Designing a space that embodies the brand aesthetics of JNBY is indeed a challenge. It requires the designer not only understand the brand's DNA and aesthetic concepts but also to transform these abstract notions into concrete spatial design elements. The following are the design strategies for the JNBY+ store in Chengdu MixC, aimed at capturing the aesthetic tone of JNBY and localization:
Continuation of Brand DNA
As the headquarters of the brand, the architectural concept of OōEli has become a part of the brand's DNA. In Chengdu, this DNA is continued through delicate cement finishes with subtle holes, minimum design language, and a luminous ceiling to symbolizing sunlight, salute to Renzo Piano.
Combination of Local Culture
Chengdu is famous for its bamboo, which appears in various forms such as building materials, utensils, and small objects. This seemingly ordinary material is actually a concentration of the city's history and tradition. Bamboo, due to its rapid growth, does not have the distinctive texture as wood. The compressed bamboo material used in this project has a special texture because of the multi-layer compression, which is similar to the fabric of clothing. Even cotton products, through special spin processes, can have a unique texture. These compressed bamboo materials have become the basic materials for all movable furniture in the store, complemented by aged metal. As the store ages, these materials will also be filled with a sense of time.
Application of Neo-Rationalism and Restrained Design Philosophy
The design inspired by neo-rationalism, conveying the brand's aesthetic concepts through simple and orderly spatial layout and design language. Restraint is reflected in the design, avoiding excessive decoration, and showcasing the brand's texture through exquisite details and high-quality materials.
Sustainable Design
The facade uses specially customized ceramic materials, whose shape is inspired by the natural bamboo, capturing the shape of bamboo. In terms of color matching, glaze texture, and production process control, it has done several mockup to finally present a satisfactory effect, perfectly integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
Narrative Spatial Experience
The project site covers an elevator lobby leading to the office area upstairs, dividing the space into two areas, front and back. How to guide consumers is a problem that the designer has to resolve. In this design, the elevator hall passage, which is used internally by the store, is inspired by the bamboo forest passage in Wuhou Shrine in Chengdu. Passing through a passage into the main area has a similar design. The two large spaces are distinguished by two different shaped roofs. The roof of the front echoes the traditional Sichuan courtyard house roof, representing tradition. After passing through the bamboo forest passage, the roof of the back tends to be modern, representing innovation.
In the atmosphere of fashion and art, the mortise and tenon structure at the entrance, inspired by the traditional Sichuan courtyard houses, reinterprets this ancient craftsmanship in a clever and modern way. This structure in space creates a semi-enclosed area. In such an environment, tea tasting is not just a simple drinking action but transforms into an immersive experience. The fragrance of tea and the breath of art are mixed, making customers feel they are in a quiet space full of creativity and heritage. Every detail is making the entire tea tasting process a special and unforgettable experience.
Details
Details are not meaningless decorations but has to solve design problems. The island hanger, from the initial design to the final implementation, went through four rounds of adjustments with the factory, finally producing a product that meets the requirements in appearance, stability, and convenience. The “bamboo forest” in the middle are also similar. These design details are not eye-catching and even need to be "invisible" for the design effect. However, a lot of time was spent discussing and prototyping these details.