenery gracefully arranged throughout the space.)

　　The semi-circular family area exudes primal strength and charm, gently drawing people to settle in with nature’s silent embrace. The oversized, curvaceous sofa invites you to linger, making room for even more cherished moments shared with loved ones. Meanwhile, the sleek, geometrically shaped coffee table, paired with chairs and side pieces featuring marble bases, radiates an unmistakably Italian flair—its dynamic design seamlessly blending contemporary artistry with timeless elegance.

(Caption: In the master bedroom, sleek portrait artworks and the fluid lines of a cheongsam ensemble beautifully intertwine, embodying the seamless fusion of Haipai cultural elements.)

　　As the ultimate private sanctuary within this sky-high residence, Tomoaki Watanabe has masterfully balanced strength and sophistication in the design of the master bedroom—where each space, from the sleeping area to the bathroom and even the study, eloquently captures the awe-inspiring power of art. Pushing open the deep orange leather double doors reveals a cherished haven dedicated entirely to the owner’s personal moments. Meanwhile, the design motif of the Shanghai-style qipao clasp gracefully dances across the ivory-white ceiling and soft gray walls, weaving an elegant, lingering atmosphere.

(Caption: Thoughtfully designed circulation flow seamlessly connects the master bedroom, master bathroom, makeup area, spa zone, and walk-in closet, ensuring a luxurious, uninterrupted experience.)

　　Continuing the Italian-inspired understated luxury, the designer extends the harmonious interplay of white and green—from the bedroom’s TV wall all the way into the entire bathroom space. A seamless expanse of white-and-green veined stone adorns one wall, paired with a large, intricately patterned green vanity unit. Just beyond, a generously sized makeup area features floor-to-ceiling windows, where green and white stone tiles are artfully arranged to create a serene vanity station. Deeper still lies an even more spacious sanctuary—complete with a luxurious white-and-green stone-textured spa and bathing area. This masterful dual-color palette elevates the design to the pinnacle of sophistication, seamlessly blending natural elegance with an atmosphere of serene indulgence and boundless openness.

(Caption: A sleek spatial layout keeps the second-floor walk-in closet neatly organized, while a folding mirrored surface enhances the sense of depth and dimension.)

　　Under the harmonious interplay of white and green, the walk-in closet features a clever arrangement of multi-faceted mirrors, paired with sleek white-and-gray finishes, creating a spacious and luminous environment that turns everyday organization into a refined expression of life.

(Caption: On the opposite wall of the study, transparent glass paired with a metal mesh design creates a futuristic, high-tech vibe—perfectly complementing the space’s sleek yet sophisticated Italian-style aesthetic.)

　　Home is also where inspiration blooms—located directly opposite the master bedroom, the study seamlessly blends tranquil relaxation with focused work. White lacquer and large-floral green stone create a striking bookshelf that extends the room’s dominant color palette, perfectly embodying a uniquely elegant Italian-inspired luxury. Nearby, "Wall Street Bull," a renowned sculpture by China’s celebrated artist Xu Zhen, stands quietly as if whispering the bold, avant-garde spirit of art.

　　 “An ideal, perfect home is a place where you’ll never tire of being—no matter how much time you spend there.” — Tomoaki Watanabe
　　As the designer put it, within the 767-square-meter "embrace" of Taikang Yipin, the ripples of the Huangpu River perfectly echo the flowing, curved lines of the space—creating a harmonious balance between the design’s imaginative vision and the functional essence of everyday living. Here, the grandeur and openness of a city converge with the warmth and tenderness of a home, weaving together a seamless continuum of vitality and serenity.

IDEAT: How do you view the changes in Shanghai's luxury housing market over the past two decades? What are some of the emerging trends?
Tang Zijia: Changes have indeed been significant: First, apartment layouts are becoming smaller as unit prices rise steadily each year. To keep the overall price accessible while still ensuring a healthy profit margin per square meter, many developers now carefully limit the size range of their units. Second, luxury homes are placing increasing emphasis on sophisticated interior design and decoration. Two decades ago, most newly built properties in Shanghai were delivered in a bare-bones, unfinished state. Today, however, nearly all units come fully furnished and finished to high standards—reflecting developers' growing focus on creating distinctive, premium living experiences. Finally, both buyers and sellers are becoming far more experienced in the process. For instance, our buyers often bring firsthand knowledge from previous luxury home ownership, with some even taking an active role in designing and overseeing the construction of multiple properties. As a result, they’re increasingly clear about exactly what they want—and just as importantly, what they don’t want—in their next home purchase.

