Human DNA is a dynamic structure composed of two strands that coil around each other. From microcells to the macro world, it’s such a cycle that enables the continuation of human life and spirit. It also explains the existence of crop circle, vortex, and galaxy, where the inward spiral movement leads to the reconstruction of outward order. How to reinterpret this phenomenon through space and to think outside the box of contemporary art has become a new theme that DAS Lab and HEYTEA work to explore.
Project Name: HEYTEA Store at the Mixc, Jinan
Studio Name: DAS Lab
Project Location: The Mixc, Jinan
Interior & Installation Design: DAS Lab
Principal Designer: Li Jingze
Designer: Zheng Xie
Client: HEYTEA
Client’s Design Team: HEYTEA Spatial Design Department
Key Materials: Sandblasted Stainless Steel, Wear-resisting Cement Paint, Artificial Stone, White Stripe Tile, U Profiled Glass
Area: 295 m2
Design Period: 03/2019-05/2019
Construction Period: 06/2019-09/2019
Photographer: Shao Feng
The part is the core of the design— an asymmetric circular structure that spreads in spirals. Through the insertion of such an arrangement, the surroundings are forced to reorganize various spaces with distinct forms, which create diversity beyond the scale and convey the core value of the brand with rich spatial experiences. The new order exists in parts and coexists with experiential behaviors, trying to show people a state in progress. This idea is also derived from the constraints of the site, where the two entrances rigidly cut the circulation. Therefore, we embedded the circular spiral structure into space, which effectively neutralized the problem while emphasized people’s feelings as the coexistence in the space.
In this project, “Inspiration of Tea” is not merely a declaration from HEYTEA. Through the connection between the parts, a new order naturally comes into being, which in a sense is an unintended response to “inspiration.” On this basis, we screened functions and left extra space to give people more freedom for physical behaviors, encouraging them to find out the commonalities between the public and the core value of HEYTEA more freely.
It would be meaningless to stack up materials or seek for the exquisite craftsmanship of details, if the design concept was set aside. DAS Lab and HEYTEA reached a consensus that materials need to represent a specific emotional context and support the concept to construct a perceptible venue. Taking end-user experiences as the carrier and brand communication content as the core, we help the brand to build an emotional connection with young consumers quickly.
DAS Lab
Founded in Shanghai, DAS Lab, as a subsidiary of DAS Design, is an experimental design studio led by founding partner and creative director Li Jingze. We aim to provide high-quality design services with devotion to exploring the cutting-edge and forward-looking creative solutions to pluralistic business formats, culture, retail, F&B, and hotel whilst contributing unique high-standard commercial design works to the industry.
People say that boundary exists in architecture, space or human. DAS Lab excels at deviating from common cognition and wanders on the boundaries of thinking, finding out the unique memory points in context of fuzziness and uncertainty then fully controlling the interpretation from concept to implementation to deliver the unforgettable space experience. High completeness of design is the only standard we always adhere to.
DAS Lab has collaborated with clients from different backgrounds such as Holiland, HEYTEA, MUJOSH, STARTER, VANKE, LONGFOR Group, and LostVilla. The studio has been featured in leading design media worldwide, including FRAME, YATZER, YELLOWTRACE, ARCHIDAILY, ELLE DECO. In 2019, DAS Lab has been awarded by German IF Design Award.
