AD Architecture’s Unconventional Abalone Showroom in Guangdong

Shantou, a coastal city in the heart of Guangdong Province, is home to abundant fresh seafood. AD Architecture’s client, with rich experience in abalone farming, grew up in a family making a living from the sea. Committed to environmental protection and the research and development of abalone farming, he introduced The King Abalone and came up with the “Baoman” abalone. Located in the epicentre of the city, this project functions private showroom of dried abalones.

Instantly standing out are irregular geometric blocks of varying forms laid together to create visual impact in a considerably small space. The main function of the first space is for product display, with the structures emphasising a sense of strength. Various areas are seemingly separate, yet interconnected to offer fluidity and flow.

Light and objects are interdependent. The designers resorted to strategic lighting to better outline the form of the space and impact its mood. Throughout, the interplay of light and forms is invigorating to the senses. Walls clad in stone-texture contrast with metal elements to provide visual interest. Muted lighting offers a sense of weightlessness. “Floating” blocks strike a balance between heaviness and lightness, adding further interest to the space.

The process of designing a commercial space is to think about the future trends of the market.  Designers are challenged to imagine how designs can transcend established boundaries. In this project, for instance, the design team offered a breakaway from the conventional image of seafood. Through the play of natural light and material textures, the design is both impactful and impressionable.