Tang’roulou’s atelier is a small and colorful workshop at the intersection of two narrow alleys in Beijing where you can still feel the charm of the old city. It’s the kind of place where one is more likely to see trucks loaded with cabbage than brand new SUVs, where…
Continue Reading…
In recent years e-commerce has been booming at light-speed in China. Shoppers have quickly become familiar with online wonderlands like Taobao that suck you in as you start looking for an air purifier, only to lose track of time browsing design replicas and smartphones until finally you shut down…
Continue Reading…
A lattice of extruded aluminium sections evokes images of the brickwork in Beijing’s old neighbourhoods at this luxury boutique by Kengo Kuma and Associates (+ slideshow).
Three different H-shaped sections and two sizes of I-shaped section have been built up in layers to divide the space into a series of linked rooms.
The edges of the partitions are staggered so that openings between each area are softened and the profiles can be seen more clearly.
The sections also decorate the ceiling at the front of the shop, but are replaced by black mirrored glass in some of the sections further back.
Bricks made from compressed tea leaves line the walls at the back of the store, creating a darker, more intimate area where visitors are served tea while they browse.
Garments and gifts are displayed on shelves set into the fretwork and on podiums placed within the smaller pockets of space.
More expensive objects are kept in recessed niches, fronted by glass and lit from above like museum vitrines.
Booths allow customers to sit with sales advisors and try jewellery and other small items in relative privacy.
The store is located in a shopping centre in the central business district in the north east of Beijing.
Kengo Kuma‘s studio also designed Shang Xia‘s inaugural store in Shanghai.
Dezeen visited Shang Xia during this year’s Beijing Design Week, where we also saw an installation made from ceramic yoghurt pots and screens inspired by traditional Chinese motifs.
See all our stories about retail »
See all our stories about Beijing »
See all our stories about Kengo Kuma »
A few more details from the designers can be found below:
In this shop, extruded aluminum is used as the main material to form the space. The aluminum consists of three H-shaped types (H: 60mm, H: 90mm, H: 135mm) and two I-shaped types (L: 100mm, L: 200mm).
At the upper and the bottom part of the space where the load is concentrated, the shorter type (H: 60mm) of aluminum is densely applied.
To the contrary, the higher type (H135mm) of parts is used largely in the middle, as the load is less, so the screen could be light.
Thus, feature of this design is virtually the result of the structural demand, but the mechanics naturally generated a gradually-changing transparency from the material.
The layer of the aluminum screens makes you feel being placed in a mysterious cloud.
Project Name: Shang Xia Beijing Store
B1 China World Mall, China World Trade Center, No.1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Beijing
Type of Construction: interior
Main Use: shop
Design and Supervision: Kengo Kuma & Associates
Number of Floors: two in the basement
Total floor area: 152㎡
Design Period: January 2012 – May 2012
Construction: June 2012 – August 2012
The post Shang Xia Beijing Store by
Kengo Kuma and Associates appeared first on Dezeen.
When Zaha Hadid Architects’ 330,000-square-metre Galaxy Soho complex opened in Beijing last month our readers were left guessing how it relates to the surrounding neighbourhood. This set of images by photographers Hufton + Crow shows just that (+ slideshow).
Completed last month by Zaha Hadid Architects, the retail, office and entertainment complex comprises four domed structures, which are fused together by bridges and platforms around a series of public courtyards and a large central “canyon”.
The buildings sit within the second-ring business district in the north-east of the city, but are also prominently visible from the narrow alleyways of the densely populated surrounding neighbourhoods.
These ancient passages, named hutongs, have been typical of Beijing’s urban fabric for hundreds of years, but have been in decline since the mid-twentieth century as the city’s development continues to increase.
The architect claims that the buildings respond to and are respectful of China’s historic building typologies, with courtyards and “fluid movement” between spaces.
“The design responds to the varied contextual relationships and dynamic conditions of Beijing,” said Hadid at the time of the opening. “We have created a variety of public spaces that directly engage with the city, reinterpreting the traditional urban fabric and contemporary living patterns into a seamless urban landscape inspired by nature.”
The decline of Beiijing’s hutongs was one of the issues addressed during this year’s Beijing Design Week. The event’s director Aric Chen commented during the festival that contemporary China should “slow down” and look to “craft thinking” to deal with the disparity between the country’s small and large-scale design challenges.
In other recent news, designer Michael Young has tipped China to have a design scene that will rival Japan’s in less than 20 years.
You can see more images of Galaxy Soho in our earlier story, following the opening last month.
Zaha Hadid Architects has also just been selected to design a new national stadium for Japan and completed an art gallery at Michigan State University.
