As contemporary architecture evolves, spaces designed solely as carriers of function are becoming less pragmatic in addressing the complexities of urban life. With the ever-increasing demands on spaces, they must transcend their utilitarian origins, evolving into resonant intersections between the physical and the metaphysical. Reflecting upon this philosophy, China-based DOK Design believes spaces to be irreducible to a single expression. “Through the meticulous application of the elements of time, emotion, light and shadow, aura and imagination, they (spaces) have the potential to become richly charged with meaning – from one perspective recalling the spirit of ages past, from another evoking the vital energy of the present,” the studio mentions in an official statement.

The architecture and interior design firm recently transformed a former textile factory in Shanghai’s Jing’an District into a multifunctional showroom and workspace. Rooted in the history of its industrial past, the DOK Design Showroom and Studio coalesces tradition and modernity, offering a space where the raw character of the building is preserved while simultaneously breathing new life into it. The spatial layout is practical yet poetic, integrating contrasting materials and textures to create an environment that feels immersive and animate.

The 320 square metres retail design features a solid wall at the entrance, obscuring direct views of the interior, thereby inviting exploration and curiosity. The space gradually reveals layers of design reminiscent of traditional Chinese gardens, where visual and tactile elements create an illusion of a boundless space. The interior façade is characterised by a rhythmic interplay of horizontal and vertical forms, with subtle gaps occupying the top and bottom, suggesting the continuous flow of space. At the base, a sculpted granite feature embodies the precision and freedom of Chinese calligraphy, while “referencing the natural relationship between mountain peaks and rushing rivers", as per the press release.

Conveying the studio’s exploration of oriental aesthetics and integrating wabi-sabi with traditional craftsmanship, the layout of the space smoothly transitions different functional zones. A freestanding marble bar, adjacent to the entrance, serves as the focal point in the central area, merging a chic contemporary aesthetic with the industrial character of the space. The bar in white marble houses a panelled timber cabinet beneath, with a butterfly door, adding a touch of intricate artisanal detail.

Scaled to suit diverse spatial arrangements in a house, the display areas showcase a curated selection of functional and sculptural cabinets and furniture. Crafted from dark timber with elaborate detailing, these display units anchor the showroom’s distinct offerings. The expansive sloped ceiling provides ample headspace and allows natural light to flood the area through the skylight, enhancing the room's warm and inviting ambience.

The showroom further continues to the lounge and tea-tasting areas, with warm lighting setting the ambience. Thoughtfully arranged vintage-style lamps, handmade rugs, eclectic ceramics and tableware bring a sense of visual charm and comfort, inviting guests to relax and escape the hustle of the city. Adjacent to an external terrace, the tea-tasting area merges indoor and outdoor spaces, extending the experience beyond the walls. This seamless flow from the lounge to the tea room, enriched by a succession of carefully chosen design elements, evokes a sense of peaceful retreat, celebrating Eastern sensibilities that connect aesthetics with everyday life.

At the rear end of the showroom, guests experience a shift in the atmosphere, defined by a deeper and more refined colour palette. Dark timber cabinets line the shaded areas, adding a sense of rich warmth and sophistication. The dramatically arched ceiling, with its minimalist design, evokes a feeling of sacredness, while natural light entering through the existing skylight casts delicate shadows across the walls and floor, adding a dynamic element to the room. The quiet surfaces invite reflection, offering a serene conclusion to the immersive experience.

The Chinese architects believe that the value of art is to give form to the unseen aspects of life so that sensations and emotions are made visible. Facilitating an interaction between the physical and the abstract, the studio brings forth solutions that are both functional and artistically profound. With this project, the design team offers an experience to comprehend what they refer to as “audible silence”, the subtle yet rich inner world beneath seemingly quiet surfaces.

Project Details

Name: DOK Design Showroom and Studio
Location: Jing’an District, Shanghai, China
Architect: DOK Design
Design Team: Deng Peiguo (Chief Designer), Yang He
Woodwork unit: OKK Woodwork
Contractor: DOK Design
Project area: 320 sqm
Year of Completion: 2024