A lattice of extruded aluminium sections evokes images of the brickwork in Beijing’s old neighborhoods at this luxury boutique by Kengo Kuma and Associates. 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. The edges of the partitions are staggered so that openings between each area are softened and the profiles can be seen more clearly.

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. 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. Garments and gifts are displayed on shelves set into the fretwork and on podiums placed within the smaller pockets of space.

More expensive objects are kept in recessed niches, fronted by glass and lit from above like museum vitrines. Booths allow customers to sit with sales advisors and try jewellery and other small items in relative privacy. The store is located in a shopping centre in the central business district in the north east of Beijing.

http://www.dezeen.com/2012/11/20/shang-xia-beijing-store-by-kengo-kuma/