La Belle Vie is a public shopping area on the B1 floor of K11 Art Mall in central Shanghai, China. The project is a collaborative effort by JFR Studio, a Shanghai-based design firm focusing on interior design and branding for retail, F&B, fitness industries, and the K11 interior design team. While inheriting the artistic gene of the K11 brand, the transformation originates in creating a wholistic yet mesmerizing design aesthetics that succeeds in amplifying individual tenant’s brand identities, reactivating public areas and creating visual impact. Drawing inspirations from the "dream-scape", JFR Studio integrates abstractions of fantasies into the traditional shopping environment to create an exhilarating journey for all visitors.

Drawing inspirations from the idea of a "dream-scape", Design team integrates abstractions of fantasies into the traditional shopping environment. Various elements from “spiritual” architecture, such as stained-glass windows, Romanesque domes, bold floor patterns, custom-crafted lighting fixtures and signages, as well as multiple layers of reflectivity, are all integrated into a tailored and artistic space that brings the shopping experience of novelty and fantasy to all guests. To begin, the overall circulation strategy within the space has been completely revamped. Through numerous perspective studies using 3D modelling and renderings, the design teams have thoroughly investigated various viewpoints within the venue that would maximize customers’ visibility. Specific branded shops, seasonal pop-up stores, and open cafes are then strategically located to encourage visitor to explore, entertain and experience. Boundaries between corridors and store frontage have also been blurred to increase potential interactions between products and customers. The patterns and colors on the floor of the public area are abstracted from the unique stained-glass pieces of traditional churches, which are also implemented with the signage design to create a cohesive identity. Similar patterns and color elements are adapted within the ceiling, which resonance with the flooring design to create another layer of visual impact within the limited ceiling height. Custom sustainable linoleum flooring material is used to realize a durable yet stunning effect for this high-traffic circulation spaces. Since the B1 level has undergone a major structural reinforcement previously, existing irregular columns have created visual barriers between stores. Wrapped in mirror-finish chrome, these columns are designed so that they become an abstracted arch gateway which is also a kaleidoscopic sculpture that reflect the surroundings seamlessly for personal “selfies” and group photos.

The innovation behind the B1 level of Shanghai K11 Art Mall renovation has revolutionized the traditional mode of commercial development and operation – shopping is no longer the only attribute of a shopping mall. As physical retail businesses are slowly taken away by e-commerce and online malls, developers and operators should really think out-of-the-box regarding other programs that can be integrated within existing shopping venues. Only a venue that successfully combines the online and offline experiences can satisfy this new generation of consumers. The renovation of B1 public area at Shanghai K11 Art Mall has successfully resolved this issue while demonstrated yet another exciting possibility for a more diversified commercial and cultural experience.

The original intention of the project is to revolutionize the traditional mode of commercial development and operation through innovative and unique design elements that adapt to the mobility and technologically driven retail environment Through careful planning and bold design theme, the transformation of the venue creates a wholistic yet mesmerizing design aesthetics that aim to amplify tenant’s brand identities, reactivate public areas and create visual impact. Enhanced experience through exploration has become more important than the act of purchasing itself. As a result, by successfully combining the online and offline retail experiences through innovative design strategies, the project has finally satisfied this current and future generations of consumers.