Nestled within the bustling commercial hub of Xinglin Bay’s towering office building in Jimei District, Xiamen, China, the Red Dot Design Museum, masterfully crafted by STEPS Architecture, breathes new life into a once desolate space.
Transforming the very essence of a shopping mall, this architectural marvel ingeniously repurposes the existing storefronts as canvases for captivating museum posters. The exterior plaza and bridge, adorned with a vibrant array of red accents, from striking installations to meticulously painted columns and railings, beckon visitors towards the museum entrance, infusing the city with a vibrant burst of color.
Breaking free from the confines of traditional museum design, the Red Dot Design Museum in Xiamen draws inspiration from the ever-evolving world of consumer culture. It seamlessly merges the boundaries between museum and shopping mall, creating a harmonious blend of spatial systems. Embracing the concept of open public spaces within urban consumer environments, this extraordinary museum offers a whimsical journey akin to leisurely strolling through a bustling shopping mall.
Collaborating alongside Network Party, the design team at STEPS Architecture strives to optimize the interior spatial potential of the museum’s commercial podium. This is achieved through the incorporation of various retail spaces, coffee shops, and restaurants. The atrium, which has been transformed into a visually striking double-spiral red stair, serves as the focal point of the museum. To captivate both onsite and online audiences, LED screens are integrated into the stairway, displaying captivating posters and videos.
In order to create a seamless and integrated experience, the museum places a strong emphasis on flexibility and openness. By implementing strategies that dissolve the boundaries between exhibition halls and other spaces, the museum fosters a cohesive environment. Traditional walls are replaced with showcase-lined corridors and prefabricated boundaries, offering versatile exhibition spaces and facilitating efficient construction processes.
Looking towards the future, the museum not only focuses on planning, design, and construction, but also assumes a pivotal role in future operations and exhibition design within the area. As a hub for design education, the Red Dot Design Museum provides dedicated spaces for sessions, forums, and conferences, nurturing the next generation of designers. Additionally, the museum offers dedicated spaces for children, featuring interactive exhibitions and educational activities, which further enhance the overall experience by blending learning with enjoyment.