In the context of the broader conservation district, our building showcases beautiful Art Deco influences, with intricate motifs and staggering decorations on its facade, doorways, and bulkhead. To honor this conservation effort, we aim to thoughtfully reinterpret these elements within the interior design, creating a cohesive experience that connects architecture and interiors. We have also incorporated these features to enhance the store’s functionality, serving as light sources, scent diffusers, and dividers for display shelving, all aimed at providing a better experience for our customers and making their visit relatable to this significant conservation development.
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #preservation #conservation #artdeco #architecture #interior
Photo credit : Aesop
The Rockbund, nestled at the tip of Shanghai Bund, has emerged after a decade of meticulous preservation. Thanks to the dedication of its owner and David Chipperfield’s team, it now showcases the stunning beauty of 1930s Shanghai—a vibrant trade hub rich in cultural influences.
This historic area, with its unique blend of European architecture and Chinese craftsmanship, has become a gallery of landmarks. The owner and DCA focused on authentic restoration, using original clay bricks and pigmentation techniques to revive the site’s 90-year-old clay bricks. This careful approach not only restored the bricks but also added a layer of history to the Rockbund.
In honoring their efforts, we aim to create a design that connects the past without overshadowing it. At such, each design gesture is knitted with our observations and dialogues with Rockbund’s past – from materiality (its clay-bricks, its shades of pigmentations and its potential morphing) to the architectural character gifted by the 1930s Art Décor.
Photo credit: Aesop
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #rockbund #artdeco #preservation #restore #claybricks #architecture #interiordesign #craftsmanship #material
At Mlkk Studio, we have a deep passion for architectural design narratives that revolve around place, craft, and materials. We seek dialogues that explore different dimensions, engaging with the past, present, and traditional elements of materiality and craftsmanship. With the utmost respect for our many collaborating artisans, crafters, and makers, we curate innovative ways to appreciate and reinterpret culture and craft within our space that truly speaks to the brand’s identity.
Photo credit : Aesop
Video credit : Mlkk Studio
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #craft #place #material #architecture #designnarratives #spatialdesign
We incorporated these design elements into the creation of a striking lamp shade that beautifully illuminates the central basins, inviting customers to explore our diverse range of formulations for skin, hair, and body care, all in a soothing environment with running water. To balance the coolness of the metal and echo the material and slanted forms of the shelves in Uncle Cheung’s foundry, we chose timber for the joinery. This warm material serves as a perfect backdrop for displaying amber bottles, which are arranged meticulously, reminiscent of small stamps of letters and numbers. For those eager to immerse themselves in our unique offerings of unconventional Eaux de Parfum, a recessed alcove houses the Fragrance Armoire, providing an intimate space for exploration. Guests can relax on a comfortable sofa, contemplating further olfactory possibilities while leisurely browsing through an array of home aromas. Additionally, they can engage in meaningful discussions about their personal skincare needs with our knowledgeable consultants, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience. This thoughtfully designed space invites exploration and interaction, enhancing the overall customer experience.
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Inspired by Uncle Cheung’s remarkable craftsmanship, we designed a lamp shade that draws from the shape of the raw tin blocks used in his work for the sink and counter. These original tin blocks are critical materials for type casting; they are melted down in a specialized machine and then injected into molds to create each individual type-stamp. Uncle Cheung graciously demonstrated how the machine operates, guiding us through the entire process of creating the cast, which was incredibly inspiring and deeply influenced our design approach. In addition to incorporating the unique form of the tin blocks, we also integrated Mr. Cheung’s signature type-stamp into the lamp shade for the counter, paying homage to his artistry. This blend of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design not only honors Uncle Cheung’s legacy but also creates a functional piece of art that captures the essence of his work. The lamp shade serves as a tribute to the rich history of type casting while adding a modern touch to the space.
