The vermilion mountain gate opens slowly. Above it, the stone plaque “Imperially Built Zhizhu Temple” stands alongside textile artist Fanglu Lin's tie-dye works, creating a unique coexistence. Founded in the early 15th century as a royal printing house, the site has borne many identities—a temple to host lamas, later transformed into a state-owned television factory, and was restored in 2008, winning the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. SKYnoa chose this heritage site as the location for ZARA’s limited-time art space, connecting history, the city, and customers to expand retail boundaries.
Outside the gate, in tribute to art, fashion, and traditional craftsmanship, SKYnoa created an installation inspired by hanging indigo-dyed cloth drying. Made of cedar wood, natural stone, cotton canvas, and posters, visitors enter by hand, lifting the curtain to step inside. The outdoor lighting installation, inspired by the pleats and folds of the tie-dye process, interpret this ancient technique with a modern touch. The temple is reimagined through a contemporary lens: Three spaces are lightly combined for an artistic retail experience.
A side wing of the temple is transformed into a dyeing studio inspired by tie-dye techniques. Pools and walls are washed in indigo, recreating the ambience of a traditional workshop. Suspended above the dye vats is an audio-textile installation designed by SKYnoa, their twisted fibers resemble sound waves, silently revealing the hidden history of craftsmanship. On the surrounding walls, Fanglu Lin’s sketches and process notes invite visitors to embark on a sensory journey.
Further into the courtyard is a quiet yet social space. Hanging from the beams is a large fabric piece inspired by Fanglu Lin's work, blending handcraft with the building. The space becomes a walk-in art installation – an extension of the collection and a visual centerpiece. It draws viewers into textile art while offering a great photo spot.
The main display area is in the temple's central hall. Blue semi-transparent linen fabric subtly divides the space. It reinterprets the old wooden structure while keeping the design unified. Combined with custom sisal carpets, it creates a soft, rhythmic layout with blurred edges.The hall is divided. Instead of one large open space, visitors can wander freely, creating a gallery-like feel. Moving through, views change: glimpses of the ancient temple, shifts between large and small areas, Fanglu Lin's works and the collection pieces placed throughout.
Simple fabric changes how people relate to the building and space, creating a quiet story for walking, looking back, and pausing. The temple remains, softened into a background. Fabric walls act like canvases, setting the mood and displaying key collection items. Furniture design draws inspiration from traditional materials, presented in contemporary forms. Garment racks have curved shapes, softening the space's angles. Handmade tables combine concrete with fabric texture, honoring materials and craft.
This collaboration with ZARA is more than a project. It bridges art, culture, and fashion, broadening Zara's brand vision and offering new interpretations for the cultural and retail landscapes of the cities it inhabits.