Melt Season at Nanjing
Completion: 2024
City: Nanjing
Stage Involved: Concept to Completion
Photo Credits: Melt Season
“Liu Nian,” by Melt Season, is a limited-time experience shop situated in Nanjing’s bustling shopping mall. Nestled alongside the hundreds-year-old heritage site, this spatial installation pays homage to Nanjing’s rich culture and history, leaving behind precious memories framed by the architecture in the backdrop of the heritage building.
The architectural design draws inspiration from the eaves and roofs of traditional heritage buildings. However, rather than replicating exact patterns or materials, the installation offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional architecture and translucent tiles, utilizing semi-transparent modern materials to evoke the essence of these historical features. Despite the use of modern building elements, the traditional elements maintain their essence, creating a harmonious blend of old and new that evokes a remarkable sense of familiarity. This installation presents a contemporary interpretation of the Hui-style roof structure commonly found in Nanjing’s historic architecture. Its architectural gesture is formed by three bays of arched roofs running parallel, with each bay serving as a spatial divider correlated to the functional areas inside. These three simple and straightforward geometrical forms create a contextual dialogue while providing customers with a contemporary retail experience.
Architectural lighting design plays an important role in this concept. As night falls, just like the city’s Qinhuai Lanterns illuminating the space like countless stars, the installation of “Liu Nian” seamlessly integrates architectural lighting into the nocturnal shopping experience. Light casts silhouettes through the translucent glass, creating a stunning play of light and shadow. The interplay of glass and moonlight fosters an interactive connection between customers and the architecture, inviting them to engage with its memories and history.
