In Shanghai, the SHISUO design office embarked on a remarkable project: the transformation of an irregularly shaped site into the "YEARLY PLAN Shanghai Showroom." Their innovative design solution centered on a "single continuous rail" as the primary element for fashion display. This adaptable rail system ingeniously navigates the existing architectural challenges, including walls, columns, and rainwater pipes, turning these constraints into dynamic features within the showroom. The design seamlessly integrates the site's inherent complexities, fostering a fluid and engaging retail environment.
SHISUO Design Office Revolutionizes Retail Interior with Adaptive Rail System in Shanghai
In the vibrant city of Shanghai, an innovative architectural endeavor led by SHISUO design office has redefined retail interior design. Faced with a site characterized by its irregular contours and pre-existing structural elements such as columns, walls, and rainwater pipes, the design team, spearheaded by lead architects Sanif and Changshan, conceptualized a solution that transformed these challenges into opportunities. The project, named "YEARLY PLAN Shanghai Showroom," was completed in 2025 and spans an area of 226 square meters. The core of their design strategy is a "single continuous rail," a fundamental element for fashion display that is skillfully manipulated to adapt to the unique spatial conditions. This versatile rail traces the perimeters of the walls, gracefully bends to accommodate columns, and ascends to facilitate pedestrian movement, effectively absorbing the site's inherent complexities. The result is a dynamic and fluid retail space that not only optimizes functionality but also imbues the showroom with a vibrant sense of movement and vitality. The design team, including Zhang Yichi and Lin Zihan, collaborated with Beijing Youlong Jinsheng Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd. for construction and Ensign Lighting Solutions (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. for lighting, bringing this visionary concept to life. Photographer Xiaobin Lv captured the essence of this transformative project.
This innovative design approach serves as a powerful reminder that limitations can often be catalysts for groundbreaking creativity. By embracing and integrating existing structural quirks rather than trying to conceal them, SHISUO design office has created a retail space that is not only highly functional but also visually captivating. It highlights how a singular, well-conceived design element can unify disparate features and inject a unique character into an environment. This project underscores the importance of thoughtful adaptation and imaginative problem-solving in modern architecture, offering valuable insights into how designers can create immersive and dynamic experiences within challenging urban contexts.