See all our stories about Zaha Hadid Architects »
See all our stories about China »
Photography is by Hufton + Crow.
The post Galaxy Soho by Zaha Hadid Architects
photographed by Hufton + Crow appeared first on Dezeen.
An ancient Chinese courtyard garden tucked away in the hutongs of Beijing provides the setting for seasonal installations at curated design shop WUHAO.
Founder and curator Isabelle Pascal, who discovered the run-down complex and renovated the buildings and gardens in 2010, told Dezeen that she developed the idea and the space “to give young designers and brands a platform” to present their work.
The concept of the shop and installations centres around the five Chinese elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
Each of these elements is associated with a season, so the space is transformed every three months to provide a fresh setting and the opportunity to showcase new and different designs.
Spring is associated with wood, summer is symbolised by fire, autumn is represented by metal and winter relates to water, whereas earth signifies the transition periods between the seasons.
The metamorphosis is most apparent in the entrance space, which is completely overhauled with different colours, materials and products to embody the current season and element.
From the entrance pavilion, a circular opening leads through to a terraced garden where furniture and other weather-resistant designs are displayed.
The garden is flanked to the east and west by showrooms in traditional brick buildings, which house collections by designers.
The main pavilion to the north of the garden contains an archaic, semi-enclosed bed at the core of the complex, which is also redecorated each season and is used to display featured designers’ work.
Collections on show include Naihan Li’s crates that fold-out to become furniture, which we featured as part of our Beijing Design Week 2011 coverage.
WUHAO created a pop-up teahouse for Beijing Design Week 2011 wherevisitors were served tea at a heat-sensitive colour-changing table – read our story about it here.
See all our stories about retail »
See all our stories about Beijing »
Here is some more information from WUHAO:
“5 elements – 4 seasons – 1 collection”
Retail – Events – Cross Branding – Limited Editions
Born from Isabelle Pascal’s enthusiasm for the “5 elements” of Chinese philosophy, as well as the energy found in the Chinese creative scene, WUHAO is a holistic project that mixes design, fashion, products, visions and insights. A young, fresh-thinking platform, it aims to showcase and foster the most talented and eco-conscious designers, brands and talents from China and abroad.
Created in spring 2010 in the heart of Beijing, WUHAO recently celebrated its second-year cycle. It is situated between Houhai Lake and Lama Temple, and is a quick walk from bustling Nanluoguxiang – in a unique, peaceful atmosphere.
As a young company, WUHAO is constantly involved in retail, events, cross branding and limited edition work including nurturing six young, upcoming Chinese designers (Xiao Tianyu, Su Chunrong, Zheng Haichen, Wang Kaichuan, Wang Hao, Zhang Cheng) and providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world. These designers’ works are now available as part of WUHAO’s collection.
Hidden beyond the red doors of Mao’er Hutong 35, Wuhao Curated-Shop Beijing is WUHAO’s first temporary display box. Each season, there are eye-catching installations and new displays for a unique selection of products. It is always striving to provide guests with a unique experience.
Catering to an eclectic community of both Chinese and foreign, global and local, WUHAO holds a contemporary vision of the traditional Chinese garden and has been quoted by Wallpaper* magazine as one of the “20 terrific reasons to visit China”. Starting with only 15 designers in 2010, WUHAO today is now working with a growing network of over 100 Chinese and international creatives.
Moved by its inner dynamic, WUHAO traveled in 2011 to Milan Furniture Fair with designers Xiao Tianyu and Wang Hao, accepted more and more invitations to develop partnerships, and teamed up with young talents such as Huo Yi Jin to create exclusive products. WUHAO’s Dunhuang-inspired wallpaper – a long-term collaboration with Nick Wu – was awarded ‘Best Wall Covering Design’ by ELLE Decoration’s International Design Awards China.
WUHAO also set up site-specific installations with designers Li Nai Han, INNOVO/PINWU and MPMP, developed side car moto tours with Beijing Sideways and emerged via pop up projects.
A notable example is WUHAO @ The Teahouse, created especially for Beijing Design Week 2011 in partnership with Tranquil Tuesdays. The temporary Dashilar space was featured in more than 65 media outlets, providing a new opportunity to spread WUHAO’s unique spirit from the walls of the Chinese garden to the design world. With 2 years of existence, 2 cycles, 8 installations, WUHAO less secret but still exclusive is now ready with its partners to broaden horizons and embark on new adventures.
The post WUHAO Curated Shop
by Isabelle Pascal appeared first on Dezeen.
