Beijing Wangfujing Shopping Mall: Modernising Traditions
Presenting the 2024 London Photographers of the Year
June 11, 2024
Interview with Jan-Tore Oevrevik from the United States
June 11, 2024
Rise of the Middle Kingdom
In the heart of China stands the Beijing Wangfujing Xiyue Shopping Mall, an opus magnum of Beijing that embodies the 800-year commercial history of Wangfujing Street. The mall epitomises modern commercial development in China, modernising traditions.
As shopping becomes a popular activity globally and in China, the mall redefines the concept of a shopping center. It aims to create a superblock where traditional culture and cutting-edge technology collide, seamlessly blending to meet diverse needs.
Modernising Traditions
The Beijing Wangfujing Xiyue Shopping Mall combines traditional Chinese designs and architecture with stark modern elements. Creating a modernising traditional design concept that is innovative. Intricate features such as lantern lighting, ancient Chinese roofing, and usage of bright red on all the buildings. As traditional practices gradually fade in rural China, this redefined concept of a modern-traditional mall serves as a stepping stone for future generations to understand and appreciate their ancestral heritage.
The design framework retains traditional architectural styles, incorporating elements like upturned eaves and roof ridge beasts. Simultaneously, modern materials such as stainless steel and metal alloys are subtly integrated to enhance spatial openness and transparency.
Cyberpunk A Reality
Extending from Yuanshi Avenue to Sundial Square, the area features suspended ancient archways made of silver wires and a cyberpunk aesthetic. Scenes like Shuijing Hutong and Jinjing Hutong, paired with innovative designs like the Qiankun Street and Qiankun Fang, further highlight a beautiful fusion of hutong commercial culture with future trends.
While red remains a colour that represents China at the Beijing Wangfujing Xiyue Shopping Mall, it complements together with futuristic designs and vibrant hues. This modernises the concept of a traditional-modern mall. A unique blend of contemporary and traditional elements creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a Cyberpunk game set in Chinatown. With neon lights littered and aesthetics akin to iconic films like Blade Runner.
For further details about the 2024 London Design Awards and the winners, please visit: thelondondesignawards.com.
Credits
Entry Title: Beijing Wangfujing Xiyue Shopping Mall
Entrant Company: Xiagushuyu Commercial Space Design Planning Co., Ltd.
Winning Category: Interior Design - Retails, Shops, Department Stores & Mall
Explore more innovative designs by global talents here at the London Design Awards.
