The Vicutu Concept Store, located in the bustling urban area of Beijing, stands as a testament to Antistatics Architecture's innovative approach to design. Drawing inspiration from the intricate process of weaving fabric, the store's façade is a massive architectural representation of this process. The façade is constructed using a novel fabrication technique that involves bending and flexing aluminum sheets into doubly curved geometries, a first in the architectural industry.
The store's unique properties lie in its ability to spatialize and architecturalize the core elements of the VICUTU Fashion Brand. The attributes of the fashion industry are reinterpreted through a futuristic lens and an exquisite architectural language, providing customers with a unique experience while staying true to the fabric, tailoring, and quality of fashion. The store's design also reflects the production process and fabric properties of men's clothing, further establishing its connection to the fashion industry.
Antistatics Architecture faced several challenges in bringing this design to life. The team had to navigate the complexities of using different construction tectonics in one project, from the exterior to the interior. They also had to figure out how to apply a continuous curvilinear geometry to a large space, considering both traditional construction methods and the insertion of customized panels from digital fabrication.
Despite these challenges, the team successfully created a space that simulates various natural phenomena, such as mountains, waterfalls, deserts, and celestial events. This immersive environment reflects the perseverance of mankind and offers a retreat from the digital world. The textured artistic cement wall adds a classic, low-key, and sculptural element to the space, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
The Vicutu Concept Store has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Silver A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2023. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and the Vicutu Concept Store certainly fits the bill. Its unique design and innovative fabrication techniques not only offer a unique shopping experience but also push the boundaries of what is possible in retail architecture.
Project Designers: Mo Zheng
Image Credits: Photo credits: UK Studio, AntiStatics
Video Credits: AntiStatics
Project Team Members: Architect’ Firm: AntiStatics Architecture
Lead Architects: Mo Zheng, Martin Miller
Project Architect: Christopher Beckett
Team: Yasser Hafizs, Luke Theodorius E.D.Santoso, Frank Feng, Annie Liu, Dhaga Aman, Wenlin Bai, Yue Xi, Boyan Zhang, Arthur Yang, Yong Li, Weidong Zhang, Zhiming Wu, Changyong Guo, Jingwei Zhang
Client:VICUTU (Beijing Gelei Fashion Technology Co., Ltd)
Main Contractor: Beijing Chenfeng Polang Architectural Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.
GRG Fabricator: E-grow Shanghai
Project Name: Vicutu Concept
Project Client: Mo Zheng