Captivating retail experience – elevating stone to an art form

WOSA’s new showroom in Shanghai

WOSA’s new showroom in Shanghai transforms the retail experience concept by seamlessly integrating art, architecture, and commerce. It creates a captivating journey through the world of stone.

The 580m² space within a repurposed factory takes visitors beyond traditional sintered stone showrooms, offering a sensory experience that blurs the lines between function and artistic expression.

Upon entering the showroom, visitors are immediately drawn into a world of diverse materials, each displayed within distinct, almost sculptural structures that showcase the versatility of stone in contemporary design. A dramatic entrance sets the tone, featuring a suspended translucent curtain made from delicate sintered stone slate. This soft veil of white stone beckons guests into a deeper exploration of the showroom, where the atmosphere transitions into a sanctuary of darker tones.

Inside, the space reveals a stunning black stone-clad chamber, which leads to an extraordinary, curved staircase lined with golden stone slates. This golden hue contrasts beautifully against the darker backdrop, providing an ethereal quality to the space. Beyond this, a metallic VIP room awaits, its intricate wooden tiles reflecting a sense of metropolitan luxury as if navigating through the bustling streets of an imagined city.

Visitors moving further through the showroom encounter an unconventional, boundaryless environment where stone seems to float in mid-air, suspended by innovative design elements.

Mirrored ceilings

Mirrored ceilings reflect the space, enhancing the sense of depth and continuity. Strategically placed LED screens offer a narrative that educates guests about the origins and uses of each stone material. Thus, the showroom becomes more than just a display of materials; it becomes a storytelling medium, using digital technology to enrich the visitor experience.

The journey culminates in a playful yet contemplative space, where volcanic-like stone formations create an unexpected sense of wonder. A contemporary stone sculpture doubles as a functional gathering spot and bar counter, inviting visitors to linger and discuss how these materials might be integrated into their spaces. The sculpture’s fluid form encourages interaction, transforming the showroom into a dynamic, engaging space where visitors can learn and socialise.

This innovative showroom design, curated by WOSA and conceptualised by Volks Design & Research Consulting, elevates the humble sintered stone into art. It moves beyond the expected, showcasing how stone can be used for its practical qualities and aesthetic potential.

The space is a testament to the seamless integration of art and design, highlighting how materiality can shape experiences and perceptions. Visitors leave with a redefined understanding of stone’s place in modern design, seeing it as a building material and a medium for creative expression.

The showroom was designed by Manuel Lam, a Harvard graduate, architect, and awarded interior designer who leads The Volks Design & Research Consulting Ltd. This firm’s approach to design is centred on a holistic strategy that considers every detail of a project, ensuring bespoke solutions for each client.

Lam’s vision and his team’s expertise have resulted in a showroom that redefines how people interact with materials. The design is not just for architecture or interiors; it extends to creating immersive, experiential spaces that foster connections between people and their environments.

This project, expected to be completed in 2025, will set a new benchmark for showroom design in architecture and materials. Through this exhibition, WOSA will showcase its extensive stone materials and challenge visitors to think differently about using and incorporating such materials in their projects.

WOSA’s Shanghai showroom vividly demonstrates how design can transcend traditional boundaries, offering a glimpse into the future of retail experiences. In a world where technology, art, and commerce are increasingly intertwined, this space is an exemplary model for the next generation of immersive retail environments. It proves that design should serve a functional purpose, provoke thought, inspire creativity, and elevate the human experience.

Hero image: WOSA’s new showroom in a repurposed factory takes visitors beyond traditional sintered stone showrooms. Credit: Volks Design & Research Consulting Ltd.