When a building becomes a collective memory, its meaning transcends mere brick and mortar. It embodies shared stories and striking transformations, deeply woven into the fabric of a city. The Qichongtian Building on Nanjing Road, erected in 1922, is one such edifice, a storied structure blending modernist and Art Deco styles that once served as a vibrant social hub for Shanghai's elite. Dayuan Design has partnered with Liangcai Wu, a venerable brand with over 300 years of craftsmanship, to forge a new collective memory for the new generation, a vision for Nanjing Road that marries heritage with cutting-edge retail

The Revival of Historic Architecture

Dayuan Design's approach to revitalizing the Qichongtian Building is both respectful and daring. Inspired by traditional Chinese mechanical eyeglasses, the design infuses this architectural "elder" with a playful modernity, allowing it to "gaze upon the busy street corner like a playful child." This transformation is not merely a retail debut for Liangcai Wu; it's a bold fusion of trendy culture and historic architecture.

Inside this historically rich shell, Liangcai Wu has shed its traditional image to become a vibrant "Liangcai Factory." This tangible scene of new productive power seamlessly merges with the brand's deep-rooted Chinese aesthetic, radiating a unique vitality. The result is a curatorial retail space that injects new energy into the brand, featuring a rich array of eyewear-related art installations, flexible display cabinets, and furniture, all designed to break spatial constraints and allow for future transformations.

The Brand Story Unfolds

Upon entering, visitors are met with an air shower art installation that gently purifies, evoking the sensation of stepping into a pristine factory environment. To the right, the "Thousand Mirrors" installation, crafted from optical lenses, uses dynamic light and shadow to create a captivating, flowing visual experience, subtly guiding visitors into their "Factory Journey."

At the heart of the atrium, a slowly moving conveyor belt masterfully weaves together Liangcai Wu's brand story with history. Walking clockwise, visitors discover innovative products and pop-up events, symbolizing technological progress. Counter-clockwise, a journey unfolds through ancient grinding tools and antique eyewear, tracing a rich history and showcasing centuries of craftsmanship and traditional wisdom.

Curated Exhibition Display

The "Factory Journey" itself commences with a "Grinding Tool" installation, a profound tribute to the jade workshops of the 5,000-year-old Yangshao culture. This piece not only recreates ancient craftsmanship but also honors Mr. Wu Liangcai, the brand's founder, and his enduring dedication to the art of craftsmanship, from carving jade to crafting fine eyewear – a 300-year legacy now meticulously continued.

The exhibition design is a masterclass in blending Chinese aesthetics with modern factory elements. A diverse palette of materials, including fabric, wood, perforated metal, and scaffolding, creates a layered, adjustable space that offers unparalleled flexibility for displays.

Modularity and Multi-functionality

The multifunctional area is equally adaptable. Whether for daily tea breaks, brand pop-up events, or lecture salons, the space can be rapidly reconfigured. A standout is the "Project 1719" art installation, inspired by the blurred vision of myopia. A fog-like film applied to glass simulates nearsightedness, while programmed internal components gradually clear the glass, offering viewers a visceral experience of transformation from blur to clarity.

Industrial-Style Window Display

The street-facing window displays and entrance design are undeniable highlights. Complementing the building's overall style and industrial interior, Dayuan employs industrial pipes as light fixtures, through which light flows, conveying a dynamic sense of factory production. These lights, like electric currents, draw attention from the outside in. At night, six uniquely styled window displays, synchronized with music and lighting, present a dazzling hourly light show that captivates pedestrians along Nanjing Road.

Through the meticulous planning and design of this curated retail space, Dayuan aims to transcend the boundaries of traditional retail with "via·1719 Wu Liangcai New Vision." Customers are transformed from passive observers into active participants, guided by an open and interactive concept to deeply explore the brand story through multi-dimensional experiences. Liangcai Wu emerges not just as a symbol of products, but as a vessel carrying the power of history, craftsmanship, and innovation, reminding all to cherish and pass on profound cultural heritage while continuously seeking balance between tradition and the future in modern life.