Tucked away in the heart of Nanjing’s historic Xinanli district, the Moment boutique offers a unique blend of modern retail and timeless architecture. This charming area, renowned for its winding alleys and conventional two-story Qing Dynasty wooden houses, sets the stage for Modum Atelier’s latest project: a revitalized space that pays homage to its past while embracing contemporary design.
The boutique, located on the second floor of a two-century-old structure, is uniquely defined by its adjoining courtyard, a tranquil oasis within the bustling city. This haven, adorned with a solitary jujube tree, exudes a sense of serenity that complements the retail space perfectly.
Despite limited usable space on the ground floor, Modum Atelier ingeniously transformed a narrow corridor into an inviting open-air walkway, seamlessly connecting the street to the hidden courtyard. This thoughtful design element invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, culminating in the tranquil courtyard.
Modum Atelier, renowned for their respect for architectural heritage, carefully considered the historical context of the building. The studio incorporated weathering steel frames into the boutique’s courtyard-facing windows, complementing the existing brick facade. This thoughtful choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also establishes a visual dialog between old and new.
“The mottled rust on the surface of the steel matches the tonality of the bricks, creating a sense of harmony,” explained the studio.This ingenious approach showcases a deep understanding of the power of subtle details to elevate a design.
located in the heart of China, Modum Atelier has crafted a unique retail experience with the Moment Boutique. The boutique’s exterior is adorned with a captivating facade of weathering steel, its rich patina a testament to the passage of time.”It’s a texture that has been baptised by time,” confided the studio to Dezeen.
Stepping inside,the boutique unveils an intriguing interplay between traditional and modern aesthetics. The upper floor features an L-shaped interior showcasing a central wooden pavilion. This bespoke pavilion, raised on short columns, resembles a tranquil tea room and serves as a versatile space for hosting various events, from intimate gatherings to product launches and engaging salons.
The pavilion’s sloped roof, open at both the front and back, creates an airy ambiance. A suspended staircase gracefully connects it to the ground floor, giving the impression that the structure is floating amidst the space. Large stones strategically placed beneath the pavilion anchor it to the earth, symbolizing a harmonious balance between the floating lightness and grounded solidity.
This blend of architectural elements and natural textures truly sets the Moment Boutique apart, offering a captivating space that seamlessly blends elegance with functionality.
Uchronia Dives London’s Koibird with Psychedelic colors
London’s Koibird boutique has received a vibrant makeover thanks to the creative vision of studio Uchronia. The revamp transforms the space into a captivating, psychedelic haven, blurring the lines between fashion, art, and an immersive experience.
As the heart of the redesigned space, a striking wooden pavilion acts as a focal point, drawing the eye with its unique form and inviting presence. “The design of the wooden pavilion is inspired by the evolution of the surrounding historical buildings,” the studio shared, ”It gives customers the feeling of a cosy home atmosphere while allowing them to look at the surrounding clothing displays and the landscape outside the window, creating a unique experience.”
This captivating pavilion extends from the wall of a cylindrical space,cleverly housing the fitting rooms and nail service area. The overall layout of the boutique is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional garden corridors, guiding customers through a winding path that gracefully encircles the central pavilion. Along this enchanting journey, clothing displays are artfully arranged, complemented by strategically placed mirrors and windows that offer glimpses of the courtyard and the bustling streets beyond.
A recent retail design project in China beautifully blends the principles of art and commerce, offering a unique shopping experience that goes beyond traditional displays.
Beijing-based Modum Atelier conceived Moment Boutique, a space that reimagines the conventional retail environment as a dynamic, immersive landscape. By strategically placing mirrors and windows, the studio created a continuous flow that seamlessly integrates the store with the surrounding vista.
“We arranged them in a way that simulates a flowing landscape that breaks the monotony and limitations of traditional retail environments, creating a more immersive and diverse shopping experience for customers,” the studio explained.
Designed with a clean and elegant aesthetic, the store features natural wood accents and a palette of soft white tones, ensuring the merchandise remains the undeniable focal point. The use of rough-textured, water-brushed stone for the flooring adds a tactile dimension, contrasting the smooth surfaces and further enhancing the connection to the outdoor world.
Modum Atelier envisioned Moment Boutique as a curated “exhibition,” a space that resonates with customers on an emotional level and fosters a deeper connection with the brand.
“We tried to transform the sales space into an ‘exhibition’ full of storytelling, emotional resonance and experiential value,” the studio shared. “Through a visual narrative that resembles a long shot in a movie, the landscape naturally integrates into the space and becomes part of customers’ interactions with the brand.”
This approach goes beyond simply selling products; it cultivates an engaging atmosphere where customers become active participants in a compelling narrative.
Step inside the Moment Boutique in China, and you’ll be greeted by an atmosphere of tranquility. Designed by Modum Atelier, this haven of style prioritizes calmness and serenity, creating a shopping experience that’s as refreshing as it is inspiring.
The boutique’s minimalist aesthetic is promptly apparent. Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a muted colour palette of natural wood accents and crisp whites combine to create a feeling of openness and tranquility. Modum Atelier’s design choices are deliberate, each element carefully considered to contribute to the overall sense of calm.
What architectural elements and materials contribute to the overall blend of modern and historic design in Moment Boutique?
Summary of Moment boutique by Modum Atelier:
Location: Nanjing, China, in the historic Xinanli district
Concept: A unique blend of modern retail and historic architecture, preserving old harmony with contemporary design
Features:
- Location: Situated on the second floor of a two-century-old structure, opening up to a tranquil courtyard adorned with a solitary jujube tree.
- access: A narrow corridor transformed into an inviting open-air walkway seamlessly connecting the street to the courtyard.
- Design: Thoughtfully incorporates weathering steel frames in the courtyard-facing windows, complementing the brick facade and creating a visual dialogue between old and new.
- Interior: An L-shaped space with a central wooden pavilion resembling a tea room,serving as a versatile event space. The pavilion’s sloped roof and suspended staircase create an airy atmosphere.
- Flooring: Large stones strategically placed beneath the pavilion anchor it to the earth, symbolizing balance between lightness and solidity.
- Color and Textures: A captivating blend of architectural elements and natural textures sets the boutique apart, offering elegance and functionality.
Creator: Modum Atelier, renowned for their respect for architectural heritage.
Inspiration from Uchronia Dives London’s Koibird Boutique:
- Revised space: London’s Koibird boutique receives a vibrant makeover by uchronia, transforming it into a captivating, psychedelic haven that blends fashion, art, and an immersive experience.
- Pavilion: A striking wooden pavilion acts as the focal point in both boutiques,inviting customers to gather and shop in a cosy atmosphere while enjoying views of their surroundings and the clothing displays.
- Layout: In both designs, customary garden corridors guide customers through winding paths that encircle the central pavilion, with clothing displays strategically placed alongside mirrors and windows offering glimpses of courtyards and bustling streets.
