JUICE Shenzhen by DDDD Creative Company

Clot is a trendy clothing brand under the Condensation Group founded by Hong Kong artiste Edison Chen. The brand has always been committed to promoting Chinese culture and insists on the design concept of ‘fusion of East and West’. This project is Clot’s first shop in Shenzhen, China. In addition to reflecting the Eastern philosophy, the design is intended to incorporate the unique culture of the city of Shenzhen. 

Shenzhen is a new city of amazing development. Since the establishment of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) in 1980, Shenzhen has transformed from a small fishing village into a first-tier city with skyscraper. People from all over the world have been developing together on this piece of land in tacit agreement. Behind the peaceful coexistence and tolerance between people, the oriental wisdom of “harmony” is the unique spirit of this new city of Shenzhen.

The “Geographical Awakening Record – Mingtang” mentions: “The Mingtang is the king’s hall, a place designed to accommodate the vassal lords’ homage. ” This indicates that the Mingtang was originally the imperial court for governance and offfcial worship. Any significant ceremonies, such as homage assemblies and sacriffces, were conducted in the Mingtang. From the country to the family, the ‘Ming Tang’ is a place of accommodation and deliberation, which is an important venue to reflect the culture of ‘harmony’. 

Chinese Mingtang Layout

Chinese Mingtang, generally refers to the open space in front of the mansion, and the building presents a symmetrical structure. Mingtang in Chinese architecture is deeply concerned. It’s square and open. A high wall at the back is a metaphoric for a supporter with a great background. From a feng shui point of view, it is a place to gather popularity and wealth. The symmetrical layout of the space and the expression of connotation are expressed in a Chinese-style Ming Tang unfolding. The entrance and window area are made of rough texture of sisal stone to create the impression of a Chinese courtyard, peeping into the shop through a patina screen. The handmade bricks in cement colour, commonly used in traditional houses, are applied in the meeting area of the hall. The large round table in the centre, which embodies the culture of ‘harmony’, is a reconstruction of the Ming Dynasty furniture, which represents the Chinese Bauhaus style. This also outlines the traditional Chinese custom of eating around the table in a traditional family setting. Western lines on the walls and warm coloured carpet connect the space. The walnut screen at the back features a plaque with the Chinese name of the brand in gold lacquer brushstrokes. The fitting room and cashier area are hidden behind the screen. Additionally, the walnut walls and the gold brick flooring used in old buildings are used to delineate the traditional inner courtyard area.

Shenzhen Local Culture

Shenzhen is one of the fastest growing cities in China. It is home to many young people with dreams of working hard, so Shenzhen has a well-known label ‘Money City’. One of the meanings of the brand logo is evolved from the concept of ancient Chinese coins. The design uses its mineral oxidised surface. The evolution over time, cast iron and oxidised bronze, reflect this special Shenzhen.

Chinese-Western Fusion Furniture

For the development of the display items, we wanted to create a dramatic freshness through the collision of cultures and materials. The Ming Dynasty desktop and the Western-style low table are displayed at the same time, blending the elements of Ming Dynasty furniture with the streamlined form of European furniture.

Wood carving and stainless steel, emerald green marble and rusty oxidised plate, mirrored stainless steel and translucent glass materials are pieced together to form four curved tables with different forms, eventually forming a large round table in the middle.

The peaceful coexistence of Chinese and Western elements is just like the internalisation and tolerance of the city of Shenzhen.

Photography:YUUUUNSTUDIO