Every week we highlight the FRAME Awards submissions which have been frequented by our readers and jury. Below are the five most-viewed projects between 19 and 26 April 2024, shared with feedback left by the jury.
SHANGXIA TEA STORE
College of Design and Innovation Tongji University and Nong Studio
Deeply rooted in Chinese heritage, Shangxia celebrates tea culture by blending the classic and the contemporary. The Shangxia tea space (Single-Brand Store, 6.25) is located in a shopping mall in Shanghai and allows visitors to experience the charm of traditional tea culture. The spatial design draws inspiration from traditional tea pavilions and uses bamboo-patterned tiles to pay homage to China’s respected tree. ‘Despite being very harmonious, I miss the feeling of enjoyment, the story of the tea, the pleasure of drinking it,’ comments Leendert Tange, creative partner at Storeage-Group.
Read more here.
Emptiness MUJI Eco Pavilion
Shanghai Tan Gen Cultural Communication
For the China International Import Expo trade fair, Shanghai Tan Gen Cultural Communication designed a stand for Muji (Trade-Fair Stand, 8.24). Designed with 7,524 interlocking wooden components, visitors of the pavilion were encouraged to help disassemble it piece by piece throughout the six-day fair. After it was dismantled, the wooden components could be reassembled into a set of storage systems suitable for home use. ‘A delightful project that does everything right,' says Preeti Singh, brand director at India Design ID. 'Its complexity gives way to simplicity very elegantly.'
Read more here.
CASA MEZCAL
Barde vanVoltt
Located in the bustling neighbourhood of La Condesa in Mexico city, Casa Mezcal (House, 7.98) is a private residence blending innovation, functionality and sustainability. Transforming an older property into an aesthetically pleasing residence, the design prioritizes the residents’ experience. The house is flooded in natural light, as the traditional roof was replaced by sliding glass panels. For the construction locally sourced materials were used and innovative techniques were implemented, significantly reducing environmental footprint. ‘Beautiful project energized by the unique application of material and texture while making while making an effort to build sustainably,' notes Liz Gallagher, studio director at March and White Design.
Read more here.
FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION EXHIBITION
Pills
For the Shenzhen International Fisheries & Seafood Expo 2023, Pills curated and designed an exhibition that draws inspiration from sea movements, waves and seaside reefs. Comprising physical exhibits, video works and multimedia interactive installations, the exhibition (Trade-Fair Stand, 6.40) explored how Shenzhen has developed from a small fishing village to a modern fishing capital. The colour palette is a nod to the boundless ocean. The design created a new immersive experience, sharing awareness to marine ecology and imagining a sustainable deep blue future. Designer Julia Chiaramonti comments, ‘Beautiful reference to the movements of sea water.’
Read more here.
SUETOMI AOQ CAFE STAND
Ryohei Tanaka / G Architects studio
The AoQ coffee stand (Material, 7.86) by Ryohei Tanaka / G Architects Studio is located on the ground floor of a two-storey wooden building at an intersection surrounded by hotels and offices, just minutes away from Kyoto's train station. With a depth of only 1 m, the kitchen and the seating area are adjacent to each other, alongside the main street. As the coffee stand belongs to Suetomi, a renowned local confectionary, a rusty blue colour was used to align with the brand’s identity. ‘Clever design of a small place,' says Andrea Zickhardt, managing director at Holzer Kobler Architekture. 'Nice use of materials. Great meeting point for people. Unfortunately nothing more about sustainability.'
Read more here.
