UNStudio, a Dutch architectural firm, has presented the design for a flagship two-story store for Chinese technology company Huawei in Shanghai, with a façade adorned with white petal-shaped coverings.
Inspired by Huawei’s global operating system called Harmony, the UNStudio project aims to create biophilic associations between the brand and its technology by integrating organic geometric shapes throughout the design.
“One of many retail interfaces currently on the market, the flagship store we created for Huawei in Shanghai combines interactive experiences, technology, and community building,” said Ben van Berkel, founder and director of UNStudio.
“The new store reinterprets modern retail spaces as inviting environments for community-building, providing a contemporary place for consumers and guests to meet, share, and innovate,” he added.
The southern façade of the store is made of undulating floor-to-ceiling glass. It is divided by a series of overlapping elements, which the studio describes as “petal-like.” Each white “petal” descends down to the ground, creating the illusion of a frameless façade.
The UNStudio project focuses on creating organic forms and biophilic aesthetics, integrating natural elements both on the exterior and interior of the store.
To enhance the durability of the building, the store utilizes high-performance materials and prefabricated finishes, and the air quality inside the building is monitored using climate control technology.
The UNStudio project for Huawei TKL flagship store encompasses a cohesive narrative between the façade and interior, as well as the use of efficient and certified materials with a high degree of recyclability.
Inside the store, there is a central exhibition aisle that runs throughout the ground floor, as well as two experiential zones where customers can interact with Huawei products.
The store offers open and flexible spaces that can be used for lectures, meetings, and workshops.
To provide additional functionality, UNStudio has designed a minimalist café inside the store that harmonizes with the rest of the space and provides a comfortable waiting area for customers seeking after-sales service.
UNStudio has been working on this project since 1998, and the firm has recently completed projects such as the Booking.com headquarters in Amsterdam and YG Entertainment in Seoul, which feature metallic surfaces and geometric forms.
Photos: Wen Studio, unless stated otherwise. Read more:
FAQ:
1. What is the purpose of the designed store in Shanghai?
The designed store in Shanghai is intended to be Huawei’s flagship store, a Chinese technology company.
2. What elements are used in the store’s facade?
The store’s façade is adorned with white petal-shaped coverings made of undulating glass from floor to ceiling.
3. How did UNStudio integrate nature with technology in the design?
UNStudio’s project utilized organic geometric shapes and biophilic aesthetics to establish a connection between the Huawei brand and its technology.
4. What are the interior features of the store?
Inside the store, there is a central exhibition aisle and two experiential zones where customers can interact with Huawei products. The store also offers open and flexible spaces that can be used for various events.
5. What other architectural projects has UNStudio completed?
UNStudio has also completed projects such as the Booking.com headquarters in Amsterdam and YG Entertainment in Seoul, featuring metallic surfaces and geometric forms.
Definitions:
– Biophilic: This term refers to the use of natural elements, such as plants, to create more human-friendly spaces.
– Façade: The exterior part of a building that is visible from the outside.
– Geometry: The branch of mathematics that deals with shapes and their properties.
– Aesthetics: The evaluation of beauty and style in art and design.
– Air Conditioning: The process of regulating temperature, humidity, and air cleanliness in a building.
– Recycling: The process of transforming waste materials into reusable materials.
Suggested Related Links:
– UNStudio Website
– Huawei Website
The source of the article is from the blog exofeed.nl