Chinese architecture firm X&Collective Design has completed a new office space for a fashion brand UOOYAA in Shanghai, China - the studio elegantly converts former space factory into a working environment with new skylights, new application of materials and scaffolding system in order to create an image of an unfinished site.

Encompassing a total of 1,600-square-metre area, the project is designed for an office space of UOOYAA, a rising fashion brand of ladies apparels. Named Unfinished Space, the studio uses only some specific materials to create a flexible and comfortable space for its employees.

"The brand itself is a gift from the founding designer to his daughter, to inspire her, and every girl, to stay liberal, authentic, and fun. We hope to bring out the same brand spirit through the design of the office space," said X&Collective Design.

The studio kept the original structure of the warehouse, made only simple amendment and renovation to the original ceilings. The architects also added skylights when they reconstructed the factory area.

The architects added second floor to part of the plant, and put most of the main office area and staff recreation area into this second floor. Working on the second floor, people can sit in the cozy work station, while enjoying the sunshine and the view of the sky through the skylight.

In order to echo the working space and conference area on the ground floor, they opened several holes on the second floor, and connected the two floors with some plants and leaves. 

They also put up some gathering areas around the plants for people to meet and chat. The greeneries are like vertical extensions, penetrating in the two layers of space, inviting sun beams from the upper floor to the ground.

For the choice of facade material, the architects used a lot of polycarbonate hollow board as space partitions. They tailored transparent and translucent plates of various height. By doing that we maximised construction effectiveness without compromising lighting and sound insulation quality.

"Functional wise, the client put forward a unique demand as of a fashion brand, that is to say, the space will need to host runway shows and press conferences from time to time," added the firm.

"Therefore, when designing the circulation in the public area, we considered the necessity of the connection between the two floors, and to enhanced the sense of roaming in the space mobility."

The architects preferred to extend the space and functionality of the front desk area in response to the demand of frequent event occasions. They turned the front desk into a multifunction-able area, which can host small group of guests in casual occasions, and turn into a cocktail reception area for grand events.

Taking into account the chaotic exterior environment of the old industrial area, we arranged several greenery spots around the front desk where close to the main entrance and the external wall windows. The greeneries have become a transition area from outdoor to indoor.

Applying a scaffolding system, which is commonly used temporarily in a construction site, to the whole office area, the architects wanted to create an image of an unfinished site by using the scaffoldings as an key elements. 

"Scaffolding is a kind of auxiliary frame unit used in the process of normal building constructions. The scaffolding are torn down when the construction work is done," said the architects. 

"This unfinished state of mind helps remind people to stay simple and humble, focused and determined, yet open and curious. We hope the Unfinished space we created can be the extension of the brand spirit owned by the client, and speaks to every visitor who walks into the office."

The project, led by Alex Xie who is also founder of the firm, was completed last year. 

1st floor plan

2nd floor plan

Project facts

Project name: Unfinished Space

Design company: XCoD (X&Collective Design)  

Design team: Alex Xie, Chris Cheng, Daniel Zhu, CHEN fan

Location: Shanghai, China

Completion time: 2017

Area: 1600m2

Client: UOOYAA 

All images © Zhang Daqi

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