The project is located in Houhai Harbour, Shenzhen, and is the third flagship concept store of MEUNIER. The spatial design of this project is an experimental exploration of the non-associative relationship between design concepts and functional attributes of spatial locations, and aims to deconstruct the design experience and the space. It abandons the rigid association between established spatial themes and creative concepts, and effectively links random creative points with spatial functionality. Through this abstract linkage, it breaks through the boundaries of imagination for established themes.
The entrance foyer of MEUNIER store showcases an art installation series titled 'The Essence of Time' - a Foucault pendulum, which is a physical experiment device that demonstrates the rotation of the Earth. The pendulum, which consists of a timing hourglass, swings back and forth in an arc-shaped motion due to the force of gravity, causing the sand in the hourglass to fall and form an elliptical pattern. It signifies the uncontrollable essence of time. In the internal public area, an annular rain chain (also known as a rainstick, a type of world music instrument and natural sound maker) hangs above a green sand pool. As the rain chain rotates and swings, it produces a constant sound similar to flowing water. The white walls and ceiling surrounding the sand pool and rain chain create a visual contrast and auditory impact.
These seemingly unrelated art installations, 'The Essence of Time' and the rain chain, transcend the traditional constraints of commercial spaces and feminine themes. They elevate the spatial intention from 'feminine themes' to 'feminism'.
The entrance foyer and internal art installations of the store are connected to form a continuous public space, which links the surrounding medical and beauty treatment rooms and hairdressing areas. The combination of public and private spaces creates an effective and interesting flow of people through the space. The materials and lighting used in each area are carefully selected to match their respective public or private functions. The public areas are characterized by integrated lighting and white space, symbolizing their shared nature, while the private areas are marked by independent point lighting and deep grey materials, creating a sense of 'darkness' and 'stillness' in the spatial experience.
The designer took into account MEUNIER's industry positioning, business philosophy, and visitor experience throughout the entire project. In terms of material selection, environmentally friendly texture paint was used, and the simple and calm color scheme has a delicate and gentle texture. In consideration of the space's future diversified use, the art installations in the entrance foyer and internal public area were designed to be detachable, and the sand pool can be replaced with different types of sand to meet different usage needs, achieving sustainability in the space's nature.