Archi-Tectonics

For the concept of the Ports1961 Flagship Store located at the Bund in Shanghai, we had been inspired by two important factors; its history as an international port and its art-deco style. We recycled an old Chinese house and CNC-ed the wood into a fluid liner for the collection. This sculpted base features accessories such as bags, shoes and jewelry. Like an oyster, the rough outer wood walls reveal the soft glowing pearly white volumes inside, which generate a more gallery-like atmosphere. Here mannequin bodies are suspended in space, highlighting the collection’s main pieces. The mannequins are lit from above and below by recessed lighting, accentuating the fluidity of the fashion pieces. Movement created by the flagship store’s clients causes the mannequins to slowly turn and reveal the clothing slowly from all angles. Low lights reinforce this almost hypnotic movement and a very large chandelier by Barlas Baylar composed of chrome mesh veils adds to the mystery. These all add to the twisted nickel bars and hanging gauze vitrines, designed by Gabellini Sheppard Associates.

Indirect LED lighting is used to enhance the space’s fluid geometry, with lighting coves concealed in the floor and above the pearly ceiling surface, thus creating a contrasting glow on the clothing and adjacent surfaces. The final effect is a rich, integrated environment that delivers maximum dramatic impact to a fluidly segmented space.

Credits

Year: Completed 2011

Location: The Bund, Shanghai

Client: Ports1961

Project Type: Flagship Store

Size: 2750 sq ft

Design Team: Principal in charge: Winka Dubbeldam, Assoc. AIA | Project Leader: David Barr | Archi-Tectonics Team: Thomas Barry, Hiroyuki Miki, David Schragger, Hira Sabuhi, Victor Ortega

Photography: Jiang Ying | Archi-Tectonics

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