Architectural Innovation Meets Fashion in Sanlitun
In the vibrant Sanlitun district of Beijing, the Rotterdam-based architecture practice MVRDV has crafted a visual marvel for Urban Revivo’s flagship store. This architectural spectacle stands out with its façade that shifts in color from blue to purple, thanks to a dichroic coating on aluminum tiles and tubes. This 4,120-square-meter (44,350 square feet) site is strategically positioned on Sanlitun West Street, joining two sectors of Taikoo Li: the youthful South Village and the luxe North Village.
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Celebrating Local and Global Design Trends
Founded in 2006, Urban Revivo’s reach spans over 380 stores globally, and their Sanlitun flagship is a key addition to Beijing’s fashion landscape. Here, the dichroic façade isn’t just decorative — its wave-like, three-dimensional forms create depth, shadows, and highlights, offering a unique retail identity that evolves with viewer perspective.
Tradition Meets Modernity
The design incorporates seven circular portals inspired by traditional Chinese moon gates, providing a glimpse into the store’s interior. The central portal leads into a space adorned with grey brick, reminiscent of Beijing’s historic hutongs and providing a neutral backdrop for the collections on display.
Layered Experiences Across Floors
Each floor presents distinct identities, signaled by the transformation in portal shapes — traditional moon gates transition to arched openings and rounded rectangles as you ascend. The ground floor’s expressive entry evolves into contemporary sophistication above, reflecting the varied aspects of Urban Revivo’s brand.
Immersive Shopping Environments
The store features six uniquely themed Bold Rooms. These rooms showcase playful designs: one room utilizes upholstered cushions, another, recycled fabric blocks. Reflective surfaces define an urban room, while wooden boxes frame a daring space. A dynamic room with changeable fabric curtains completes this thematic exploration.
Adapting Artistry Inside
This architectural journey extends vertically, with glass display cases creating atriums that further showcase merchandise. Local design elements mix with modern strategies to ensure the store is both a local landmark and a reflection of Urban Revivo’s global identity.
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A Collaborative Design Narrative
Jacob van Rijs of MVRDV explains, “Our challenge was crafting a space that honors local culture while embracing global aspirations.” This approach is also seen in the store’s signage and clothing racks, echoing their nearby work on the Tiffany & Co. store in the same district.
An Architectural Bet
This project poses a fascinating question: can a single dichroic façade bridge the gap between the trend-drenched South Village and the luxurious North? The answer lies in the visitor’s journey through different perspectives and experiences within this iconic Beijing flagship.
MVRDV’s Urban Revivo Sanlitun Flagship Store is scheduled for the years 2025–2026, set in motion by aluminium tiles and tubes, dichroic finishes, and refined interior choices like cobalt-blue velvet.
Source: urdesignmag.com
Frequently asked questions
What unique feature does Urban Revivo’s Beijing flagship store have?
Urban Revivo’s Beijing flagship store features a façade that shifts in color from blue to purple, thanks to a dichroic coating on aluminum tiles and tubes.
How does Urban Revivo’s store integrate traditional Chinese design?
The store design incorporates seven circular portals inspired by traditional Chinese moon gates, providing a glimpse into the store’s interior.
What is the interior theme progression of the stores?
Each floor presents distinct identities, signaled by the transformation in portal shapes from traditional moon gates to arched openings and rounded rectangles as you ascend.