AIM Architecture has led the design of ZARA’s Nanjing Xinjiekou Flagship Store, introducing a new approach to fashion retail architecture in China. The project rethinks the flagship typology through spatial integration, fluid circulation, and interaction with the urban environment.
The building’s exterior features undulating facade elements and a cantilevered canopy that extends into the public realm, creating continuity between the store and the adjacent streetscape. A giant reflective sphere anchors the exterior, asserting the building’s presence along the streetscape.
Internally, the layout is organized to support a multi-layered circulation experience. A red-brick staircase functions as both a structural and programmatic element, offering seating, product display, and transitional space. The design incorporates ZARA’s back-of-house systems visibly within the architectural language, prioritizing operational efficiency while maintaining openness and transparency.
The store features a range of retail experiences, including ZARA Salon, a smaller-scale setting for curated displays and tailored service, and youth-oriented zones with varied material applications. Digital integration is embedded through interactive features, including a professional-grade photo booth.
Project Details: ZARA Nanjing Xinjiekou Flagship Store
– Project Name: ZARA Nanjing Xinjiekou Flagship Store
– Architect: AIM Architecture
– Location: Xinjiekou, Nanjing, China
– Ground Floor Area: 3450 sqm
– Client: ZARA Commercial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
– Design Team:
– Design Principals: Wendy Saunders, Vincent de Graaf
– Project Manager: Marta Pozo, Sacha Silva
– Project Architect: Ewa Szajda
– Design Team Members: Alba Galan, Davide Signorato, Emilio Wang, Gabrielle Liu, Guanlin Li, Haochen Yang, Jerry Guo, Song Jie, Kang Jin, Junger Xia, Kexin Gao, Mia Lei, Nora Liu, Victor Mongin, Wei Zheng, Weisha Dai, Qianqian Bao, Xiao Wen, Zhang Yi, Zhao Na
Key Partners and Suppliers:
– General Contractor: Shanghai Choyoin Construction Group Co., Ltd
– Facade Contractor: Caamaรฑo Asia (KunShan) Furniture and Complements Co., Ltd. (glass) / Shanghai Choyoin Construction Group Co., Ltd
– Structural Engineer & Facade Consultant: bespoke. Sur-Mesure Engineering Studio
– Furniture: Caamaรฑo Asia (KunShan) Furniture and Complements Co., Ltd.
– Lighting Supplier: Fagerhult
– Audiovisual Supplier: Inusual Comunicaciรณn Innovadora / ICI Technology Shenzhen Ltd.
– Zacaffรจ Design: Art Recherche Industrie
– Digital Experience: Bagel Affairs
Materials:
– Concrete
– Brick
– Solid wood
– Stainless steel
– Natural stone
– Ultra-clear glass
Photographer: Seth Powers
