Designed by Core of Architecture & Art, Located in the Beijing central banking district, surrounded by a multitude of fashion outlets, MQ studio Beijing flagship settles itself within a unique place. Going being all the functional requirements, it is not a hairdressing studio, but an art sculpture exhibited at the hub of the China World Trade Center.
As one moves closer to this area, cloud images are seen, which are projected onto the glass that envelops the space. These images are superimposed onto space as a layer and when viewed from outside to in, it creates a sense of infinite possibility and opportunity, which is much associated with the infinite horizons of the sky.
Rising from clouds, the golden ceiling sculpture provides visitors a powerful visual experience as they pass by, consequently attracting people enter the salon and enjoy this cloud surrounded, sky flowing wonderland.
photography by Felix Amiss
Inside the space, the shimmering ceiling is lifted out of clouds, referencing a golden river soaked in evening sunlight, flowing slowly into the distance. At various points, it trickles down like a stalactite to form the vanity mirror used by the hair stylists. The combination of aesthetics and function here is designed seamlessly. The metaphorical clouds become a medium that transfers people from the one dimension to the next, linking the spectator to a new parallel utopia. The floor plan of the salon is an irregular shape, penetrated by four large inclined columns which form part of the buildings concrete superstructure to hold up the 330m height building above.
The salon is located at a core of the building, and a number of different building service pipes transit the space across the ceiling. The unique structure and the small-scale space produce various design challenges, which founder Liu Haowei decided to try.Instead of concealing the industrial building services behind a screen, the designer chose to highlight the ceiling part by using a generative design algorithm to create an impressive parametric form which simulates a wave pattern.
Conceptually the ceiling is operating as a wave of water, sparkling under the sunshine. Highly reflective golden stainless steel was applied to make the ceiling, and after studying the reflection properties of the material at different angles, the CAA team aligned each surface accurately to let the light bounce and refract at different angles, creating glamor and drama in this house of fashion and style.Behind the scenes was a large challenge for the construction team. Over 300 different hexagons are all made and installed by hands.
The general soldering method is not possible due to the material delicate properties. The design team and the construction team spent several months of time to develop the best solution and to make the final installation of the interior art piece possible.
In the heart of the hustle and bustle of the Beijing business CBD, this golden river flows above the clouds and becomes a secret place created by CAA, leaving a special impression that adds another great experience to the Chinese capital.
photography by Felix Amiss
Project Info:
Architects: CAA (Core of Architecture & Art)
Lead Architect: Liu Haowei
Project Manager: Zhang Pan
Design Team：Liu Xuewei, Zhao Xingyun, Ren Zhuoying, Shevaun Mistry, Xiao Tianle
Construction Manager: Xiao Shengping
Design Date: 12/2017
Completed：08/2018
Area: 150m²
Location: World trade center III, Beijing
Manufacturer: Xia Men Hualixin Architectural Decoration Co., Ltd
Photography&Video: Felix Amiss, Ren Zhuoying | ©Core of Architecture & Art
Client: MQ studio
Project Name: MQ studio