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #taiwan #fontfoundry
In the vibrant neighborhood of Nanxi, the coexistence of old and new creates a unique atmosphere that is both charming and inspiring. During our initial explorations of this area, we stumbled upon a fascinating type foundry that has been operating since 1969. The owner, Uncle Cheung, stands out as the sole master in Taiwan who continues to practice the traditional craft of Chinese type-casting for printing. His dedication to this art form is evident in every aspect of his workshop. For the design of our second incarnation within the Eslite Nanxi department store, we drew significant inspiration from Uncle Cheung’s workspace. His desk, illuminated by a focused desk light, serves as a testament to his meticulous process as he carefully manipulates the metals. The slanted shelves are lined with finished type blocks, showcasing the fruits of his labor. Additionally, the workshop is filled with an abundance of lead, antimony, and tin, materials that are essential to the craft. This rich environment significantly influenced our design approach, blending the traditional with the contemporary.
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #taiwan #fontfoundry #customlighting
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Architectural lighting design plays a crucial role in this concept. In the day, the diffused sunlight floods the space with warm and soft lighting. As night descends, the lighting from within glows alive, reminiscent of the Qinhuai Lanterns that illuminate the city. The installation titled “Liu Nian” expertly integrates architectural lighting into the nighttime shopping experience, transforming the environment into a magical realm. Light filters through translucent glass, creating a breathtaking interplay of light and shadow that captivates visitors, making each visit a memorable experience that resonates with both the past and the present.
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #architecture #lighting #retailinterior
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This installation reinterpreted the Nanjing traditional Hui-style roof structure and characterize three bays of arched roofs that run parallel to one another. Each bay acting as a spatial divider that aligns with the different functional areas. Its simple yet elegant geometrical form engages customers in a contextual dialogue with their surroundings. The interplay of traditional and modern elements invites visitors to appreciate both the heritage of the region and the innovative spirit of contemporary architecture, and create one of a kind spatial experience.
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #architecture #material #chinesearchitecture
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Nestled alongside the hundreds-year-old heritage site, this spatial installation pays homage to Nanjing’s rich culture and history, leaving behind precious memories framed by the architecture in the backdrop of the heritage building.
The architectural design draws inspiration from the eaves and roofs of traditional heritage buildings. However, rather than replicating exact patterns or materials, we re-nterpreted the traditional architecture using translucent tiles, utilizing semi-transparent modern materials to evoke the essence of these historical features. Despite the use of modern building elements, the traditional elements maintain their essence, creating a harmonious blend of old and new that evokes a remarkable sense of familiarity.
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #interiordesign #china #nanjjng #glassroof #architecture #material
The Caisson of the Long Fu Temple is a remarkably captivating piece of heritage. Stiuated next to our site, we feel a deep connection to its charm. So we start with a goal to foster that same connection in people. The ceiling, inspired by the caisson dome, reflects China’s imperial architecture. This inverted pagoda ceiling invites visitors to look up and envision ancient Beijing as it was in bygone days. We hope the design can connect people with the place like a journal that narrate its story with its audience.
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #caisson #longfutemple #beijing #heritage
Photo and video credit : melt season
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Under the caisson dome came the layer of artisan paint, custom-made to reference a bronze patina palette that was widely used in ancient Beijing heritage. This datum highlights the horizontality of the space and showcases the products against an elegant antique background.
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #handpaint #custompaint #patina #bronze
Acknowledging the layers of history embedded in the Long Fu Temple Site, the design intends to uncover the charm of the site’s past and enigmas through the ceiling feature, paying tribute to the caisson dome, a prominent feature of architectural renowned in the China’s imperial heritage. The form of the store’s design strongly echoes this architectural legacy, reintroducing how people once viewed the old Beijing. The design aims to capture the way the ancients looked up at the inverted pagoda-like ceiling, inviting people to envision the city as it once was and creating a subtle connection to its rich history.
#mlkk #mlkkstudio #architecture #journal #longfutemple #caisson #dome #heritage
Photo credit: Melt Season
