By creatively crafting a curatorial commercial space, the project pioneers new breakthroughs in historic building conservation, brand identity renewal, and social value transmission, fostering a fresh collective memory on Nanjing Road.

Innovation:
At the core of the project lies a dual innovation strategy—‘historical revitalization’ and ‘futuristic storytelling,’ breaking away from conventional retail environments. Drawing inspiration from mechanical eyeglasses, the design translates the brand’s 300-year lens-making legacy into an immersive spatial narrative that merges industrial aesthetics with traditional Chinese elements. The air-shower installation at the entrance offers an engaging reinterpretation of factory purification process, setting the stage for an interactive welcome. Inside, the ‘Thousand Mirrors’ installations create a mesmerizing visual labyrinth through programmed optical refraction.

Functionality:
A ‘factory journey’ narrative weaves through the spatial layout, seamlessly integrating cultural experience with retail operations. A dual-direction conveyor belt system in the central atrium symbolizes a timeline: moving clockwise, it highlights cutting-edge technologies, while counterclockwise, it traces the craftsmanship of antique eyewear, evoking a dialogue between past and present. The multifunctional area features a highly flexible layout and ‘Project 1719’—an art installation crafted from an intelligent fogged glass system, allowing rapid transitions between tea breaks, lecture salons, and diverse scenarios. Street-facing display windows integrate industrial pipe lighting with music programming to curate an urban art show, seamlessly blending commercial appeal and cultural storytelling.

Creativity:
Rooted in the principle of ‘reinterpreting tradition, reviving memory,’ the design elevates eyewear craftsmanship into a cultural symbol. A ‘grinding tool’ installation inspired by the Yangshao culture blends 5,000 years of artisanal heritage with Wu Liangcai’s legacy of craftsmanship. Thoughtful material selection enriches the narrative: wood frames evoke traditional warmth, perforated meshes and metal pipes speak to industrial precision, while mirrored surfaces introduce a futuristic aesthetic—altogether articulating the transformation of a time-honored brand in a contemporary context.

Eco-social impact:
Embracing a minimal intervention approach, the project preserves the Art Deco of the historic Qichongtian Building, while introducing reversible installations to revitalize the space. The curatorial retail space transforms the brand’s legacy into a shared cultural asset, where antique exhibitions and artisanal workshops invite public participation in craft preservation. A dynamic multifunctional area fosters engagement, strengthening community bonds and contributing to both social development and cultural enrichment.