Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice

Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Interior PhotographyAesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Interior Photography, KitchenAesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Image 3 of 17Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table, CountertopAesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - More Images+ 12

  • Architects: Offhand Practice
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  150
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2024
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Fangfang Tian
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Shanghai Yuncheng Industrial Co., Ltd., formulastre
  • Lead Architects: Nie Xuan, Yuan Yuan
  • Design Team: Nie Xuan, Yuan Yuan, Li Yue, Wen Xiao Hui, Gao Si Zhuo
  • Landscape Design: Wang Yutong
  • Suzhou Embroidery Artist: Liang Xuefang
  • Construction Team: Yanlu Interior Decoration (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
  • Lighting Design: calathea
  • Clients: Aesop
  • City: Suzhou
  • Country: China
More SpecsLess Specs
Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Exterior Photography, Facade
Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian

Text description provided by the architects. As the first soft rays of dawn paint the cobblestone street of Cangjie in soft hues, an autumn breeze carries not only the crimson leaves from Hanshan Temple but also a mysterious guest who had silently slipped into the tranquil city of Gusu. 

Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Image 13 of 17
Courtesy of Aesop
Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Interior Photography, Door, Arch, Column
Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian

Nestled in the heart of the ancient city, adjacent to the Xiangmen Wall, Cangjie is a historic commercial district that carries the treasured memories of Suzhou. It warmly welcomes visitors with its peaceful atmosphere.

Hidden deep within the bustling alleyways, a tranquil courtyard houses the Phoenix Hall, the sole Qing Dynasty architecture in Cangjie to be meticulously restored. This historic gem, a testament to our respect for the past, now serves as Aesop's first home in Suzhou. Bathed in the interplay of light and shadow that dances across its whitewashed walls and traditional black tiles, Aesop engages in a poetic conversation with the timeless beauty of Jiangnan Watertown.

Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Interior Photography, Kitchen
Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian
Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Image 15 of 17
Plan

The design's core concept revolves around reimagining the space within the constraints of traditional architecture. The goal is to seamlessly integrate modern functions while crafting Aesop's distinctive, brand-centric spatial experience. Inspired by conventional garden architecture, the spatial division draws inspiration from the concept of "shade", a typical design element that partitions the space into a central "hall" and surrounding "rooms". The "hall", an open space, fosters social interaction and imbues the space with a sense of ceremony. In contrast, the "rooms" offer a more private and enclosed experience. This duality of spatial qualities perfectly aligns with Aesop's spatial requirements.

Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Image 11 of 17
Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian
Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Interior Photography
Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian

Product shelves integrated with the "shade" are strategically positioned along the existing beams and columns, seamlessly fulfilling functional requirements while creating a sense of spatial hierarchy and enhancing the overall experience. The south facade facing the street features six inviting doors that serve as the main entrance. The gable wall as the secondary entrance disperses the flow of visitors while offering glimpses of the enchanting garden with its swaying trees and gently flowing water. The iconic central sink, the core feature of Aesop, is positioned in the central "hall". The generous space allows visitors to comfortably try out Aesop's products and engage in casual skincare consultations. The ensuite sink, fragrance armoire, and seating area are nestled within the surrounding "rooms", offering an intimate experience.

Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Interior Photography, Facade, Arch, Arcade
Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian
Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table, Countertop
Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian

Silk, a cherished possession of Suzhou, is extensively utilized throughout the space for its soft and sheer texture. The "shade" adhered to traditional proportions while substituting metal and semi-translucent silk for the wooden framework and intricate carvings, conveying Aesop's concise and refined modern aesthetic. Stone, an essential element of Suzhou Garden, with its natural textures and calming hues, is the material for central and ensuite sinks exquisitely inlaid with copper. Fulfilling functional requirements, the gently flowing water and the placement of the sculptural stone sink, reminiscent of scenic stone formations, echo the "stacked mountains and flowing water" aesthetic that defines Suzhou Garden. By employing traditional materials and craftsmanship, we create a profound connection to the local culture, and heritage is forged.

Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Image 9 of 17
Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian
Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Image 17 of 17
Axonometric Diagram

In the heart of the "hall", a modern lantern enveloped in silk softly illuminates the space. Adorned with Suzhou embroidery, one of the four primary traditional embroidery techniques, the lantern transforms into a canvas for exquisite needlework by Su embroidery artists. Inspired by the painting of Qing Dynasty artist Fan Qi, a Gusu painting scroll gracefully unfurls in the air, narrating the gentle tales of Jiangnan. Deep within the "room", an elegant fragrance armoire that beckons like a mysterious treasure cabinet, inviting for exploration. Gracefully supported by slender stands, the cabinet doors are accented with delicate copper ring handles, echoing the traditional furniture of the Qing Dynasty. Carefully selected antique furniture is scattered throughout the space, reducing our reliance on new resources and breathing new life into these cherished pieces.

Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Image 12 of 17
Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian
Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Image 16 of 17
Exploded Diagram

By embracing the present, traditions can truly be passed down and perpetuated. From space to craftsmanship, Aesop reinterprets Jiangnan traditions through a modern perspective, incorporating a sustainable lifestyle and offering a tranquil sanctuary amidst the urban clamor.

Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice - Image 3 of 17
Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:No. 188, G Floor, No.1 Cang Street, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store / Offhand Practice" 10 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023168/aesop-suzhou-cangjie-store-offhand-practice> ISSN 0719-8884

Courtesy of Aesop. Image © Fangfang Tian

伊索苏州仓街 / Offhand Practice

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.