The Fuel
The architectural design inspiration for this project originates from the heavy industry domain, drawing from fuel towers and jet propulsion systems, with a focus on the dynamics of "energy storage" and "ejection." It translates into a symbolic architectural space using concise language, aligning with the core spirit of the American retro jewelry brand Rock&Ride.

The project is located in Shenzhen MixC World, at the entrance of a commercial street and a core area of pedestrian traffic, with a retained canopy in the center of the site. The key challenges include how to manage the relationship between the new building and the city, how to balance the "lightness" of pop-up shops with the "heaviness" of the brand, and how to address the impact of the canopy on the architectural form.

We first use weathered steel cylinders to cover the entire site. The canopy over the site has a cantilevered trend facing the main street. We adapt to this trend by setting the main facade of the building back to the edge of the canopy's inclined columns. The ground is partially raised, extending to the site's boundary, maximizing urban open space. The upper volume of the main facade extends outward and is intersected by a sloping surface facing the main street, revealing the interior cavity of the cylinder.

Inside the cavity, a conical metal inner wall is installed, resembling the shape of a jet, and paired with flame-like lighting to illuminate the front entrance space, creating a strong atmosphere. The slight lift of the cantilevered portion of the main facade ensures that pedestrians on the main street can see the expression of the facade, maximizing the presentation of the facade's tension. The back facade of the building faces a tranquil garden, and therefore, this facade is treated with a subdued and dignified approach.

The most significant feature of block-type commerce is the experiential aspect of urban space. We use a "step back to advance" approach to create ample urban open space, solving the problem of shading and shelter for outdoor queues during peak periods of pop-up shops. At the same time, we return the site to the city, embracing the public with an open attitude, becoming a hub for urban life. This "step back" breaks down the barrier between commercial space and urban space, creating a rich interface for indoor spaces.