Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates
A lattice of extruded aluminium sections evokes images of the brickwork in Beijing's old neighbourhoods at this Shang Xia boutique by Kengo Kuma and Associates (+ slideshow).
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_3.jpg)
Three different H-shaped sections and two sizes of I-shaped section have been built up in layers to divide the space into a series of linked rooms.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_2.jpg)
The edges of the partitions are staggered so that openings between each area are softened and the profiles can be seen more clearly.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_5.jpg)
The sections also decorate the ceiling at the front of the shop, but are replaced by black mirrored glass in some of the sections further back.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_9.jpg)
Bricks made from compressed tea leaves line the walls at the back of the store, creating a darker, more intimate area where visitors are served tea while they browse.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_13.jpg)
Garments and gifts are displayed on shelves set into the fretwork and on podiums placed within the smaller pockets of space.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_sq_8.jpg)
More expensive objects are kept in recessed niches, fronted by glass and lit from above like museum vitrines.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_14.jpg)
Booths allow customers to sit with sales advisors and try jewellery and other small items in relative privacy.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_12.jpg)
The store is located in a shopping centre in the central business district in the north east of Beijing.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_10.jpg)
Kengo Kuma's studio also designed Shang Xia's inaugural store in Shanghai.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_11.jpg)
Dezeen visited Shang Xia during this year's Beijing Design Week, where we also saw an installation made from ceramic yoghurt pots and screens inspired by traditional Chinese motifs.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_4.jpg)
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A few more details from the designers can be found below:
In this shop, extruded aluminum is used as the main material to form the space. The aluminum consists of three H-shaped types (H: 60mm, H: 90mm, H: 135mm) and two I-shaped types (L: 100mm, L: 200mm).
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_8.jpg)
At the upper and the bottom part of the space where the load is concentrated, the shorter type (H: 60mm) of aluminum is densely applied.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_7.jpg)
To the contrary, the higher type (H135mm) of parts is used largely in the middle, as the load is less, so the screen could be light.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_sq_6.jpg)
Thus, feature of this design is virtually the result of the structural demand, but the mechanics naturally generated a gradually-changing transparency from the material.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_15.jpg)
The layer of the aluminum screens makes you feel being placed in a mysterious cloud.
![Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates Shang Xia Beijing Store by Kengo Kuma and Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/11/dezeen_Shang-Xia-by-Kengo-Kuma_16.jpg)
Project Name: Shang Xia Beijing Store
B1 China World Mall, China World Trade Center, No.1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Beijing
Type of Construction: interior
Main Use: shop
Design and Supervision: Kengo Kuma & Associates
Number of Floors: two in the basement
Total floor area: 152㎡
Design Period: January 2012 – May 2012
Construction: June 2012 – August 2012