Ultimate Vision: The Shangri-La Eyeglasses Boutique

In a time when luxury retail experiences constantly evolve, Shangri-La Eyeglasses in Sihaicheng is setting a new benchmark. It combines high-end eyewear with a meticulously designed environment, providing an immersive experience. Crafted by Chengyi (Guangzhou) Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd., this boutique design in elevating the retail experience. It invites customers into a realm of sophistication where service and product merge to create something truly unforgettable.

Inspired by the concept of Shangri-La—a fabled paradise brought to life in James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon—the design aims to capture a utopia's ethereal beauty and tranquillity while firmly planting itself in the modern world. The boutique's design concept revolves around escapism and luxury, offering visitors a retreat from the ordinary. It's a place where they can indulge in premium eyewear and an elevated sensory journey. The store is not merely a place to shop but a space where customers can pause and immerse themselves in an atmosphere that mirrors the myth of Shangri-La itself—an oasis of calm, refinement, and exclusivity.

Design Aesthetic: Fusing Tradition and Modernity

The boutique's design philosophy balances traditional opulence and contemporary minimalism. Inspired by the timeless allure of Shangri-La, the design incorporates natural materials like stone, wood, and glass, reflecting the mythical paradise's harmonious relationship with nature. These materials are combined with modern, sleek lines and cutting-edge lighting systems to create an environment that is both inviting and avant-garde.

The store is intentionally spacious, with clear sightlines to guide visitors through a journey of discovery. A central pathway, flanked by custom wooden displays and softly illuminated with ambient lighting, leads customers to the world's most luxurious eyewear brands. Each display is designed with a minimalist approach, allowing the products to be showcased as pieces of art rather than just consumer goods. Reflective surfaces, like polished stone and glass, enhance the feeling of space and light, creating a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Atmosphere: A Multi-Sensory Experience

The atmosphere of Shangri-La Eyeglasses is carefully designed to create a sense of serenity, luxury, and exclusivity. When customers step inside, they are greeted with a calm environment, ambient music, and a subtle scent of sandalwood, all chosen to evoke warmth and tranquillity. Every element enhances the customer's emotional and psychological experience, making it more than just a place to buy eyewear.

Lighting is crucial in shaping the atmosphere. The boutique uses natural light during the day and a well-programmed lighting system that adjusts based on the time of day and customer flow. Warm, golden hues encourage a relaxed shopping experience during peak hours, while cooler, sharper tones in the evening create a sophisticated ambiance. The lighting is also strategically placed to highlight the craftsmanship of the products on display, enhancing the luxurious feel of the materials and finishes.

A Curated Selection of World-Class Brands

Shangri-La Eyeglasses is known for its carefully curated selection of the world's most sought-after eyewear brands. The boutique offers an exclusive range of frames from iconic names such as Cartier, Chanel, and Tom Ford, alongside limited-edition collections from avant-garde designers. These cater to the discerning tastes of luxury consumers. Each brand has been carefully chosen for its aesthetic value and craftsmanship, ensuring that every frame embodies the pinnacle of design and functionality.

The boutique offers a variety of custom eyewear options, allowing customers to personalize their frames to match their unique style. This level of customization adds an extra layer of exclusivity, as customers can own a piece that is uniquely theirs, reflecting their personal identity and taste.

The combination of exceptional architecture, thoughtful interior design, and unparalleled service distinguishes Shangri-La Eyeglasses as a leader in Asia's high-end eyewear market. Like Hilton's 'Lost Horizon 'Lost, which mesmerized readers with its portrayal of an earthly paradise, this boutique captivates visitors through its seamless integration of beauty, luxury, and experience—truly encapsulating the essence of Shangri-La.

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Retail Design Division

Tang Talk: A Fusion of Art and Functionality designed by Jingle Design

This project draws inspiration from the functional mechanism of the biomembrane system, using the concepts of "functioning" and "transmission" in the design as a metaphor for the relationship between humans and food. The designer has transformed the entire space into a site for energy conversion, resembling a cell factory. Through complex and meticulous operations, a new force of life is generated, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. The design breaks away from the traditional "bottom-up" logic of spatial construction, immersing people in an immersive and entirely new world.

The overall space is divided and enclosed with streamlined boundaries, resembling the internal processes within a cell, where material transport, energy conversion, and information transmission interact with the external environment, leading to continuous proliferation and division. The metal mesh structure on the exterior facade extends from repetitive and evenly spaced points to organic curves, further extending into the interior space. Transparent glass facades and funnel-shaped metal crystalline structures serve as visual focal points. The structure of the metal cell cavity makes those inside feel like explorers in a cell factory, where their senses are continually amplified. The relationship between "light & shadow" and "form" is re-captured and reinterpreted.

