1089 Art Beauty Center: A Unique Fusion of Art and Beauty

Revitalizing an Old Building with a Stunning Facade

May 2017 in Chongqing China and finished in Dec 2018.

Renovating an old building into a modern masterpiece is no easy feat, but designer Pan Mok and his team have achieved just that with the 1089 Art Beauty Center. This flagship store in China stands as a testament to the power of art and beauty, captivating visitors with its unique facade and innovative design.

The inspiration for the design came from the delicate beauty of feathers. Mok aimed to create a light-feeling facade that would move gracefully with the wind, reflecting light from the surrounding environment. The choice of white as the primary color represents purity and cleanliness, while accents of gold and pink symbolize different stages of a woman's life.

What sets the 1089 Art Beauty Center apart is its meticulous attention to detail. Over 5250 white metal panels were hand-installed by a team of over 30 workers in just 40 days. The entrance was enlarged to a towering 5 storeys, creating a grand and inviting entrance. The curved lines, white, gold, and pink color scheme is seamlessly integrated throughout the entire mall, creating a cohesive and visually stunning experience.

One of the biggest challenges faced during the realization of this design was working within the limitations of the existing building. The team had to find a way to modify the facade without compromising the structural integrity. A metal frame structure was added at the back to support the new facade, and lightweight materials such as aluminum panels were used to minimize the impact on the existing structure. To ensure easy maintenance, a semi-gloss spray paint finish was applied, allowing the facade to be easily cleaned with a water gun.

The design team faced another significant challenge in obtaining approval from the local government. The unique and innovative facade design was a departure from the norm in Chongqing, making it crucial to convince the authorities that the 1089 Art Beauty Center would become a new landmark in the city. Through over 20 mock-ups and detailed studies, the team successfully conveyed the vision of a clean and simple facade with aesthetic appeal, establishing the mall as a modern and fashionable destination.

The 1089 Art Beauty Center is not only a testament to the power of design but also a celebration of art and beauty. It is a place where customers can open their minds and let their imaginations soar. The fusion of art, architecture, and technology creates a truly unique experience that sets this flagship store apart from the rest.

This remarkable design has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This award honors designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The 1089 Art Beauty Center is a shining example of how design can contribute to improving the quality of life and making the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Pan Mok
Image Credits: Pan Mok
Project Team Members: Pan Mok, Ye Hai
Project Name: 1089
Project Client: Pan Mok


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