Architect Jun Aoki has once again partnered with the esteemed fashion house Louis Vuitton, culminating in the inauguration of a new flagship store in Beijing's vibrant Sanlitun area. This architectural marvel represents Aoki's third collaboration with Louis Vuitton, following successful projects in Tokyo and Osaka. The Beijing outpost stands as a testament to his refined approach, seamlessly integrating retail, hospitality, and exhibition zones within a singular, vertically articulated edifice, all enveloped by a distinctive, organically shaped glass facade.
The exterior of the Maison Louis Vuitton Sanlitun is a masterclass in material innovation and cultural homage. Aoki drew inspiration from the natural forms of Taihu stones, often found in traditional Chinese gardens. This influence is manifested in the building's outer skin, composed of intricately hand-curved glass panels. Each panel boasts unique, irregular contours and subtle tonal variations, creating a facade that responds dynamically to the changing daylight, casting a shifting palette of colors across the bustling streets of Beijing. This outer layer is complemented by a second, inner envelope that ensures thermal efficiency and weather protection. The glass elements are imbued with dichroic and translucent properties, further enhancing the chromatic interplay across the elevation as sunlight and atmospheric conditions evolve. The resulting visual effect transforms depending on the viewer's vantage point, whether from street level or across the Sanlitun block, where reflections appear to stretch and compress along the facade's gentle curves.
Upon entering the Louis Vuitton Sanlitun flagship, visitors are immediately drawn into a majestic central atrium that spans three levels. This expansive space serves as the primary organizational element for the Women's collections, maintaining a continuous visual connection with the exterior through the innovative glass facade. Natural light floods the interior, reaching deep into the various floors, illuminating the balustrades and vertical circulation cores. The retail offerings extend across four distinct levels, showcasing a comprehensive range of Louis Vuitton products, including Women's and Men's Leather Goods, Ready-To-Wear, Shoes, Jewelry, Accessories, Perfumes, and Beauty. The vertical circulation, comprising escalators and staircases, is strategically positioned to preserve unobstructed sightlines through the atrium and towards the captivating facade. For those seeking a more intimate experience, private client lounges are discreetly located in secluded areas, distinguished by thoughtful material transitions and carefully curated lighting.
Furthermore, the third floor is dedicated to the Home collection, offering a tranquil and refined setting. Here, a curated selection of furniture, textiles, and tableware, featuring pieces from renowned designers such as Patricia Urquiola and Cristian Mohaded, is presented within spaces that evoke the intimate proportions of domestic interiors, complete with softer finishes and ambient lighting. Ascending to the fourth floor, guests discover the Le Café Louis Vuitton, marking its debut in Beijing. The journey to the café begins with a compact, mirrored vestibule that playfully multiplies reflections, before revealing a spacious main dining area adorned with books and display elements. A terrace graces the facade, offering partially screened views of the Sanlitun streetscape and the surrounding urban tapestry.
The meticulous design of this flagship store, with its architectural nuances and integrated experiences, elevates the retail environment beyond mere commerce. It is a harmonious blend of art, design, and luxury, creating a captivating destination that enriches Beijing's architectural landscape and offers an immersive journey into the world of Louis Vuitton.