In Taikoo Li Sanlitun South Zone, Nikon and Lukstudio present a fresh vision for the Beijing Nikon Direct Store. The challenge was to revitalize the building's exterior and the soaring 8-meter interior, a departure from typical mall setups.

Lukstudio harnesses the technology and aesthetics of cameras, blending natural inspiration and industrial design to craft a distinctive spatial narrative. This approach has distinguished the store within the urban retail landscape, enhancing its brand identity and cultural resonance.

Lukstudio embraces an eco-friendly philosophy from the start, and repurposes the existing curtain wall structure. By meticulously organizing the primary and secondary structures and integrating indoor and outdoor functions, Lukstudio have designed a new "coat" for the exterior wall, pairing materials with different characteristics. The team has selected materials such as corrugated metal, faux-stone, polycarbonate panel and bamboo timber. Their combination creates a rich facade with a visually intriguing interplay of textures and depths. Bamboo chamfered windows of varying sizes extend outward like camera viewfinders, capturing interesting moments from the surrounding environment.

A circular atrium becomes the core of the interiors where various functions nestle around. The sinuous walls are finished in beige texture paint that not only creates the visual connection to a cave, but also delivers a quiet atmosphere, thanks to its noise-reduction surface quality. The floor is paved with recycled bricks from the demolition of old buildings in Beijing, a choice both environmentally friendly and local. The display plinths and shelving are made of elm wood with stainless steel details, continuing the theme of integrating nature and technology. On the mezzanine level, glass and stainless-steel skywalks connecting all the pocket spaces while further instilling a sense of hitech precision. The terraced circular ceiling is inspired by the multi-layer structure of the camera lens, exuding an energy field in elegance.

In the workshop, in order to introduce more daylight and take into account the perspectives between two levels of customers, the skywalk railings are made of polycarbonate panels. The wood and aluminum structure of the balustrade extends to the bottom of the skywalk and the first floor wall. The linear array not only integrate the railings, lamps, and shelves into a design system, but also bring orderly beauty to this creative space. The theme wall on the other side implements the multifarious idea of the exterior design and comprises of many parts. Apart from the display screen, it also incorporates sound-absorbing fabric panels, display racks, acrylic panels, and wood carvings of camera assembly.

Walking through the main door, customers are greeted by the distinctive lens check-in spot, a recurring feature in all the other urban flagships. Behind the reception is a backdrop crafted from eco-friendly straw panels adding a touch of environmental consciousness. At the entrance display, a circular camera stand is marked with a metal cross at the center, drawing attention to the exhibits like a camera's focus. In the lounge area, the wood and aluminum kit-of-parts create bespoke furniture pieces fitting around the columns. The system integrates seating, lighting and shelving, and provides a comfortable chillout spot.

At the Nikon Beijing Flagship, a dance of light is sculpted by the architecture, conveying that light is the soul of photography. During the day, the volume of the building and the openings of different transparencies record subtle changes of light qualities with time; when night falls, the facade is a dynamic display of how different elements come together complementing each other. The interweaving of light and shadow not only brings poetry to the retail space, but also provides rich and varied scenes for photographers to test their equipment and create on the spot. In a bustling commercial complex such as Sanlitun, Nikon and Lukstudio hope to serve the photography community in Beijing and the surrounding areas by providing a social experience in which their bodymind are in harmony with the environment.