Redefining Suzhou Elegance: COSCIA Pu Yuan Store designed by ADS（All Design Studio）
Amidst historic structures from the Republic of China era, the COSCIA Pu Yuan Store is a testament to the harmonious blend of old and new. The store occupies a square layout across two floors, and its primary structure is a modern reinforced concrete building. ADS has retained numerous original columns and beams, honouring the historical imprints of the original architecture. This design choice seamlessly integrates traditional elements and materials from Suzhou-style architecture with modern aesthetics.
Atrium
ADS has beautifully modernized Suzhou-style architecture's traditional spatial layouts and colour schemes, transforming them into a minimalist and contemporary design that reflects Eastern sensibilities. This design simplifies intricate details and creates a deep sense of nostalgia and connection, celebrating a lifestyle characterized by quality and sophistication.
In Pu Yuan Ancient Town, the essence of Jiangnan architecture is meticulously preserved. Every brick, tile, and wooden beam is crafted with mortise and tenon joints, showcasing the enduring skills of ancient artisans. The town's meandering streams, old-fashioned boats, and arched bridges intertwine to create a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Amidst historic structures from the Republic of China era, the COSCIA Pu Yuan Store is a testament to the harmonious blend of old and new. The store occupies a square layout across two floors, and its primary structure is a modern reinforced concrete building. ADS has retained numerous original columns and beams, honouring the historical imprints of the original architecture. This design choice seamlessly integrates traditional elements and materials from Suzhou-style architecture with modern aesthetics.
On the ground floor, the pathway is made of bricks and is flanked by two terracotta cabinet walls. This design adds visual depth and diversity to the atrium space. The atrium is covered with ink-black terrazzo, which gives the impression of an ink pool and a rain-dampened slate pathway. In the center of the atrium is a trapezoidal "Ink stick" structure. This structure is a display screen and an artistic centrepiece, drawing the eye upward. Additionally, a mirrored reflection resembling a sky lantern is suspended within the atrium, minimizing direct sunlight. This lightweight material contrasts with the geometric form of the "Ink stick."
Delicate metal chains encircling the atrium evoke the perpetual rainy ambiance of Jiangnan water towns, mimicking raindrops cascading from eaves and creating a curtain-like effect reminiscent of a water cascade. The cashier desk, fitting rooms, and jewelry section come to life on the ground floor. Inspired by mahjong tiles, the jewelry area's ceiling design features a vibrant interplay of orange and gray, squares and circles, infusing the space with a lively and playful ambiance.
The minimalist art journey continues to the second floor, unlike the grand "ink pool" below. Here, textured carpets and metallic panels create the sensation of walking on varied terrain, while a systematic arrangement of display cabinets encourages viewers to pause and explore. This thoughtful design builds anticipation for the unfolding journey ahead.
On the second floor, the VIP lounge and fitting rooms immerse individuals in a desert-themed atmosphere. Twilight imagery and decorative stones shape a unique "natural" landscape, offering modern consumers distinctive experiences and social media-worthy moments.
With this innovative design, ADS not only preserves the historical essence of Suzhou-style architecture but also elevates it by creating spaces that blend tradition and modernity. The result is an intriguing fusion that captivates the imagination and spirit of all who experience it.
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design : Retail Design division
Project Information
Project丨COSCIA Pu Yuan Store
Location：No.233, Pu Chuan Street, Pu Yuan Town, Jia Xing ,Zhe Jiang Province ,CHINA
Project Type：Multi Buyer Store
Area：800㎡
Design Company：ADS（All Design Studio）
Designer：Tao Li, Jing Duan
Photo Credits：Yuuuun Studio
Complete Year：May, 2023