Taikoo Li
Sanlitun S01
Retail Public Realm
& Retail Facade
Renovation
Location
Beijing, China
Programme
Retail Public Space Upgrade & Facade Renovation
Client
Swire Properties
Work Scope
Concept, SD, DD, CD Aesthetic Review, Construction Cooperation
Current Status
Completed in 2023
LDI
China Electronics Engineering Design Institute Co., LTD
Lighting Consultant
Permanent Illumination Design (Beijing) Co., LTD
The i.t. streetwear collection store is making a stylish comeback in Taikoo Li Sanlitun, and moss. architects was commissioned to transform the exterior façade that was renovated a decade ago, redefining the façade to seamlessly integrate brand identity, products, and exterior spaces. In this transformation, we aimed to infuse the space with vibrant atmosphere and human scale that define street retail. We hope to use this building to evoke people’s memories of those free-spirited and energetic streets, while also showing the side of street fashion culture that advocates nature, neutrality, uniqueness, and coolness.
The i.t. streetwear collection store is making a stylish comeback in Taikoo Li Sanlitun, and moss. architects was commissioned to transform the exterior façade that was renovated a decade ago, redefining the façade to seamlessly integrate brand identity, products, and exterior spaces. In this transformation, we aimed to infuse the space with vibrant atmosphere and human scale that define street retail.
Unlike those luxury brands that rely on ornate embellishments and patterns to highlight exclusivity, street fashion brands prefer natural materials and colors to convey authenticity, naturalness, and individualism. We hope to use this building to evoke people’s memories of those free-spirited and energetic streets, while also showing the side of street fashion culture that advocates nature, neutrality, uniqueness, and coolness.
The old retail cladding was very closed-off, not leveraging its position as the gateway to the Taikoo Li South shopping area.
A large staircase obstructs both visual and physical connectivity, consuming excessive space in what could be a lively pocket plaza.
A dark and unattractive lift lobby that was also difficult to find.
Out-dated cladding and entrance to the Level 2 lift lobby.
Inspired by La Brea, a Streetwear hotspot in Los Angeles, we envisioned the facade as a collage of diverse shopfronts, with a variety of textures and materials.
As per operational needs, the facade design for S01 was divided in to three parts.
All existing cladding at level 1 and 2 were removed for a clean start.
Stacked shopfront volumes are stages to showcase a variety of brands that the store carries.
Shop windows, canopies, planters, and sidewalk seating are carved out of the volumes to create a more interactive facade, activating the shopping street.
As level three remained home to independently operated F&B throughout the renovation process, a separate cladding language was introduced.
Leaving existing apertures intact, curved perforated panels were added as a new veil for the building’s top.
In terms of cladding materials, we selected natural building material with low color saturation, such as stone, timber, and stainless steel, while endowing them with various scales and textures to enhance the contrast and expression of these materials.
Our primary strategy involved the creation of a new spatial layer that bridges the street and the building. Within this 800 mm depth zone, seating areas and lush vegetations were designed to encourage social interaction while immersing shoppers in this dynamic street culture.
Pocket Plaza | Before
Pocket Plaza | After
Lift Lobby | Before
Lift Lobby | After
To learn more about our lift lobby transformation, visit our Linked In article: Retail x Public Realm | Lift Lobby Makeover
As level three remained home to independently operated F&B throughout the renovation process, we re-cladded the building with perforated metal panel formed in curves pieces that correspond with the lower levels design aesthetics.
When night descends, this third-floor veil lights up, turning itself into a beacon gateway to South Taikoo Li.
Taikoo Li Sanlitun S01 Public Realm & Facade Renovation
Sanlitun Taikoo Li, a prominent cultural and shopping hub in Beijing, China, faced the task of transforming one of its structures, with an outdated exterior façade that was renovated a decade ago, to house a renowned streetwear collection store.
In this transformation, we aimed to infuse the space with a vibrant atmosphere and human scale that define street retail, while integrating brand identity, product placement, public engagement, and refined façade aesthetics.
Location | Beijing, China
Programme | Retail
Client | Swire Properties
Work Scope | Concept, SD, DD, CD Aesthetic Review, Construction Cooperation
Current Status | Completed in 2023
LDI | China Electronics Engineering Design Institute Co., LTD
Lighting Consultant | Permanent Illumination Design (Beijing) Co., LTD
The old retail cladding was closed-off at the entrance to Taikoo Li South, not leveraging its position as the gateway to the shopping area.
Architecture as Manifestation of Streetwear
Unlike those luxury brands that rely on ornate embellishments and patterns to highlight exclusivity, street fashion brands prefer natural materials and colors to convey authenticity, naturalness, and individualism.
We hope to use this building to evoke people’s memories of those free-spirited and energetic streets, while also showing the side of street fashion culture that advocates nature, neutrality, uniqueness, and coolness.
Inspired by La Brea, a Streetwear hotspot in Los Angeles, we envisioned the facade as a collage of diverse shopfronts, with a variety of textures and materials.
Synergy with Facade Design & Brand Personality
The stacked shop windows are designed as stages to showcase the multiple brands the store carries, allowing them to shine individually while maintaining a cohesive look with consistent silhouettes.
Multiple Materials in Seamless Union
In terms of cladding materials, we selected natural building material with low color saturation, such as stone, timber, and stainless steel, while endowing them with various scales and textures to enhance the contrast and expression of these materials.
A Friendly Street Narrative
To craft a new spatial narrative, we aimed to create a friendly and welcoming streetscape for shoppers to take respite from the hectic shopping scene and to more foster social interactions.
Our primary renovation strategy involved the creation of a new spatial layer that bridges the street and the building. Within this 800 mm depth zone, seating areas and lush vegetations were designed to encourage social interaction while immersing shoppers in this dynamic street culture.
Next, the removal of a substantial staircase facilitated the creation of a more inviting pocket plaza, enhancing visual connection and potential for social activities, while also adding important passive safety.
Public Realm Makeover
A complete makeover was also given to the previously dark and uninviting lift lobby. We have opened up the enclosed lobby, encouraging everyone to make ful use of the various facilities provided inside the lobby.
With sustainability in mind, we have selected terrazzo panels with embedded thrown-away ceramics as the interior wall material to lighten up the space.
The bright yellow colour is to echo the brand colour of Taikoo Li Sanlitun, while also serving as an organic way-finding device.
To learn more about our lift lobby transformation, visit our Linked In article: Retail x Public Realm | Lift Lobby Makeover
A Beacon at Night
As level three remained home to independently operated F&B establishments throughout the renovation process, we re-cladded the building with perforated metal panel formed in curves pieces that correspond with the lower levels design aesthetics.
When night descends, this third-floor veil lights up, turning itself into a beacon gateway to South Taikoo Li.
