Choclab: A Unique Blend of Privacy and Curiosity

Bin Ye's Award-Winning Design Balances Seclusion and Exploration in Retail Spaces

Bin Ye's design inspiration for Choclab came from the paradox of human nature: the desire for personal privacy and the irresistible urge to delve into others' spaces. Choclab is designed to cater to this duality. Unlike typical multi-brand stores that reveal large internal areas, Choclab opts for a closed storefront design, featuring a geometrically combined facade and a seemingly permanently closed door. This unique entrance sparks curiosity and invites exploration.

The design's unique properties extend beyond its intriguing facade. The interior of Choclab is divided into several zones using criss-crossing geometric patterns, creating a visually spacious and connected environment. The use of a simple and bright structure, featuring plenty of white and vibrant gold, enhances the sense of space and imagination.

Choclab's design realization technology draws inspiration from the fashion industry's treatment of materials. The importance of handcrafting, three-dimensional cutting, and deconstruction that creates conflicts is evident in the design. The second floor, for instance, features iron black walls, stalls, and warm-toned leather, all polished by hand, adding a touch of craftsmanship and mystery to the space.

One of the significant challenges Bin Ye faced during the design process was the integration of a restaurant within the clothing store, considering the potential issue of smell. The solution was the innovative use of vertical independent walls as dividing surfaces, with various cuts, convex, and concave shapes. The lower part of the wall was made transparent, subtly creating an overlap between the two spatial entities.

The project, which began and concluded in 2018 in Hangzhou, China, is a testament to Bin Ye's innovative approach to retail design. Choclab is more than just a store; it's a space that encourages exploration and satisfies the human desire for privacy, making it a truly unique retail experience.

Choclab's unique design and innovative approach to retail spaces have earned it the prestigious Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. This award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, creativity, and innovation, and Choclab certainly fits the bill. Its unique blend of privacy and curiosity sets it apart from traditional retail spaces, making it a deserving recipient of this accolade.