London firm Zaha Hadid Architects has completed a 330,000-square-metre retail, office and entertainment complex in Beijing (+ slideshow).
The Galaxy Soho building comprises four main domed structures, fused together by bridges and platforms between curving floor plates to create a fluid environment that surrounds a series of public courtyards and a larger central “canyon”.
“The design responds to the varied contextual relationships and dynamic conditions of Beijing,” says Zaha Hadid. “We have created a variety of public spaces that directly engage with the city, reinterpreting the traditional urban fabric and contemporary living patterns into a seamless urban landscape inspired by nature.”
There are 18 floors in total, including three below ground, with retail units surrounding the courtyards on the lower levels, offices from floors four to 15, and restaurants and bars at the upper reaches.
The exterior of the building is clad in aluminium and stone while the interior features glass, terrazzo, stainless steel and glass reinforced gypsum.
The firm is currently working on two more developments for the same client, Soho China.
The Sky Soho office and retail centre in Shanghai will also make use of large public courtyards and is scheduled for completion next year, while the 115,393-square-metre Wangjing Soho commercial complex, scheduled for completion in 2014, will comprise three pebble-shaped towers midway between Beijing Capital Airport and the city.
Read more about Wangjing Soho in our earlier story and see all our stories about Zaha Hadid Architects.
Photographs are by Iwan Baan.
Here’s some more information from Zaha Hadid Architects:
Zaha Hadid joined Soho China’s Zhang Xin and Pan Shiyi, with 15,000 guests from China and around the world, to celebrate the completion of Galaxy Soho, Beijing
The Galaxy SOHO project in central Beijing for SOHO China is a 330 000m2 office, retail and entertainment complex that will become an integral part of the living city, inspired by the grand scale of Beijing. Its architecture is a composition of four continuous, flowing volumes that are set apart, fused or linked by stretched bridges. These volumes adapt to each other in all directions, generating a panoramic architecture without corners or abrupt transitions that break the fluidity of its formal composition.
The great interior courts of the project are a reflection of traditional Chinese architecture where courtyards create an internal world of continuous open spaces. Here, the architecture is no longer composed of rigid blocks, but instead comprised of volumes which coalesce to create a world of continuous mutual adaptation and fluid movement between each building. Shifting plateaus within the design impact upon each other to generate a deep sense of immersion and envelopment. As users enter deeper into the building, they discover intimate spaces that follow the same coherent formal logic of continuous curvelinearity.
The lower three levels of Galaxy SOHO house public facilities for retail and entertainment. The levels immediately above provide work spaces for clusters of innovative businesses. The top of the building is dedicated to bars, restaurants and cafés that offer views along one of the greatest avenues of the city. These different functions are interconnected through intimate interiors that are always linked with the city, helping to establish Galaxy SOHO as a major urban landmark for Beijing.
Design: Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Project Director: Satoshi Ohashi
Associate: Cristiano Ceccato
Project Architect: Yoshi Uchiyama
Project Team: Stephan Wurster, Michael Hill, Samer Chamoun, Eugene Leung, Rita Lee, Lillie Liu Rolando Rodriguez-Leal, Wen Tao, Tom Wuenschmann, Seung-ho Yeo, Shuojiong Zhang, Michael Grau, Shu Hashimoto Shao-Wei Huang, Chikara Inamura, Lydia Kim, Yasuko Kobayashi, Wang Lin, Yereem Park
Local Design Institute: BIAD Beijing Institute of Architecture & Design
Plot area: 46,965 m2
Total Floor Area: 332,857 m2
Above Ground: 4 Towers 15 Floors (12 Office Floors and 3 Retail Floors)
Max Height: 67 meters
Below Ground: B1 Floor Retail and B2, B3 Parking (1275 cars), MEP
Retail Floors: B1F,1F,2F,3F (90,000 m2)
Materials Skin: 3mm Aluminium Exterior Cladding, Insulated Glass, Stone
Materials Interiors: Glass, Terrazzo, GRG, Stainless Steel, Gypsum Board Painted
Structure: Standard Concrete Structure (8.4m spans)
Floor to Floor Heights: Retail floors 5.4m, office floors 3.5m
The post Galaxy Soho by
Zaha Hadid Architects appeared first on Dezeen.
Dashilar is is one of the oldest and most famous “hutongs”, or alleyways, of Beijing, and probably one of the closest to pictures in our imagination of the old city—narrow streets, red lanterns, rickshaws and all kinds of Chinese paraphernalia. Located outside Qianmen Gate, South of Tian’anmen Square, the…
Continue Reading…
Beijing Design Week: designer Arthur Huang used Nike shoe material to create a colourful web in a rusting gas tower during Beijing Design Week (+ slideshow).
