The roof, an iconic feature of traditional Chinese architecture often referred to as the "fifth elevation," symbolizes a unique cultural heritage refined over time. say architects have extended the traditional Chinese roof form into the interior, creating an inclusive and inviting "sanctuary" beneath the eaves. This "sanctuary" concept aligns with the essence of the Oriental Rice Warehouse, historically used for storing rice, symbolizing inclusivity and the spirit of giving. It transforms the space into a vibrant hub for cultural exchange.
The overall inward recess of the storefront provides ample outdoor space and serves as a street-facing display, blurring the lines between the fashion consumption scene. This highlights the intriguing and diverse aspects of the "fashion + coffee" dual-business model, attracting the attention and engagement of young people. The grand eaves "envelope" creates a courtyard-like space within the entrance's concave gray area, forming a well-organized layout. The interconnected functional areas also create a circular flow within the consumption pathway.
Clearwater concrete serves as the primary tone for the space. say architects have ventured to incorporate Chinese intangible cultural heritage art into this youthful consumption scene. Collaborating with a lacquer artist, they have created the artwork One. The piece cleverly utilizes eggshells as a canvas and embeds a maze-like, ever-changing yet elegant lacquer art on the neat rectangular blocks. This showcases the delicate fusion of Oriental charm and modern design, where simplicity is imbued with texture. The contrast between precision and ruggedness in material brings out subtle contrasts.
Say has always believed that integrating the concept of "sustainability" into design is not just about materials but also involves incorporating local culture into spatial design through research. Traditional Chinese elements can be innovatively integrated into space. Nice rice flagship store in Shanghai offers dual services of coffee and clothing, with the outward-extending space serving as a public leisure area welcoming all visitors. The space is not confined to a single area for consumers only but is an open place connecting indoors and outdoors. The open entrance serves as both a cultural sustainability experiment and an iconic part of the space.
The extension and transformation of traditional eaves are no longer limited to a singular form but are presented through the creation of the overall space, showcasing an excellent compatibility between traditional elements and fashion. The lacquer artworks placed within the store space are handmade using the ancient lacquer craftsmanship, embodying the essence of the East spanning five thousand years. Traditional Oriental elements are not confined to the clouds but are transmitted to the public in a more accessible manner, injecting artistry into commerce and enabling traditional culture to be positively projected externally.
Nice Rice Shanghai Flagship Store
Say Architects
Silver

1 / 16
.jpeg)
Laura Guido-Clark
Founder
at Love Good Color
I appreciate the concept and the in...
7.62
7.66
7.64
7.77
7.67

Maria Felicitas Navia
Founder
at OHIO Estudio
Interesting how the piece of the ce...
7
8
7.26
6.47
7.18

Nataša Stanaćev
Founding Partner
at Stanaćev Granados
7
8
7.5
7
7.38

Hui Xie
Design Director
at ACE Design
8
8
8
8
8

Shaikha Al-Sulaiti
Founder
at Shaikha Al Sulaiti
I love the functionality of the spa...
8
7.8
7.5
7
7.58

Matthew Senkowycz
Cofounder
at Loom Atelier
contemporary take on traditional ar...
7
7
7
7
7

Amalia Ramírez
Founder and Design Director
at ar_ea
8
8
8
7
7.75

Matyas Simonyi
Creative Director
at Tom Postma Design
7.7
7.54
7.06
5.94
7.06

Simon Hamilton
Founder
at Simon Hamilton Creative
6.59
6.51
5.27
5.04
5.85

Angela Lindahl
Cofounder
at Yatofo Creatives
6.58
7.27
8.65
6.71
7.3

Alda Ly
Founder and Principal
at ALA Studio
7.5
8
7.6
6.5
7.4

Lyanne Oosterhof
Senior Interior Architect
at Mecanoo
5
6
6
5
5.5

Roman Vrtiška
Cofounder
at Vrtiška & Žák
7.5
7
7.5
7
7.25

Shuhei Aoyama
Founder and Director
at B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
7
7.8
7
7
7.2
Designer
Client
Nice Rice
Floor area
300 ㎡
Completion
2023
Lighting
LATEST SUBMISSIONS
MORE PROJECTS
Twisted Ridge
Gold

Möbel showroom
Gold

Feltech Pavilion 2025 | Old into New
Gold

Gandia Blasco Booth
Platinum
Platinum

Weave
Gold

Los Milics Vineyard Tasting Room
Gold

Convene Sancroft St. Paul's
Silver

Tough Character Apartment
Silver

Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills
Silver

Accenture Campus Zurich
Silver