Revolutionizing Retail Space: AntiStatics Architecture's "I Do Emergent Arts"

Blending Art and Commerce in a Unique Retail Environment

The design inspiration for "I Do Emergent Arts" stems from the global economy of rare stones. AntiStatics Architecture has incorporated elements related to the extraction, manufacture, and distribution of these precious materials into the design. The walls, sculpture, and geometric systems subtly draw attention to the larger network inherent to the retail industry. The project promotes awareness around the production of goods, with lost-wax casting, carving, and faceting presented as prominent design elements.

What sets "I Do Emergent Arts" apart is its unique blend of spatial and sculptural elements. At the heart of the space, a massive 9m steel sculpture rises from the first floor and emerges on the second. This sculpture, representing wisdom, strength, and unity, serves as an iconic beacon within the larger outdoor public space. The custom-fabricated displays and furniture stand in contrast to the curvilinear strip form of the walls and ceilings, creating a dialogue beyond the limitations of retail spaces.

The realization of this design was made possible through advanced technology. AntiStatics Architecture utilized customized in-house computational tools, wax 3D printing, and investment casting to fabricate the sculpture. The walls and façade were produced through CNC milling and casting of Gypsum and GRC, while the faceted displays and furniture were manufactured through digital models, automated production, and manual fabrication.

The project began in 2018 and was designed in Beijing, fabricated in Wuhan and Shanghai, and installed in Wuhan in 2021. It involved a rigorous and intensive process of research into emerging capabilities of digital fabrication. The goal was to find a new methodology for the production of highly-precise and structurally and materially efficient bio-inspired geometries using recyclable and proven materials such as stainless steel.

The project overcame previous limitations in the fabrication of complex steel forms. Using a streamlined workflow from artificial intelligence to 3D printing to assembly, AntiStatics Architecture redefined what was possible for highly precise, structurally responsive design. This work took on difficult scientific and engineering challenges as a means of opening new potentials for the conceptual and architectural presentation of space and form as metaphor.

In conclusion, "I Do Emergent Arts" by AntiStatics Architecture is a revolutionary retail space that merges art, commerce, and technology in an immersive environment. It pushes the boundaries of what is possible in retail design and sets a new standard for future projects. The design's recognition with the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in 2022 is a testament to its innovation and impact.