Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, known for their innovative architectural designs, has once again teamed up with Jisifang to create a striking duo of shops in Shanghai’s Panlong Tiandi development. This collaboration, featuring Jisifang Boutique and Woven Moonlight, showcases two adjacent spaces, each with its own unique identity yet sharing a common narrative.
Jisifang Boutique: The Wooden Sanctuary
The design concept for Jisifang Boutique draws inspiration from Laugier’s “Primitive Hut,” which is considered the fundamental prototype of all architecture. Stripped down to its essence, the boutique establishes a deep connection between humans and the natural world, reflecting the brand’s commitment to linen as a material that bridges daily life and nature.
The interior features a prominent wooden house structure that serves both as a spiritual space and a functional display element. Crafted from white oak with its natural grain and color intact, and complemented by handmade ceramic tiles on the floor, these warm materials harmonize with the textures of linen products. The sloping roof enhances the spacious sanctuary feel, while filtered light and framed views on the facade create a gentle link to the bustling retail street outside.
Woven Moonlight: The Concrete Cave
In stark contrast to Jisifang Boutique, Woven Moonlight embraces a cave-like aesthetic with its concrete walls. The textured surfaces of these walls enclose the main display area, featuring niches lined with translucent linen curtains and custom-built walnut cabinetry. This juxtaposition of soft textiles, warm timber, and refined details against rough concrete creates a unique visual and tactile experience.
As visitors move through the space, they encounter a double-pitched sloped ceiling with openings that allow natural light to flood in, animating both the space and the garments on display with vivid expressions throughout the day.
Reflecting on Humanity’s Original Spaces
Both Jisifang Boutique and Woven Moonlight explore the primal essence of human habitat, evoking a return to a more primitive state of being. Neri&Hu’s design philosophy hopes to transport visitors beyond the urban environment, reconnecting them with nature through the touch and feel of Jisifang’s linen fabric.
This collaboration between Neri&Hu and Jisifang not only defines a new standard for retail design but also invites visitors to contemplate the essence of materiality and space in our modern world.
