SKP Xi’An
A dynamic continuation and scaling up of SKP’s branded architectural language and sophisticated materiality.
SKP Xi’an is Sybarite’s second retail masterplan for SKP, following the acclaimed rebranding of SKP Beijing. SKP Xi’an is one of the world’s largest luxury department stores, spanning 250,000 m² across 20 floors, and featuring over 1,000 top-tier international and domestic brands.
- Key Info
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- Location
- Xi'An, China
- Client
- SKP
- Services
- Architecture, Interior Design, Retail Strategy, Customer Experience Design
- Year
- 2016 - 2018
- Area
- 250,000 m2
- Photography
- Kristen Pelou, Marco Zanta
- Awards
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Key to the City
- Testimonials
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I think that Sybarite fully understand that retail design needs to be future proofed and that retail trends can change very rapidly and the spaces to be adaptive and flexible enough to support those changes. Most importantly is that we know (and have the confidence to know) that we physically can change spaces without too much interruption or loss of trade to trial new things”.
Lorenzo Grazzini - Deputy Director, SKP Store Planning and Design - Press
-
- Location
- Xi'An, China
- Client
- SKP
- Services
- Architecture, Interior Design, Retail Strategy, Customer Experience Design
- Year
- 2016 - 2018
- Area
- 250,000 m2
- Photography
- Kristen Pelou, Marco Zanta
Key to the City
I think that Sybarite fully understand that retail design needs to be future proofed and that retail trends can change very rapidly and the spaces to be adaptive and flexible enough to support those changes. Most importantly is that we know (and have the confidence to know) that we physically can change spaces without too much interruption or loss of trade to trial new things”.Lorenzo Grazzini - Deputy Director, SKP Store Planning and Design
Evolving House Style
Building upon the SKP house style and refined materiality first established in Beijing, the design unmistakably carries the SKP brand, confidently retaining its iconic SKP Curve. However, to ensure a seamless yet dynamic experience, the architectural language was carefully adapted to suit the distinctive context of Xi’an.
Sensitive Locality
Located in the historic city of Xi’an, known for the Terracotta Army. The design required a sensitive and respectful approach due to the luxury department store’s proximity to key landmarks: the Parliament building and the Old City Wall. The masterplan seamlessly integrates with the cultural heritage of Xi’an while effectively promoting the SKP brand.
The Façade
Inspired by Moorish architecture, particularly the Alhambra Palace, the façade presents a contemporary take on decorative bas-relief sculpture. Its intricate honeycomb design, crafted from brushed bronzed brass, interacts with varying tones of glass and dynamic light effects to create a captivating visual impact. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the striking structure seamlessly unites the two original buildings into a cohesive whole.
Lifestyle and SKP Cinema
More than just a retail destination, SKP Xi’an goes beyond by offering a vibrant mix of recreational and lifestyle experiences. In addition to its luxury department store, it brings together a multi-storey event space, a boutique cinema, cafés, diverse dining options, and a garden terrace designed in collaboration with Arup.
Building on this concept, Sybarite further partnered with SKP to create a futuristic, high-end cinema. Featuring seven uniquely designed screens, each designed with dynamic colours and signature geometrical stacking of the SKP Curve across the ceiling and walls, SKP Cinema seamlessly reflects the brand’s signature style. Moreover, to complement this, upscale bar areas and the Rendez-Vous café enhance the overall experience, making the cinema a destination in itself.
SKP-S
Later in 2022, SKP-S Xi’an opened on the 4th floor of the department store with its second episode entitled ‘Earth Rebirth.’ SKP-S Beijing offers an immersive laboratory-like retail experience that distinctly contrasts with the luxury department store’s other 19 floors.
Throughout the otherworldly environment, top-tier lifestyle, fashion and beauty offerings are intermingled with futuristic elements like robotic art and installations. Sybarite designed the subtle, ambient lighting, monochromatic terrazzo flooring and backlit columns to evoke a dynamic and cosmic atmosphere.
CONCLUSION
SKP Xi’an builds on the recognisably branded experience first established in SKP Beijing. Despite the scale of the luxury department store, it successfully evokes an atmosphere of both quality and intimacy. Notably, at its launch, Sybarite was honoured with the key to the city of Xi’an by the mayor, symbolising trust and approval.
