x&collective design converts a warehouse into intentionally ‘unfinished space’

based in shanghai, the raising brand of women’s clothing UOOYAA wants to always stay liberal, authentic, and fun. aiming to bring this philosophy out through the project, x&collective design developed the interior for the brand’s new office space.

UOOYAA wants to always stay liberal, authentic, and fun
all images © zhang daqi

the venue used to be a warehouse of a former space factory. the studio kept the original structure, only making simple amendment and renovation of the ceilings — within the reconstruction of the factory area, skylights were added as well. they let people, who work at the newly constructed second level, enjoy the sunshine and the view of the sky.

the skylights let people enjoy the sunshine and the view of the sky

the second-level spaces are decorated by the plants which serve as a connection between the levels. they are like vertical extensions, penetrating in two layers of space, guiding sun beams from the upper floor to the ground one. there are gathering areas arranged around the plants for meeting and chatting.

the plants serve as a connection between the levels

to create walls the architects used polycarbonate transparent hollow boards of various hight. this solution maximized construction effectiveness without compromising lighting and sound insulation quality. 

walls are made of polycarbonate transparent hollow boards of various hight

as the client is a fashion brand, the place has to host runway shows and press conferences from time to time. designing the circulation in the public area, architects considered the necessity of the connection between the two floors and extended the space and functionality of the front desk area in response to the demand of frequent event occasions: the front desk is a multifunctional area, which can host small group of guests in casual occasions, and turn into a cocktail reception area for grand events. 

the front desk can host both small and grand events

using the scaffolding, which is commonly used in a construction site, as a key element, the designers want to create an image of an unfinished site. ‘this unfinished state of mind helps remind people to stay simple and humble, focused and determined, yet open and curious’, explains Alex Xie, the founder of x&collective design. ‘we hope the unfinished space we created can be an extension of the brand spirit, and speak to every visitor’.

using the scaffolding, the designers want to create an image of an unfinished site

the stairs leading to the second level

the place hosts runway shows and press conferences from time to time

project info:

project title: unfinished space
design company: x&collective design
design team: alex xie, chris cheng, daniel zhu, chen fan
location: shanghai, china
completion time: 2017
area: 160 sqm
client: UOOYAA
photography: zhang daqi

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.