IDEAT: In Tomson One's 2020 new project, the core concept revolves around "embracing." Do you think, in the age of technology’s double-edged sword and the post-pandemic era, this reflects a deeper, more heartfelt return to inner values?
Tang Zijia: Technology can enhance our lives, but in the face of the pandemic, we’ve realized that space itself is even more crucial—it’s the final sanctuary where families come together. We’ve named this model apartment “Embrace” because designer Tomoaki Watanabe has incorporated abundant curved and arched elements into the design: the vaulted ceiling resembles the vast dome of the sky, which in turn cradles the earth; the gentle arcs evoke cozy harbors, much like how the Huangpu River embraces Lujiazui. After all, we believe that a home is not just a physical shelter—it’s the very embrace that nurtures and sustains our most cherished connections.
 

IDEAT: As the fastest-growing country, how does China—or more specifically, Shanghai—differ from the luxury housing systems in Europe and America? What are its key advantages and disadvantages?
Tang Zijia: Europe and America excel in the accumulation of creativity and robust supply systems—take, for instance, top-tier design, which still originates primarily in Italy, while the finest leather goods remain synonymous with France and Italy. Meanwhile, China boasts one key advantage: its rapid pace of development. Just look at Tomson One, which, since its debut, has seamlessly embraced shifting design trends—from neoclassicism and Art Deco to modernism. It was also among the first in the industry to collaborate with Hong Kong-based designers, pioneering the creation of a showroom inspired by Versace’s iconic international fashion brand. Moreover, it was the first to experiment with interpreting Chinese cultural elements through a bold black-and-white aesthetic—and one of the earliest to explore the serene, meditative essence of Chinese Zen design. Last year, we unveiled a stunning "Simple Elegance" themed showroom, capturing the timeless beauty of simplicity that truly outshines all else. And this year, we’re thrilled to introduce a new "Embrace" concept—a heartfelt tribute to the warmth and intimacy of traditional Chinese family life. At Tomson One, we continuously push boundaries and innovate each year, a reflection of the rapidly maturing Chinese market itself.

　　 Looking at the broader trend, this rapid maturation reflects the awakening of cultural confidence in China. As Chinese luxury homes increasingly align with evolving family structures and deepen our understanding of China’s unique family culture, Chinese developers hold a distinct advantage—they are better positioned to truly grasp and meet the cultural needs of Chinese consumers.

IDEAT: In terms of functional requirements and design aesthetics, Tomson One has consistently remained at the forefront of innovation. This also reveals how the contemporary luxury homebuyer demographic—whose ideas and needs regarding "style" and "home" are constantly evolving—perceives these spaces. So, how do you feel about this 767 m² "embrace"-like home?
Tang Zijia: The most critical variable in modern Chinese luxury homes is family structure—specifically, the increasing number of children and, consequently, the growing need for more service staff, which directly influences demands on space and the number of rooms. That’s why, in the designs of this year’s 767 m² “Embrace” model home and last year’s 767 m² “Simplicity” model—with both offering six rooms—we’ve carefully accommodated the housing needs of two or more service personnel while maintaining a spacious, functional layout.

　　Another key variable is generational change—there’s been a dramatic shift in aesthetics from one generation to the next. After being heavily exposed to Western culture, the second-generation luxury homebuyers have begun reflecting on their own desires and now have a clearer sense of what they truly want. Looking ahead, the third generation may develop an even deeper understanding of Chinese culture, seamlessly blending Eastern and Western influences in their tastes and preferences.

　　Last year, the "Simple" model apartment was designed specifically for the post-70s generation. This year, however, our 767 m² "Embrace" concept targets an even younger audience—primarily the 90s generation—and even includes families with younger children. To align with this trendier demographic, we’ve incorporated more elements of contemporary pop culture into our home accessories, such as trendy toys and footwear. For instance, last year’s design featured contemporary art pieces by painter Yu Youhan in the model space, while this time around, "Embrace" showcases works from pioneering figures in urban culture like Daniel Arsham and Yoshitomo Nara, alongside pieces by emerging young artists such as Xu Zhen and Lu Pingyuan, plus digital artists Zhang Zhoujie and Madsaki. We’ve also placed stylish sneakers and Bearbrick figurines in the storage areas—reflecting the consumption preferences that resonate most with today’s youth. Overall, the color palette and lighting have been carefully chosen to create a brighter, warmer, and more inviting atmosphere that appeals directly to the modern, vibrant lifestyle of the 90s and younger generations.  

(Conclusion)

“A space that reflects your personal aesthetic, bringing you joy and allowing you to focus with peace of mind.” — Tang Zijia

　　 Nestled within 767 square meters, we return to the most comforting essence of home—warm, embracing, bright, and secure—creating a poetic sanctuary that nurtures a family’s enduring legacy with even greater warmth and imagination.