The Gascogne Apartments in Shanghai stand as a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant present, blending heritage with innovation. Originally designed by Leonard, Veysseyre & Kruze, this Republican-era landmark has been transformed into a space where tradition meets modernity, shaping the city’s narrative. Situated on Huaihai Middle Road, the building overlooks the greenery of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, offering a serene and timeless ambiance.
Aiming to merge coffee culture and beauty retail in this historic setting, a boutique was crafted on the ground floor by Dayuan Design. Embracing the concept of “pure flexibility,” the space seamlessly integrates beauty showcases and coffee tasting areas, creating a lifestyle experience that bridges the gap between past and present. The design team faced challenges such as enclosed glass windows that hindered the indoor-outdoor connection and a layout that underutilized the site’s potential.
To overcome these obstacles, a spatial strategy involving a trapezoidal transition zone was employed, widening the street view and inviting pedestrians to linger. The introduction of a diagonal layout expanded the main entrance area, offering versatility for greenery or art installations. The design preserved the building’s industrial elements, such as rusted steel panels and exposed concrete, infusing a unique character into the space.
The concept of a “curatorial composite space” became central to the design, catering to multiple brands while maintaining flexibility for pop-up events. An innovative lighthouse-inspired installation at the entrance served as a visual anchor, setting the tone for the brand identity. The makeup trial zone featured a vibrant yellow mobile cabinet that transformed into an intimate vanity space, enhancing the customer experience.
The reception area showcased a dynamic interplay of materials, combining aged steel with acrylic resin panels to create a visually striking environment. A stainless steel drawer cabinet, inspired by traditional Chinese medicine cabinets, revolutionized the shopping experience with hidden rail systems for product delivery. Interactive installations, including mirrors and digital screens, engaged visitors and revitalized the space’s structural elements.
Retail environments are evolving into dynamic, interactive spaces that blur the lines between commerce and culture. Dayuan Design’s approach leverages flexible layouts, creative curation, and material innovation to deepen emotional connections between consumers and brands. Retail spaces are no longer static backdrops but vibrant cultural hubs where exhibition, experience, and social interaction converge, shaping a new era of retail design.
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