continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing

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A Single Continuous Rail Defines YEARLY PLAN Showroom by SHISUO

 

YEARLY PLAN showroom, designed by SHISUO Design Office, is located on Yongyuan Road in Shanghai and occupies an irregular existing interior. The project is structured around a single continuous hanging rail that extends for nearly 100 meters, serving as both the primary display system and the organizing element of the space.

 

In response to the constraints of the site, the design reconsiders the hanging rail as a spatial device rather than a fixed retail fixture. The rail adapts to existing walls, columns, and building services, bending, rising, and shifting in section as needed to navigate obstacles. This continuous line traces the perimeter and interior conditions of the space, transforming site irregularities into an active spatial sequence. Suspended above the floor, the rail maximizes display capacity while defining circulation and visual continuity throughout the showroom.

 

The rail functions as a linear framework that establishes relationships between architecture, garments, and movement. Rather than operating as an isolated object, it responds directly to its surroundings, framing the interaction between displayed clothing and the existing building fabric. Through this strategy, the showroom emphasizes spatial continuity and adaptability over conventional zoning or compartmentalization.

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
all images courtesy of SHISUO Design Office

 

 

YEARLY PLAN merges fashion, architecture and material expression

 

Complementing the suspended rail system, the design team at SHISUO Design Office distributes a series of sculptural concrete display stands throughout the space. These elements are composed of cast-in-place concrete modules assembled into interlocking configurations. The stands reference the work of sculptor Eduardo Chillida through their mass, material presence, and emphasis on gravity and balance. Their rough textures and inherent imperfections are intentionally preserved, allowing them to function as spatial anchors within the showroom.

 

The contrast between the heavy concrete forms and the lightweight, suspended rail establishes a clear material and structural tension. This relationship is further reinforced by the surrounding surfaces, where hand-dyed white timber slats form a subdued backdrop. These vertical elements recede visually, allowing the displayed garments and primary spatial components to remain prominent while maintaining a neutral and consistent interior field.

 

As garments are introduced into the space, material contrasts become more pronounced. The softness and movement of textiles are set against the rigidity of concrete and steel, creating a layered reading of weight, texture, and motion. This interplay reinforces the showroom’s emphasis on spatial relationships rather than isolated product presentation.

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
YEARLY PLAN showroom occupies an irregular interior on Yongyuan Road, Shanghai

 

 

Custom design elements replace standard retail display systems

 

Stainless steel full-length mirrors are integrated throughout the interior as reflective elements. Rather than presenting a continuous reflective surface, each mirror is segmented into staggered geometric facets. These fragmented planes distort reflections and suggest movement, introducing temporal variation into the otherwise controlled spatial composition. The mirrors contribute to the perception of motion and bodily presence within the showroom without functioning as purely utilitarian fixtures.

 

The project avoids standard retail display systems in favor of custom-designed architectural and furniture elements developed specifically for the brand. These components are conceived as durable, long-term installations rather than seasonal commercial fixtures. Through the integration of architecture, display systems, and material articulation, the showroom establishes a spatial identity that aligns fashion presentation with architectural structure and contemporary art practices.

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
a single continuous hanging rail organizes the entire showroom layout

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
the rail adapts to walls, columns, and existing building services

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
bending and rising, the rail traces the interior conditions of the site

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
the hanging system functions as both display and spatial framework

yearly-plan-showroom-shisuo-design-office-shanghai-designboom-1800-3

circulation and visual continuity are defined by the suspended rail

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
sculptural concrete stands are positioned throughout the showroom

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
the display stands are formed from interlocking cast-in-place concrete modules

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
hand-dyed white timber slats form a neutral backdrop for the space

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
material contrasts emerge between concrete and soft textiles

yearly-plan-showroom-shisuo-design-office-shanghai-designboom-1800-2

the showroom integrates fashion, architecture, and material expression into a unified spatial sequence

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
stainless steel mirrors are segmented into geometric reflective facets

continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing
mirrors function as spatial elements rather than utilitarian fixtures

 

project info:

 

name: YEARLY PLAN Shanghai Showroom

architect: SHISUO Design Office | @shisuodesign
design team: Sanif, Changshan, Zhang Yichi, Lin Zihan

location: Shanghai, China

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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