Hangzhou, China
Designed by Wenqiang Li and his team at Pig Design, this project is a furniture exhibition space with Memphis furniture taking center stage.
The designer titled it “Ya Space!”, which not only echoes the nickname of Memphis City in China — “Cliff City” (“Cliff” is pronounced as “Ya” in the Chinese language), but also conveys a surprising feeling that indicate the unexpected sensory experiences Memphis furniture brings to people.
Representative elements of Memphis style, including geometric shapes and free composition, were frequently applied to the project.
The designers identified priorities for the selection of spatial materials and hues, hoping to go beyond Memphis’ extreme emphasis on visual effects with enhanced textures and more sustainable concepts.
Constructed by corrugated stainless steel sheets based on the design concept of “cliff”, the facade is characterized by bizarre visual effects and complex structures and techniques.
During construction, the design team constantly improved the edging and connection of corrugated sheets, as well as the treatment of nodes and materials, to ensure a holistic image.
The entrance is highlighted by a large exclamation point, guiding visitors to explore the unknown interior world.
All the visual elements perceived beforehand constitute an “index” of the peculiar and irregular space.
The interior space is composed of two floors.
1F centers on providing unconventional experiences, and produces spatial rhythm by unique combinations of geometric shapes.
The foyer features irregular stairs paved with black stone pieces, a door opening that brings a sense of order and enriches visual experiences, and a building block game-like scene which tries to break the barrier of class.
Countless visual points are formed by the combination of structures of different shapes.
Every structure is a visual point and a geometrically-cut view frame. Suspended from the ceiling, circular light boxes cast and diffuse lights, creating a surreal atmosphere of floating.
An array of cylinders form the bar counter, and several independent metal installations compose handrails of the staircase.
In this space, ordinary items constitute a stage for display and experience.
Architects: Pig Design
Design Team: Wenqiang Li, Shijie Tan, Liang Cheng, Yiyun Zhu, Yunyun Chen, Ruonan Liu, and Keke Wang
General Contractors: Hangzhou Dianchang Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.
Photographers: Feng Shao