In the heart of Taiyuan, Shanxi, a groundbreaking project has come to life, redefining the relationship between space and human experience. Tang Talk, a stunning 617 square meter space designed by the visionary team at Jingle Design, is not just a physical structure but a living, breathing organism inspired by the intricate mechanisms of biomembrane systems. As one steps into Tang Talk, they find themselves engulfed in a world where the boundaries between art and functionality blur into a harmonious symphony of design. The space, transformed into a site for energy conversion, mirrors the inner workings of a cell factory. Every detail, meticulously crafted and thoughtfully placed, exudes a sense of purpose and vitality.

The exterior facade, adorned with a mesmerizing metal mesh structure, seamlessly blended repetitive points with organic curves, drawing me deeper into the immersive experience. Transparent glass facades and intricate metal crystalline structures served as visual focal points, capturing the play of light and shadow in a dance of elegance and mystery. Venturing further into Tang Talk, one encounters the awe-inspiring cell membrane biomimetic art installation—a testament to the design team's boundless creativity. The installation, stretching an impressive 13 meters, weaves a multi-dimensional tapestry of interlaced straight and curved lines, inviting active participation in its narrative.

The interplay of light and shadow beneath the ultra-thin metal mesh left me transfixed as if I had stumbled upon a secret world to explore. As I gazed upward, the installation extended above me, beckoning me to embrace the transformative power of design and immerse myself in its captivating allure.Tang Talk is not just a space but a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. It challenges traditional spatial construction, inviting visitors to shed their passive roles and become explorers in a realm where senses are heightened and perceptions are transformed.

In April 2023, Tang Talk will stand as a testament to the collaborative vision of the design team led by Zhou Bo, Cai Yuyang, and Liu Hailong. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to pushing the boundaries of design have created a space that transcends the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on all who enter its hallowed halls.

Tang Talk is more than a design; it is an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery, where art and functionality converge to ignite the imagination and inspire the soul. The cell membrane biomimetic art installation represents a crucial breakthrough and challenge. Lines on the curved surface of the installation appear as if the artist is simulating intricate cutting experiments. After communication and coordination with the professional team, the installation was segmented and assembled within the site, achieving a maximum length of 13 meters. It creates a multi-dimensional effect with interlaced straight and curved lines. The installation extends above the space, transforming the experience for people from passive observation to active engagement, making them feel like they are part of the project. The ultra-thin metal mesh imparts a sense of lightness to the installation. Beneath it, the play of light and shadow appears mysterious and flickering.

Project Information

Project Name | Tang talk

Project Address | Taiyuan, Shanxi

Project Area | 617 sq. m

Completion Date | April 2023

Design Firm | Jingle Design

Design Director | Zhou Bo, Cai Yuyang

Lead Designer | Liu Hailong

Design Team | Zhang Junzi, Cui Qiwei, Kong Xiangyu, Du Qiurong, Chang Huan, Zhou Guicong, Wu Tong

Photography | TOPIA Vision

Main Materials | Metal pipes, Metal mesh, Texture paint, Stone, Mirror finish stainless steel

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Restaurant & Club Division

Timeless Tradition Meets Modern Minimalism: DOT Design’s Exhibition Hall for BORCCI

DOT Design's exhibition hall for BORCCI Kitchen Cabinets at the 2022 China International Building Decoration Fair (Shanghai) offers an immersive journey through art, culture, and sustainability. The space, inspired by the elegance of traditional Chinese gardens, aims to provide an experience of 'changing scenery with every step,' engaging visitors in a seamless blend of artistry, leisure, and amusement within a refined, contemporary framework.

The hall, with its distinct oriental classical charm on the outside, sets the stage for a truly unique experience inside. The interior, in contrast, exudes minimalist sophistication. It employs a restrained colour palette with white walls, floors, and furnishings, creating a serene backdrop that accentuates the brand's product colours. This simplicity is a deliberate choice, echoing the beauty of ancient aesthetics while providing a contemporary space for contemplation.

The design's central concept is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Drawing inspiration from the enduring beauty of China's water towns, DOT Design reimagines these iconic landscapes through simplified architectural forms. The hall becomes a 'four-dimensional space of art,' where traditional elements such as raised ridges, whitewashed walls, bamboo groves, and stone formations are seamlessly integrated, fostering a harmonious dialogue between the past and present.

