PIG DESIGN has built a showroom building that is wrapped by angular corrugated stainless steel sheets in Hangzhou, China. 

Named Ya Space!, the building was designed as a furniture exhibition space, with Memphis furniture as main exhibits. 

To represent the elements of Memphis style, including geometric shapes and free composition, the architects choice to use geometric shapes on the façade that can be the striking elements to mark the building. 

"The designer titled it “Ya Space!”, which not only echoes the nickname of Memphis City in China — “Cliff City” (“Cliff” is pronounced as “Ya” in Chinese language), but also conveys a surprising feeling that indicate the unexpected sensory experiences Memphis furniture brings to people," said PIG DESIGN.

"The designers identified priorities for the selection of spatial materials and hues, hoping to go beyond Memphis' extreme emphasis on visual effects with enhanced textures and more sustainable concepts."

Based on the concept of “cliff”, the facade is characterized by bizarre visual effects and complex structures and techniques. As the team highlights, during construction, the "design team constantly improved the edging and connection of corrugated sheets, as well as the treatment of nodes and materials, to ensure a holistic image." 

The entrance of the building is another striking element which is shaped as pure circle in orange color.

According to the architects, the entrance is highlighted by a large exclamation point, guiding visitors to explore the unknown interior world. 

"All the visual elements perceived beforehand constitute an “index” of the peculiar and irregular space," they added.

Composed of two levels, the first floor centers on providing unconventional experiences, and produces spatial rhythm by unique combinations of geometric shapes. 

The foyer is highlighted with irregular stairs paved with black stone pieces, a door opening that brings a sense of order and enriches visual experiences, and a building block game-like scene which tries to break the barrier of class.

Grey and orange color are the main colors that the architects selected in the interiors. 

To emphasize a contrast with shapes and colors, the team created countless visual points that are formed by the combination of structures of different shapes. 

"Every structure is a visual point, and a geometrically-cut view frame. Suspended from the ceiling, circular light boxes cast and diffuse lights, creating a surreal atmosphere of floating," added the architects.

"An array of cylinders form the bar counter, and several independent metal installations compose handrails of the staircase. In this space, ordinary items constitute a stage for display and experience." 

In the interiors, they used the same materials as the walls, making them seem like objects that naturally “grow” from the space.

The second floor is designed as an exhibition space. The interior surfaces are conceived as movable geometric screens. The design continues the concept of "view frame", with a view to bringing changes to the angles of observation. 

"In this space, visitors can have a whole view or partial view of scenes, and can stand on tiptoe or bend down. Simple yet subtle arrangement of spatial structures produces playfulness within the space. Those structures adopt same finishes as the floor, as if they're growing from the floor," added the design team.

The design of the display area is based on the concept of framed views. Through cutting and recombining the views, it brings infinite possibilities to visual experiences within the field of view and makes observation more interesting.

Project facts

Project name: Ya Space!

Architects: PIG DESIGN  

Location: Hangzhou, China. 

Date: 2020

All images © Feng Shao

> via PIG DESIGN