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AIRMIX is a lifestyle boutique located in Xi'an, designed by SpActrum.The project begins by the redefinition the place that lifestyle holds within human life. Rather than something adhesive to everyday life, SpActrum understands lifestyle as an essential need deep inside humanity. Bubbles become both the metaphor for both a transient need as well as formal concept of the design. When soap bubbles cluster together, they form a series of interconnected domes, with planar walls separating each bubble from the next. The form and structure of a bubble as a physical phenomenonserves as a formal inspiration for the design. Through geometrical iterations of bubbles shifting in scale, being intersected by planes or other bubbles create a series of sculptural fragments that populate, connect and divide space. The shop is situated on the corner of a bustling mall, with the longer side of the L-shaped space facing South. Along its back wall, the debris of the bubble identifies an altar-like space for skin products and cosmetics. The intensity of the lighting coming from the ceiling in contrast with the serenity of the altar is a subtle ironic gesture of consumerism. In order to promote the new boutique brand, the front facade features a full height brand logo made of illuminated boxes and LED screens. A-I-R-M-I-X, with A and X, gently tilted towards the centre to indicate two entrances at two ends, while the other side of the L-shaped space faces a busy corridor connecting to shopping plazas. This facade has been designed as a filter for light and flow with its depth creating more space for shelved storage and display. The large walkable steps are also display units in themselves allocated for oversized items such as luggage, speakers or similar. The ‘bubble debris’ hanging from the ceiling identifies a "Road to Fragrance”, which grabs the attention when looking up and creates a route that can be navigated by following the scents that are applied to the edges of the bubble fragments themselves. The geometrical studies carried out during the design phase give all the elements of a general formal language which was further progressed and detailedwith the manufacturers. The steel plates have been cut and shaped in a steel workshop which specializes in art pieces. Fixing and welding details have been discussed with the appropriate know-how to ensure precise and efficient manufacture and installation. The colour scheme studies were carried out via digital rendering, miniature models and full-scale prototypes until a gradient of red was made up to appear like a stellar sunset on an alien scarlet planet. Most of the materials used, such as steel and glass, are fully recyclable. 100% LED lighting is used to reduce energy consumption. Most of the suppliers for construction are located within a 50km-radius, which helps to reduce the carbon footprint on transportation. This boutique's purpose is to bring a glimpse of lightness to the ‘heaviness’ of urban life both by its bright form and the sustainable lifestyle it represents.
SpActrum is an award-winning architectural design practice. It was founded in London in 2012, and opened the Beijing office in 2016, the Shanghai Design Center in 2021. Under the leadership of three company partners, Yan Pan, Zhen Li, and Yimeng Tang, SpActrum has stepped into the core area of China’s contemporary social changes and drastic urbanization process. SpActrum closely collaborates with clients who are the leading pioneer figures in tourism & hospitality, business, culture, fashion, contemporary art, and many other fields, with projects encompassing different scales and types, from urban regeneration to interior design, from sports parks to art installations.