"This project is a profound exploration of Chinese cultural heritage. The design embodies the Suzhou Garden philosophy of "changing scenery with every step," creating a series of interconnected yet distinct spaces that invite visitors to discover something new at every turn. This spatial narrative honours tradition and aligns with modern environmental concerns by adhering to low-carbon and recycling principles."

The exhibition hall is meticulously designed with sustainability at its core. It comprises six modular sections: living room, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, dressing room, and e-sports room. Each section is crafted for easy disassembly and reusability in future exhibitions, reassuring visitors of our commitment to reducing the environmental footprint. This approach not only showcases a forward-thinking design but also strikes a balance between form, function, and responsibility.

To further emphasize its commitment to eco-consciousness, the hall's minimalist interior and exterior decor use environmentally friendly coatings. This design choice subtly connects the products to the overall spatial composition, embodying the brand's ethos of simplicity and balance. The exhibition's theme, "Art Gallery of Wu Wei," meaning non-interference, is brought to life through its tranquil, nature-infused spaces, inviting visitors to embrace a calm, harmonious lifestyle.

By blending traditional Chinese elements with modern design innovation, DOT Design has not only created a space that reflects cultural reverence but also presents a bold vision of the future. This innovative approach is a true testament to the power of thoughtful, sustainable design, inspiring all who experience it.

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Institution Division

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Yue Pan

Designer Profile

Yue Pan

Registered Senior Interior Designer, Registered Senior Engineer

Education:

Master's degree in spatial planning and design at Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy

Master's degree in Art, Design and Design at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, Italy

Current:

DOT Founder/Design Director of DESIGN

Experience:

"Champion's New Home" by Wu Minxia's specially invited designer

"Su Shen's New Home" Invited Designer by Su Bingtian's Home

Specially invited designer for Beijing TV's "Warm New Home" program

Specially invited designer by Tencent Video for the "Craftsman Becomes a New Home" program

DOT DESIGN is a high-end professional interior space planning and design performance firm established in 2007, founded by renowned domestic senior interior designer Rudy Pan. Advocate for integrated spatial design services in professional services, providing integrated design solutions from early visual communication, architectural optimization, interior design, landscape design, lighting design, display art, product design, and structural optimization to ensure the final aesthetic presentation of the project.

Cultural Heritage Reimagined: The Contemporary Craft of Nice Rice Shanghai

In the lively center of Huaihai Road in Shanghai, where Eastern and Western cultures meet, the Nice Rice Shanghai Flagship Store stands as a testament to cultural preservation and modern design. Crafted by the pioneering team at SAY Architects, this flagship store fuses tradition and contemporary aesthetics, offering an experience that transcends mere shopping.

A Sanctuary Rooted in Tradition

The store's design draws inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture, precisely the concept of the siheyuan, a classic Chinese courtyard house. SAY Architects skillfully translated this architectural heritage into a modern context by transforming the store into a "Rice Barn Shelter" that welcomes customers beneath its iconic eaves. The eaves, often called the "fifth elevation" in Chinese architecture, create an inviting sanctuary that offers a balance of openness and intimacy. The double-sloped roofs mirror traditional structures, yet their contemporary interpretation makes them relevant to today's retail landscape.

The choice of interior design is more than just cosmetic. It reflects the purpose of an Oriental Rice Warehouse, historically used for storing Rice. This symbolizes sustenance, inclusivity, and generosity. SAY Architects expanded on this concept by creating a "Rice Barn Shelter," a welcoming and inclusive space beneath the eaves that represents the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultural elements. This design respects the past and contributes to the sustainable cultural expression that SAY aims to incorporate alongside the sustainable use of materials.

Modern Retail: Blending Fashion, Tradition, and Culture

Nice Rice is more than just a retail brand; it represents a lifestyle concept that combines fashion, culture, and gastronomy. The flagship store in Shanghai showcases a "fashion + coffee" dual-business model, targeting younger demographics who seek a comprehensive retail experience. The simple and versatile clothing reflects the brand's philosophy of "harmony in diversity," subtly echoing Eastern cultural values.

The store's original architecture includes a wide horizontal beam that visually separates the space. This element was further emphasized by incorporating the traditional roof style of a siheyuan into the design. The roofline appears extended through cohesive colours and a minimalist yet innovative design, creating a captivating visual effect. Inside, intricate decorations have been removed to allow for more freedom of movement. Lacquer art installations punctuate the minimalist space, giving it a timeless quality.

An Inclusive Design for Urban Explorers

The dual-purpose design of Nice Rice includes a coffee shop and fashion retail, creating a modern and open public space. The store's recessed entrance and spacious outdoor area invite people passing by to interact with the space, making it a communal hub. The seamless flow between the inside and outside encourages visitors to pause, stay, and fully experience the cultural environment. The open and accessible entrance defines the store's identity and aligns with SAY Architects' vision for cultural sustainability through spatial design.

