kengo kuma lines shang xia paris store with ceramic panels

kengo kuma lines shang xia paris store with ceramic panels
photo © masao nishikawa
all images courtesy of kengo kuma and associates

set within paris’ historic 6th arrondissement, kengo kuma has designed the interior of shang xia‘s flagship european store. the boutique shop’s walls are clad in thin ceramic panels establishing a cloud-like space that combines vernacular chinese design with parisian elegance.

measuring 40mm x 150mm, 6,000 wafer thin pieces are suspended from the ceiling, covering the entirety of the store. as well as referencing the importance of the material in asian culture, the glossy coating gives a bright and natural finish echoing pointillistic paintings synonymous with french culture.

the store is set within paris’ historic 6th arrondissement
photo © masao nishikawa

the boutique shop’s walls are clad in 6,000 ceramic panels establishing a cloud-like space
photo © masao nishikawa

the design combines vernacular chinese design with parisian elegance
photo © masao nishikawa

wafer thin pieces are suspended from the ceiling, covering the entirety of the store
photo © masao nishikawa

the cladding reinforces the importance of the material in asian culture
photo © masao nishikawa

a close-up of the scheme’s decor
photo © masao nishikawa

the building occupies a prominent corner plot
photo © masao nishikawa

the exterior of the building presented to rue de sèvres
photo © masao nishikawa

the flagship store illuminated at night
photo © masao nishikawa

project info:

location: 8 rue de sèvres, 75006 paris, france
status: completed
type: retail outlet
area: 134.3 sqm / 1,445.6 sqf