The store, in Taikoo Li Chengdu, spans a total area of 958 square meters with a design that echoes Sichuan’s unique cultural and geographical characteristics. The team Conceived a space narrative that centers on three “chapters” and five exploration scenes, inspired by local elements and the exploratory spirit of outdoor sports. The store provides a comprehensive showcase for the entire ARC’TERYX collections. Through skillful blending and juxtaposing of materials, the two-story space has been transformed into a consistent three-dimensional landscape scenery, offering immersive retail experiences through creative scenography.
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ARC’TERYX Store, Taikoo Li Chengdu
Commercial Interior (Built)
Firm
ARC’TERYX ISE & VVYY Group & STILL YOUNG
Architect/Designer
ARC’TERYX ISE & VVYY Group & STILL YOUNG
Design Team
ARC’TERYX ISE & VVYY Group & STILL YOUNG
Location
F2 Taikoo Li, Chengdu, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Country
China
Photographer/Copyright
©WEN STUDIO
The brand’s skeleton logo on the storefront is made of antique green bronze, a surprising encounter exclusively crafted for the ARC’TERYX Store at Taikoo Li Chengdu. Inspired by the fossil prints of Archaeopteryx, the first reptile that developed feathers to fly, this logo pays homage to the brand’s origins.
To recreate the ambiance reminiscent of the natural cave where the fossils were discovered, the design team carved out a small opening at the top of the double-height space and incorporated lighting that casts gentle daylight-like glows. The 50-square-meters double-height space creates a cave-like environment, where the dark copper-colored metal leaves hanging on the ceiling further strengthens a sense of outdoors that echoes the brand’s origins, complemented with the surrounding custom-made stone walls.
Warm-colored rocks are utilized to define the interior surfaces on the first floor, as a response to the brand’s mountain DNA. This design also pays homage to the unique Sanxingdui culture in Sichuan, as if creating a contemporary outdoor work base.
The second floor accommodates a product display area, a coffee corner, a VIP space, and three terraces. The indoor and outdoor spaces interweave to create a scene of a captivating adventure journey through the incorporation of diverse materials and picturesque views, revealing a strong sense of collage.
Next to the Veilance Series display area is the VIP space. To maintain the outdoor ambiance of the terrace, the designers utilized bamboo-pattern decorative columns to create an undulating curved roof. This bamboo element echoes with that of the Veilance Series display area, sets the tone of the VIP space together with brushed stainless steel. In this way, the design creates a transition from Vancouver’s temperate rainforest to the lush bamboo forests of Chengdu.
Passing through the entrance and full-height space that compose the “first impression area”, the second “chapter” of the spatial narrative is unfolded around the theme of “World Expedition”. Various product collections with distinct features are displayed along the circulation route leading to various scenes, including “Rock Climbing”, “Rainforest Wandering”, and “Back to City”. On the second floor, there is a “Cave Exploring” area which features a coffee corner and terraces, providing a convenient spot for customers to take a break.
In addition to product display areas, fitting rooms also play a crucial role in creating a curated and immersive retail experience. The four fitting rooms on both levels of the store bring in various elements such as stretch ceilings, LED screens, mirrors, and a combination of audio and visual effects. This allows customers to fully immerse themselves while trying out the gear and clothing in the store.