The overarching layout is designed to foster interaction. SAY Architects aimed to extend the functionality of the traditional courtyard beyond its historical limitations, highlighting how adaptable traditional elements can seamlessly integrate with modern fashion sensibilities. This architectural philosophy resonates deeply with the young urban consumer, blending cultural recognition with the ease of modernity.

Tradition Reborn for a New Generation

Through the extension and reinterpretation of traditional design elements, SAY Architects breathes new life into cultural heritage at the Nice Rice Shanghai Flagship Store. It serves not only as a retail space but also as a cultural touchstone, where the spirit of design is rejuvenated in a fresh and relevant manner. The balance of traditional charm and fashion-forward sensibility fosters emotional connections with Shanghai's youth, whose cultural recognition and engagement are keys to Nice Rice's success.

By promoting a harmonious blend of Eastern culture in a modern urban environment, Nice Rice creates a rich narrative for both the present and the future—a story that carries the weight of tradition yet speaks the language of contemporary design​.

For more information, please visit: www.sayarchitects.cn
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Retail Design Division

Kris Lin International Design Crafts a Riverside Cultural Landmark in Ningbo

Located in the bustling core of Ningbo, this ambitious project by Kris Lin International Design aims to redefine the city's riverside landscape. Situated within the WenChuang Port, the space is intended to serve as a world-class cultural and creative hub, blending the vibrancy of Ningbo's modern ethos with its historical essence. The first floor is a dynamic display area for the city's burgeoning trendy culture scene. In contrast, the second floor is dedicated to art exhibitions and a riverside café, providing a seamless fusion of cultural presentation and leisurely relaxation.

Originality and Creativity

The building's design is inspired by the Yong River, with fluid lines and sculptural forms shaping the space. The dynamic exterior lines capture movement and inject vitality into the building's silhouette. This organic design blurs the boundary between the built environment and nature, creating a social hub where relaxation meets creative energy.

Exterior Vision

The project's exterior design seamlessly combines natural elements with modern aesthetics. The building's sweeping curves and fluid lines evoke the river's gentle flow, ensuring that the structure blends in with its surrounding environment. The interior continues this artistic theme, featuring pop culture artifacts such as BE@RBRICK bears and KAWS figures. These playful additions transform the space into a cultural playground, catching the eye and sparking conversation while offering a unique mix of art and architecture that reflects contemporary urban culture.

Constructibility

"Designed with flexibility and functionality in mind, the project is prepared for the changing needs of city life. It includes adaptable spaces that easily switch between exhibition areas and leisure zones. Using modular and prefabricated components ensures precision and efficiency, improving build quality while controlling costs. This modular approach is a practical response to the fast-paced demands of modern construction, all while preserving design integrity."

Commercial Value

By incorporating globally recognized pop culture icons such as BE@RBRICK and KAWS, the venue goes beyond traditional cultural spaces and creates an immersive environment that attracts tourists and locals. This clever integration of trendy culture into the architectural design enhances the project's appeal, providing a unique cultural experience that combines art, leisure, and commerce. It is expected to attract many visitors and strengthen Ningbo's reputation as a forward-thinking, culturally rich destination.

Sustainability

"Sustainability is at the core of this project's values. The development is designed to serve as a flexible cultural center while minimizing its environmental impact. The project demonstrates its dedication to sustainable urban development through eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, it promotes cultural involvement and environmental awareness, fostering economic sustainability for the community and maintaining a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature."

In every way, this project by Kris Lin International Design is a testament to how architecture can shape cultural identity. It provides a space where art, community, and nature blend seamlessl

For more information, please visit: www.klid.com.cn

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: “Others” Division

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Designer Profile

Kris Lin

Kris Lin

Kris Lin, a graduate of the Department of Architecture at Feng Chia University in Taiwan, also earned a Master's degree in Construction Management from CNAM in France. In 2001, he founded Shanghai Daguan Architectural Design Co., Ltd., becoming one of the few design institutions in China capable of integrating "architecture," "interior," "landscape," and "soft decoration design and engineering" into a unified service.

With 23 years of deep cultivation in the design field, he adheres to the design philosophy of "The achiever innovates, observing with principle" and has always insisted on personally leading the creative planning and design of high-end real estate projects. He has achieved numerous accolades in international professional design competitions, and as of December 2023, Shanghai Daguan Architectural Design Co., Ltd. has accumulated a total of 1,515 global awards.

Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses Flagship Store: A Seamless Fusion of Heritage and Modernity

For over 300 years, Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses has been a beacon of exceptional optical craftsmanship in China. With a deep-rooted tradition, the brand has not just survived, but thrived, adapting to changing consumer preferences over the centuries. Now, as Generation Z shapes the market with a preference for experiential, offline shopping, Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses is not just embracing the future, but shaping it. The brand's newly redesigned flagship store on Nanjing Road, a masterpiece by the renowned Dayuan Design, is a testament to this resilience, blending Liangcai Wu's cultural heritage with a fresh, youthful aesthetic.

The store's concept centers around transformation, both in terms of materials and brand. Dayuan Design is inspired by the founding family's jade business, precisely the intricate craftsmanship in turning raw stone into beautiful, polished jade. This refinement process is reflected in the store's layout, where visitors can experience the craft firsthand as they move through the space.

An Immersive Retail Journey Rooted in Craftsmanship

Dayuan Design's store design is based on the concept of "craftsmanship," meticulously creating spaces that evoke the artistry behind jade carving. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a quarry-like environment with towering stone mountains and deep, cavernous spaces reflecting nature's creation's raw beauty. This design choice represents the early stages of jade crafting—rough, unpolished stone slowly revealing its inner beauty through skilled artisans' hands. The textured, uneven surfaces of the walls echo the passage of time, suggesting the sedimentation of history and the indelible marks left by master craftsmen over generations.

The design carries this story forward by contrasting rugged and refined elements. Dayuan Design excels in blending the natural and the architectural, combining the wild with the elegant. Despite its small size, the retail area achieves this balance by mixing modern, clean lines with raw textures, creating a serene yet dynamic atmosphere. The designers effectively communicate a sense of continuity, where history is preserved and made relevant through contemporary reinterpretation.

The Time Corridor: A Bridge Between Past and Present

As visitors walk through the first floor, they will come across a fascinating display of jade grinding tools, paying tribute to the centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship. Accompanied by the gentle sound of stone grinding, this installation is a symbolic entrance to the second floor, appropriately named the 'Time Corridor.' The 'Time Corridor' is a carefully designed space that takes visitors on a journey through Liangcai Wu's history, with areas designed to evoke the gradual refinement of jade. The second floor's design introduces polished, time-worn jade surfaces that seamlessly blend with modern materials, creating a space that connects Liangcai Wu's rich history with the forward-looking ambitions of today.

The Time Corridor leads to a sleek, simple space where traditional jade craftsmanship transforms into a modern representation of the brand's history. Dayuan Design intelligently uses materials like stone, metal, and jade to symbolize Liangcai Wu's journey through time and encourage visitors to interact with the brand's heritage in a tangible way.

Cultural Storytelling Through Design

The flagship store features the 'Mountain Quarry' art installation, a symbolic representation of the enduring history of Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses. Designed by Dayuan Design, the installation showcases a mechanical, metallic aesthetic that gives it a futuristic look. This bold visual statement connects the brand's past to its future, emphasizing that Liangcai Wu is rooted in tradition and evolving to meet modern sensibilities.

The retail space draws inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine cabinets, blending heritage with contemporary design. The result is a display system that is both stylish and practical, reflecting the precision of the eyewear while paying tribute to centuries-old display techniques.

"Dayuan Design's vision goes beyond a typical retail space. The flagship store is a versatile area that blurs the line between business and culture. The store showcases eyewear and features exhibition spaces, a coffee shop, and an exclusive VIP fitting room. These thoughtful additions turn the store into a cultural center where customers can do more than just shop; they are encouraged to socialize, linger, and delve into the brand's history. This multifaceted approach enhances the customer experience, fostering stronger connections with visitors and building brand loyalty."

Sustainable Design for a Dynamic Future

Sustainability is at the core of Dayuan Design's approach. They use modular, movable installations to ensure that the space can adapt over time, reducing the need for extensive renovations and allowing for a flexible response to changing functional needs over the next three to five years. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also enhances the economic viability of the project. It provides a forward-thinking model for retail design that aligns with contemporary concerns about sustainability.

In their flagship store on Nanjing Road, Dayuan Design has created an immersive, multifunctional space that pays homage to Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses' rich heritage while preparing it for the future. By skillfully blending modern and traditional elements, the design narrates the story of craftsmanship in a way that resonates with today's consumers while maintaining the brand's timeless essence. Through this seamless fusion of old and new, Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses is entering a new chapter that promises to uphold its legacy with grace and innovation.

For more information, please visit: www.dayuan.net

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Retail Design Division

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