Nature-inspired wayfinding activates - Hangzhou department store

Designed by B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio, The Roof Space & Yinyan department store in Hangzhou, China, taps into the site's marshland history and acts as a third place.
The store is located beside a subway station on a busy commuter route on the former site of a wetland. From the outside, the building takes on a bold, contemporary look, with smooth metal, glazed walls and strong diagonal lines speaking to the surrounding cityscape. The interior, stripped back and with services exposed, contrasts these external rectilinear geometries. B.L.U.E. Architecture tapped into the site’s history, employing curvilinear forms to produce islands – or ‘bubbles’ – of activity within the space, dedicated to a mix of retail and hospitality functions. The marshland is referenced on various scales, from the tree ring-like patterns on the floor to the lush plants occupying the interior and terrace.

The use of timber, metal, ceramics and glass generates a diversity of experiences within the building’s shell and prevents visual homogeneity. In some cases, the constructed walls take on other subsidiary roles, such as display shelving or seating. These are moments where visitors are encouraged to stop and engage with products on show or with one another. Smaller display tables resembling pebbles can be moved around the store as needed, introducing valuable flexibility to the space.