The Chaozong Historic and Cultural District in Changsha is not a conventional cluster of ancient architecture but rather a space that embodies freedom, inclusivity, and the rhythms of everyday life. Local residents and young creatives intermingle, cultivating an unhurried, effortless urban atmosphere. It is within this context that sômthin’else Changsha emerges—an imaginative space that embraces dreams, creativity, and unbounded exploration.
入口區(qū)域的品牌 IP 被塑造成一個富有趣味性的藝術(shù)裝置:戴著夸張?zhí)栄坨R的卡通形象與擬人化仙人掌,成為吸引顧客拍照打卡的標(biāo)志性元素。同時,發(fā)光的品牌 Logo 結(jié)合粉色墻面,營造溫暖氛圍,并融入復(fù)古霓虹燈的視覺記憶,使街區(qū)的煙火氣息與品牌的奇幻風(fēng)格完美融合。
Situated at a corner of the district, the store features a dual-facade design that maximizes visibility and engagement. The overall palette is a bold yet soft pink, complemented by flowing curves that evoke the lightness of an inflatable balloon, as if the store itself is gently floating within the streetscape. This visual language not only resonates with the relaxed character of Chaozong Street but also enhances the brand’s appeal, sparking curiosity and intrigue among passersby.
At the entrance, the brand’s IP is transformed into an eye-catching art installation—a whimsical cartoon figure donning oversized sunglasses alongside a personified cactus, becoming a signature element for visitors to capture and share. The glowing brand logo, set against the pink walls, creates a warm atmosphere, while the nostalgic neon lighting integrates the vibrancy of the district with the brand’s fantastical aesthetic.
奇遇:沉浸式體驗,喚醒探索欲望
Encounters: An Immersive Journey That Awakens Curiosity
A Whimsical Adventure Beginning at the Coffee Bar.
Stepping into the store, visitors are welcomed by a warm and inviting coffee area on the right. This is not merely a place to serve beverages but the starting point of a fully immersive brand experience. The curved coffee counter, wrapped in pink tiles, harmonizes with the overall color scheme, creating a soothing yet dreamlike visual effect.
The seating area continues this lighthearted ambiance, featuring yellow foam lounge chairs paired with blue side tables, complemented by playful figurines that add a sense of childlike wonder. This space not only offers a moment of rest but also seamlessly draws visitors into the whimsical world woven by sômthin’else.
Moving further in, the store unfolds in layers, revealing a colorful and dynamic experiential space filled with playful elements. A deep blue zone, originally structural columns, has been reimagined as window-like displays, blurring the boundaries between architectural elements and retail storytelling. Hidden corners throughout the space encourage visitors to discover new and surprising products.
The product display area breaks away from conventional static retail layouts, instead prioritizing a sense of exploration. A multi-layered shopping path is carefully curated, where interwoven display structures create a blend of open and semi-open experiences. This arrangement allows customers to continuously uncover new surprises as they navigate through the space.
One of the most distinctive design features is the introduction of a “rotating sushi conveyor” concept in the jewelry display section. By setting the products in motion along a rotating track, the traditional boundaries of static display are transcended, transforming shopping into an interactive journey of discovery.
Elsewhere, plush toys are suspended from columns, undulating walls house staggered display shelves—some with “l(fā)egs,” others with “horns”—blurring the line between object and architecture. These elements integrate seamlessly into the dreamlike environment, reinforcing the store’s imaginative narrative.
▲展示區(qū)域 / display area
探索:隱藏的口袋空間,開啟尋寶冒險
Exploration: Hidden Pocket Spaces for a Treasure Hunt Experience
Two specially designed “pocket spaces” are discreetly integrated within the store, resembling hidden chambers waiting to be discovered. Each of these intimate alcoves is like a miniature cave, showcasing curated products against unique backdrops. Visitors, akin to explorers, weave through these concealed realms, encountering unexpected delights at every turn.
This spatial concept not only enhances the interactive nature of shopping but also fosters memorable experiences, ensuring that every visit to sômthin’else transcends mere retail—it becomes an adventure of discovery and surprise.
讓探索成為 sômthin'else 的日常 Making Exploration a Daily Ritual at sômthin’else
The Changsha store is not just a continuation of the sômthin’else brand philosophy—it is a profound dialogue with the city’s character. Drawing from the district’s sense of ease, inclusivity, and spontaneity, the store employs innovative design to create a space where dreams, encounters, and exploration coexist. More than just a retail outlet, it is a place where visitors can linger, roam freely, and stumble upon delightful surprises. Here, creativity and everyday life intertwine, curiosity meets relaxation, and every visitor is invited to find their own sômthin’else—their own moments of wonder and discovery.
Project Information
Project Name: sômthin‘else
Design Firm: UStudies Architects
Design & Completion Period: August 2024 – January 2025
Lead Designers & Team: Fu Qiang, Zhou Zixuan, He Bolong
Project Location: Chaozong Street, Changsha
Total Area: 330㎡
Photography Credits: UK Studio
Project article:Liu Yu
Client: sômthin’else