Shopping in Shanghai becomes a voyage of discovery for the fashion-conscious male when visiting In The Park designed by AIM Architecture.

This is the coolest of stores that showcases fashion, accessories, shoes and bags within an interior design that references the idea of a park. Along with fashion there is the ubiquitous café, books, magazines and vinyl records to peruse after the outfit has been purchased.

AIM Architecture has conceived the project for fashion brand ZUCZUG as an urban shopping experience, integrating life, local character and street culture into the design. In the Park is located in the Jing’an district of Shanghai and at 500 square metres there is much to see and experience.

With a café on the ground floor, the three levels of the mini department style store are accessed by a solid winding circular staircase with a platform. The stair meanders up and around the double-height interior void at the entrance and emulates the pathways in a Chinese park.

The design of the dressing rooms was inspired by Dutch public street furniture and with clothes hung on drying poles and street signs used as wayfinding, the concept is both unique and powerful.

Outdoor materials such as fiberglass in the staircase, rubber lining and asphalt-like flooring, galvanised steel and yellow coated zinc have been utilised and park seating becomes shelving that encircles tree-like columns. Honeycomb aluminium board overlaid with wood veneer and marble adds interest but also becomes a connection to nature and industry. Outside a large oval planter seat, that represents heaven, along with bamboo chairs and stools have been positioned where all can meet and gather.

AIM Architecture was founded by Wendy Saunders and Vincent de Graaf in 2005 in Shanghai and as urban planners, architects and designers, works throughout China and South-East Asia. The practice is inspired by its context and the fine line between vision and practicality.

Photography by Wen Studio