This is the brand's first flagship store in China, located in a trendy neighborhood of young people and youth culture in Guangzhou, within a famous area of ancient buildings. KANGOL is currently a trending hashtag on social media worldwide, with a century-old history and cultural heritage that has made it a legendary British brand. Based on the understanding of the duality between the brand’s history and trendy culture, as the same to the neighborhood where the project is located, the primary design purpose of this project is to present and continue the brand culture, as well as blending in local and Eastern aesthetic features, to gain the attention and favor of Chinese young customers.
The building has an understated, modern architectural style exterior in black. The handmade bricks of black volcanic rock used on the facade respond to the traditional bricks commonly found in the ancient block, renewing the discussion of the old building with a texture familiar to locals but innovative. Through material design and development, this customized brick presents rich details with different light effect and viewing angles. The interior is mainly made of wood, creating a soft and warm atmosphere that contrasts with the coolness of the facade and provides a clean backdrop for the rich display of products. The circular skylights on the roof top giving the second floor a serene atmosphere, in line with the Eastern Zen aesthetic, providing customers a cozy spot to have a rest during shopping.
The design team retained four grown trees on-site by limiting the building area and floor plan, to create a space where the buildings and trees can coexist. Terraces and steps are arranged around the building to form a public space where people can gather, making the building more open to the neighborhood. The space itself, with its combination of shops, coffee, and public areas, has become a place for gathering and relaxing after the pandemic, bringing a sense of warmth and healing to the area.
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