The latest venue of Chinese tea chain HEYTEA has opened in the Hongqiao Xintiandi neighborhood of Shanghai with a design by local architecture firm DAS Lab.
Spread across nearly 1,300 square feet, the design of the new location is based on creating familiar focal points, the reproducibility of materials and crafts, and an internationalized aesthetic that references contemporary symbols.
The space, structured by stainless steel in sliver gray, made a distinct contrast with the large area of red mortar, conveying the idea of a balance between the store’s business performance and the brand’s cultural value. The red motar simulated the texture of rammed earth, a traditional material in China, which delivered a vigorous power when in comparison with the lightness of the structure, thus an oriental sense of control and release is raised within the space.
The conception of the space started with a section, where the light penetrates into the interior through the rectangular openings on the facade, and the double-height oblique ceiling has cut out a new architectural form. “We hope such approach itself could be powerful enough to show people the boundary of spaces and the results of physical experiences,” explains the studio.
The idea of Local is a respond to Eastern context, territorial culture and business performance after a thorough study upon them. Such respond brought back the nature of locality. At the same time, the contemporary space interpreted the brand of HEYTEA and conveyed its soul to the widest customers.