Designed for running shoes, the Flyknit fabric is made from precisely engineered yarns and Nike have commissioned a series of designers around the world to showcase the material in an installation for the Nike Flyknit Collective.
This installation, named The Feather, was created by stretching thin strings of the lightweight fabric from various points around the tower in a pattern that looked like a drawing made by a Spirograph toy.
A circular pavilion made from recycled plastic bricks sat on the ground in the centre of the tower and contained a single pair of shoes suspended in the air.
Splayed metal rods folded over the pavilion walls, providing the framework for a two-layered canopy of tightly woven fabric.
Springs under the pavilion floor were connected to the metal rods so the strings moved up and down when people walked around inside.
The gas tower is located in the 751 art district in the north-east of Beijing, a former industrial zone that is now home to many galleries and studios.
Watch a movie of Nike’s global creative director talking about the knitted Flyknit Racer running shoes here.
See all our stories about Beijing Design Week »
See all our stories about Nike »
Here is some more information from Nike:
Arthur Huang’s “Feather Pavilion”
Taipai-based engineer, architect, entrepreneur and pioneer in sustainable thinking, Arthur Huang, sees the world differently. His interpretation of FlyKnit’s key tenets — performance, lightness, formfitting, and sustainability — created through his MINIWIZ company, is both metaphorical and literal, resulting in the Feather Pavilion.
This spectacular space is a platform for showcasing every value of FlyKnit in an interactive, innovative way, that lets multiple concepts take flight though inspiration from nature’s own mechanical masterpiece — the feather.
Itself encapsulating the four FlyKnit principles, the feather is reflected conceptually throughout as well as physically though the shape of the pavilion roof, resulting in a personalized journey for visitors that, like FlyKnit and the Nike philosophy, is part of something much bigger — portable and capable of being the centerpiece of a stadium or larger exhibition space.
After seeing FlyWire innovations, guests enter a second half where the concept surrounds them for a 360 degree understanding of the technology where they can revel in Huang and Miniwiz’s vision.
Performance is represented through every element of Huang’s work – just by walking into the pavilion, stepping onto the platform creates a sensory action elsewhere in the structure.
Kinetic energy changes the look and the actual architectural form of this building, The ceiling moves like a feather, sounds are emitted and light and video is transmitted both internally and externally throughout the walls and floors, resulting in a sense of technical and musical harmony.
Lightness imbues every element of the Feather Pavilion experience – beyond being visually themed on the very essence of lightweight, the lightweight feel and transparency of the recycled TPU POLLI-Brick construction twinned with the shifting ceiling makes it utterly immersive. Formfitting is embodied in the precision engineered, industrial and tailored spirit of this project.
An intricate pulley system mirrors the motion of a loom, similar to the looms that create FlyKnit, while the building adjusting in line withthe form of its occupants, taking the form of a feather in the wind, transforms pure physics into an expansion of Nike’s breakthrough.
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. It’s a testament to MINIWIZ’s work in the field that the sustainable nature of this entire structure, with the POLLIBrick compression walls, might go unnoticed.
This is the art of turning trash, something of no perceived value, something seen as primitive, into something awe inspiring. Made entirely from recycled TPU, each POLLI-Brick interlocks to create a resilient structure. To add further 100% organic reinforcement, recycled rice husks continue this design’s merger of tradition and the future of creativity.
Made with specifications from Nike’s R&D lab after a visit to Nike WHQ in Beaverton, a yarn runs through the pavilion in a Volt Green colour that matches the smaller scale version, turning into rugged caribiner cables that tie, with the threads becoming rope. This is function and beauty on a scale never before seen. And at the end of its own journey, the Feather Pavilion is capable of being recycled to create the next visionary MINIWIZ structure.
The post The Feather by
Arthur Huang appeared first on Dezeen.
This week Dezeen has been at Beijing Design Week and you can check out a selection of the best projects, exhibitions and installations in our Facebook album, including a sculpture made from metal rods with a walk-through tunnel (shown above). See all the photos »
The post Dezeen’s photos from Beijing Design Week
on Facebook appeared first on Dezeen.
The 100-year-old university turned gallery bridges the gap between Chinese and Western contemporary art
Beyond the frenzied industrial development and Disneyfication of its historic alleyways, Beijing remains a city to discover. Fascinating hidden locations and scattered traces of the past are still preserved in the old capital— among them, the 100-year-old building behind the National Art Museum that once housed the former Sino-French…
Continue Reading…
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
