Founded in 2004, Jiuguang is a department store catering to mid-range and high-end households. Initially operating a single branch in Shanghai, the department store expanded to Suzhou and Dalian in later years. The myriad of branded sections and shop-in-shops across seven floors make the premises look more like a happening mall, and it’s an format which makes customers come back again and again. One of the most recent innovations at the department store is the addition of new hospitality venue, and this one comes with an outdoor terrace all its own. Called M Stand, it’s situated on the second floor which is home to the department store’s haute couture, bags, shoes and jewellery offerings, and as such, simply had to look the part. Local architecture practice Zhuone Studio was tapped to create a fitting hangout for the affluent clientele of this section of the store.
Measuring 90 sqm. (969 sq.ft.), the café features a curved façade covered in glass and bricks which conceals the 4.8 metre (15.8 ft.) ceiling. In order to create a more intimate atmosphere, the volume has been filled with large protruding volumes, three ellipses and a single square to be precise, which also accommodate lighting. Below one of the circular volumes sits a triangular staircase structure where customers can be seated on different levels. Both the staircase structure and elongated sales counter are positioned geometrically to create a visual balance between all volumes. Seating at M Stand comprises of simple wooden chairs an tables which easily allow different configurations. Outside, chunky wooden blocks are used as tables and benches, providing additional seating when weather permits. At night, M Stand morphs into a bar and the lighting is adapted to a more sultry hue.
M Stand
Jiuguang, 1618 Nanjing Xi Lu, Second Floor (Jing’an)
200050 Shanghai
Telephone: +86 21 32174838
Daily 10-10
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