Project: Bananain Concept Store
Award: Retail & Consumer Design Interiors, Independent Shops & Small Chains, 2024
Location: Beijing, China
Design Practice: Some Thoughts
Client: Bananain
Chinese clothing brand Bananain's first concept store in Beijing's is located in the Sanlitun neighbourhood, known as the “dirty street” before its restoration. Within this narrow network of alleys, the site connects the northern and southern districts of Sanlitun. Through re-examining essential elements of the surrounding environment, design practice Some Thoughts, sought to capture the diverse cultural background and commercial ambience and weave this into the interior scheme.
The interior design incorporates architectural elements and conveys a sense of technological and industrial feeling providing a juxtaposition to Bananain’s products. The geological force of the space and the circular bridge, which spans across the two-story building, establish an architectural continuum in the elevated space. The circular bridge is a combination of two forms, allowing for patrons to overcome physical obstacles while simultaneously activating a new spatial circulation between the existing rigid columns.
Design highlights
An abstract set of geometric characters is achieved by exploring unconventional lines and materials using tailor-made industrial-inspired fixtures and finishes such as metal pipes, which perfectly match the requirements for the curved lines after heating. The spacing and specifications formed by the metal pipes, alternating the fixation of parallel two-way connections, provide flexible options for storage and display.
Exploring deeper into the dynamic interior, one enters an independent space dedicated to women’s underwear with separate fitting rooms inside, providing a more intimate and caring set-up. Proactively avoiding the awkwardness of browsing products allows more freedom in purchasing.
Photo credit: Some Thoughts / SFAP
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF SOME THOUGHTS: Li Jingze