Vincent Van Duysen . photos: © Jonathan Leijonhufvud
Unveiled the largest Molteni&C Flagship Store and UniFor Showroom in the heart of Shanghai, a collaborative project with strategic partner Domus Tiandi, a leader in the retail furniture industry. Spanning more than 3,500 square meters, this expansive new store aims to establish a transformative design landmark in the city. The Shanghai Flagship Store, located in the “Golden Union Shi bo” compound along the banks of the Huangpu River, near the Shanghai Power Station of Art and the Expo Riverside Dingbo Tower, features a blend of history and modern design. The compound, once an industrial heritage site, now symbolizes Shanghai’s evolution from its industrial roots to a contemporary urban landscape.
Vincent Van Duysen, Molteni&C’s Creative Director, envisions the store as a palace-like space with a succession of elegantly refined rooms, interconnected by a sculptural staircase and adorned with details that nod to Chinese culture.
The design incorporates exposed reinforced concrete columns, a tribute to the building’s industrial past, seamlessly blended with modern metal accents.
The two-story Flagship Store showcases a comprehensive range of Molteni&C collections, including iconic pieces by renowned designers such as Jean Nouvel, Foster + Partners, Ron Gilad, Yabu Pushelberg, Herzog & de Meuron, Gio Ponti, Aldo Rossi, and Luca Meda. The first floor features a dining area with a Mateo table in Calacatta marble and Tea chairs, leading guests into a series of living and bedroom spaces displaying signature furniture pieces like the Old Ford table, Augusto sofa, and Gliss Master walk-in wardrobe system by Vincent Van Duysen.
A highlight of the store is the Art Gallery, dedicated to the works of Gio Ponti and the Heritage Collection, set in an open space of concrete and stainless steel. This gallery offers a glimpse into the history of Molteni&C through iconic furniture designs.
Adjacent to the showroom is the UniFor section, a 300-square-meter space designed for architects and designers, showcasing a range of office furniture and custom project solutions. The area includes iconic pieces such as the Parigi armchair, the Consiglio table, and the Museo chair, along with the latest PRINCIPLES collection by OMA.
The Flagship Store is also home to Charcoal Restaurant, an indoor-outdoor dining space that incorporates the Molteni&C Outdoor Collection. The restaurant offers a serene environment where guests can enjoy the blend of natural and designed elements, surrounded by Vincent Van Duysen’s Palinfrasca armchair and sofa and Phoenix seating.
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