The New MINI LIVING Urban Cabin In Beijing, China

The Urban Cabin design is created by MINI LIVING in collaboration with local architecture studio Penda. Part of a global village concept to connect varying urban environments across the globe, this is the fourth Urban Cabin that explores creative concepts around urban living— the first three were actualized in London, New York and Los Angeles. The Beijing version features a flexible, inhabitable space inspired by the rich architectural history of the city. The cabin itself explores the traditional living format of the Hutong: a form of a courtyard residence that combines private and public space together.

The Urban Cabin is split into three separate areas: a bedroom area with an extendable bed, the kitchen and bathroom space, and a central area that highlights the unique character of the cabin’s surrounding city. In Beijing, Penda has created a golden swing for childhood nostalgia, and the roof is interspersed with gold tinted glass—the use of this traditional color is a symbolic nod to luck in Chinese culture—and on top of the roof is a hammock for relaxing. The walls feature many holes to rearrange hangers and hooks where needed, further reflecting a creative use of space. In a busy and ever-changing world, the inhabitable space aims to provide the inhabitants of Beijing with a place where they can reconnect with themselves.