City: Shanghai, China
Stage Involved: Concept to construction
Year/ Status: 2023, completed
Accent Material: Reclaimed Clay Brick
Client: Aesop
Photo Credits: Aesop

The design of Aesop Rockbund consists of symbolic dialogues that span multiple dimensions, responding to the past, the present, and the traditional aspects of materiality and craftsmanship. Each design gesture is intricately woven with our observations and conversations about Rockbund’s history. This includes considerations of its materiality, such as the clay bricks, the various shades of pigmentations, and the potential for morphing, as well as the architectural character influenced by the Art Décor of the 1930s.Rockbund’s architecture style elegantly embedded the Art Décor influence. With its ground level punctuated with signatures staggered moments, we extended this motif into our store as a language to compartmentalize the ensuites from display shelving, while an inviting gesture to weave the new and old fabric.The brick layering pattern celebrates the union of old and new, embracing the history of the clay facade. By blending traditional techniques with innovative patterning, we create a bespoke mosaic. Through creative cropping and patterning of the original clay bricks, we preserve their essence and bestow them with a renewed identity, paying homage to their historical significance. Using undyed and untouched earth from Rockbund’s origin, we create bespoke clay pieces to preserve the authenticity of the craft. The countertops feature recycled aggregate clay panels sourced from the same soil as the facade bricks, adding elegance and coherence to the design.