YOUWEI Xinle Road Concept Store
YOUWEI XINLE ROAD CONCEPT STORE
Say Architects
INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Say Architects
LEAD ARCHITECTS
Zhang Yan, Shan Jianan
ENGINEERING
Shanghai Zhonggeng Decoration Design Co., LTD.
FURNITURE SUPPLY
Maison Wave
DESIGN TEAM
Fan Yawen(Project Manager), Sun Haoyang, Chen Lin
CLIENTS
Youwei
CERAMIC PRODUCTION
Luoslab
PHOTOGRAPHS
Wen Studio
AREA
247 m²
YEAR
2025
LOCATION
Shanghai, China
CATEGORY
Retail, Retail Interiors
English description provided by the architects.
The concept store adjoins Xiangyang Park, where a tree grows at the centre of the site, embodying as a metaphor for YOUWEI's philosophy of rooting the self while open to exploration.
As the brand's inaugural store, say sought to preserve this relationship between architecture and tree, allowing the space form around the tree, rooted in place and evolving organically over time. At the same time, incorporating YOUWEI's narrative into the space, enabling the brand's identity extend naturally throughout the store.
The exterior façade is clad in custom crackled ceramic tiles. The patterns draw inspiration from the shedding of tree bark, through simplication, and are imprinted onto the tiles. Ink-filled lines trace these creases, ensuring that no pieces are alike.
Together, they form an entrance marked by the traces of natural growth, forming a dialogue with the tree. The inherent uncertainty of the firing process introduces an authentic sense of imperfection, which echoes the brand's embrace of individuality.
The crackle glazing continues to transform, creating fine textures to evolve through time. As inked lines intertwine with the passage of time, a subtle interaction emerges: the tree remains rooted in place, while its vitality and sense of change continue to flow.
The arched entrance recessed inward, evoking the sensation of stepping into a hollow within the tree itself. Undulating walls clad in bark-like texture, while display rails take the form of climbing vines, weaving their way across the surface.
Even the wall hooks follow a logic of growth: shaped like burls, their contours fit naturally into the human hand, offering both tactile comfort and structural stability.
Function grows into form, leaving a sense of prosperity. Cast-iron vines trace the walls and extend toward the courtyard, connecting the interior space with the outdoor garden.
The courtyard ground embraces a natural sensibility, allowing grass to grow while stone pavements retain traces of varied finishing techniques. Leading towards the side wing, separating the fitting room and multifunctional area, forming a soft transition between nature and the urban.
Aside from the unrestrained display area, the multifunctional area aligns more with an urban context where the imagery of the tree is refined and composed.
Teak wood and light-tined paving establish a soft yet restrained tone while the cast-iron clothing rail and metal details introduce a sense of strength and structure.
Every symbol of growth-burls, twigs, whether polished or broken, is preserved and translated into distinctive spatial elements, each carrying its own narrative within the space.
Inside the space, every material is telling the story of time. Rather than imposing upon nature, say envisions YOUWEI's brand space as something that grows outward like a tree, evolving and branching.
The space is intended to age alongside the brand and its visitors, gradually developing and cultivating more stories rooted in its relationship with the tree.
