Dezeen Magazine

Shanghai fashion showroom features ceiling lightbox based on sci-fi film set

An illuminated ceiling based on a scene from George Lucas' 1971 sci-fi film THX 1138 has been installed in the showroom at fashion designer Nicolas Andreas Taralis' offices in Shanghai (+ slideshow).

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois

Taralis collaborated with architect Bernard Dubois, co-curator of the Belgian Pavilion at the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale, to come up with the redesign of the two-storey 1,500-square-metre building.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois

"We worked collaboratively on the whole design, each of us bringing references and ideas together to make a coherent common project," Dubois told Dezeen.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois

Set across two levels and divided into four zones, the building includes a showroom, a studio, atelier and an administration office.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois

The design uses concrete, metal and mirrors to create a greyscale scheme throughout, matching the German-Greek designer's largely colourless collections.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois

Defined by the duo as the "heart of the design", the showroom space is situated on the ground floor.

Mirrored walls create the illusion of a never-ending room, while long chrome clothing rails hang from the ceiling.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois

"All vertical lines on the walls and in the composition of the plan meet the lines of the ceiling," said Dubois.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois

The glow emitted from the lightbox ceiling aims to "transport the visitor into a science-fiction-like world". The feature is based on scenes from Lucas' feature-length directorial debut THX 1138, which was partly filmed in an entirely white giant room.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois

Pigment-dyed black concrete was used to form a low monolith for displaying accessories, as well as reception counters in the two public entrances.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois

A staircase located in the centre of the showroom leads up to the first-floor studio. The large opening that punctures the ceiling allows natural light into the windowless room.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois

Upstairs, large concrete tables designed by Dubois and Taralis are positioned in rows and separated by large black dividers that incorporate storage space. The tables are also used in private glass-fronted offices.

A private staircase leads to further atelier space downstairs, which isn't accessible from the showroom.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois
Nicolas Andreas Taralis' Beijing shop

Taralis and Dubois also worked together to redesign the fashion brand's Beijing shop, mirroring the aesthetic of the showroom by installing the lightbox ceiling and keeping a monochromatic palette.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois
Nicolas Andreas Taralis' Beijing shop

Photography is by Maxime Delvaux.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois
First floor plan – click for larger image
Nicolas Andreas Taralis in China by Bernard Dubois
Section – click for larger image