+ Project description, text by Samuele Martelli, Giambattista Burdo
Approaching to a concept design for a new brand is generally very challenging for designers. When in our daily work we cooperate with fashion brands which are already exist, we have to deal with their identity built in the market. So we definitely have to create a connection between our new ideas and the previous impression generated to customers without changing too much.
On the opposite, designers do not have to deal with any background for building a completely new image for a brand which is soon to be launched in the market, but this may probably be a more difficult task. Then we have always to remember that the success of a brand will be influenced also from the image we are creating. So it is a more challenging task for designers.
+ Project credits / data
Project: Alla Scala Flagship Store (Fashion Retail)
Location: Shenzhen, China
Building area: 175 SQM
Designer: Oobiq Architects
Completion: 2010
Photographer: Douglas Ip – Courtesy of Oobiq Architects
+ About OOBIQ Architects
OOBIQ Architects is an award-winning architectural and design firm based in Hong Kong, with partner offices in Florence, Beijing and Tehran.
Oobiq Architects' founding partners are Italian architects, Giambattista Burdo and Samuele Martelli, graduates of the University of Florence who have also lectured, researched and supervised undergraduates of architecture.
After years of experience in European design firms, Mr Burdo and Mr Martelli have also directed architectural offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai, respectively. In August 2008 they formed a partnership to combine their notable architectural skills, and bring Italian quality and style to Hong Kong and China.
Oobiq Architects' design services include architecture, interior design, event and product design, artistic direction and project management. Oobiq Architects are positioned to manage diverse projects with superior creativity and knowledge.
Oobiq Architects' clients are both European and Chinese brands with high visibility who demand a quality product with personalised service. Both Mr Burdo and Mr Martelli are often invited to conferences and seminars to share with guests their experience and design philosophy.
Giambattista Burdo possesses a Degree in Architecture, specialising in Maintenance and Renewal of Ancient and Historic Architecture. Mr Burdo has also received a specialist diploma in Restoration of Architectural Artefacts in a State of Ruin. In addition, Mr Burdo has taken a Master of Science in Bio-ecological Architecture and Environmentally Innovative Technologies at the University of Florence.
Mr Burdo's employment credits include teaching assistant in Architectural Design in the Faculty of Architecture, University of Florence; architect in the eminent architectural office in Italy specializing in the restoration of historic buildings; and architect in the pre-eminent engineering and sustainability consultancy in London.
He is a member of the Register of Architects of Matera and authorized architect in all of the European Union.
Samuele Martelli possesses a Degree in Architecture and a Master of Science in Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Florence. He is also a member of the Register of Architects of Florence.
For a number of years Mr Martelli has been involved in research and architectural projects for the University of Florence in Eastern Europe and China. Mr Martelli has also lectured for the Nanjing Forestry University.
Mr Martelli is a free-lance journalist and consultant. In China, he has been a consultant for Interior Design + Construction, Interior Design China and Area China. In Italy, he is part of the team of the magazine AND of Florence. His articles have appeared in several other magazines, including Hinge from Hong Kong, and a handbook for architecture professionals.
+ All images and drawings courtesy OOBIQ Architects
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