Redefining Urban Spaces The others Store by Mur Mur Lab
Unveiling a Historical Tapestry: Context of Kangding Road
Situated in Shanghai’s Jing’an district, Kangding Road boasts a rich historical tapestry dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Once renowned for its small factories and labyrinthine alleyways, the street now preserves remnants of its industrial past amidst a bustling commercial landscape. “The Others” store occupies a unique niche within this urban fabric, nestled in a narrow strip of two rooms along the street, with widths of 3 meters and 1.5 meters respectively. Constrained by the brick and concrete structure of the old house, these rooms are connected solely by a doorway at the end, presenting a peculiar spatial configuration.
Embracing Urban References: The Significance of the Balcony
In reimagining the spatial dynamics of “The Others” store, Mur Mur Lab drew inspiration from the urban balcony—a quintessential feature of urban life that bridges the divide between private and public realms. Evocative of intimate gatherings and communal experiences, the balcony symbolizes a convergence of personal narratives within the larger urban context. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, balconies have emerged as newfound social spaces, embodying resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Spatial Exploration: Navigating Contrasting Realms
Traversing the juxtaposed rectangular spaces of “The Others” store, visitors embark on a journey that oscillates between interior intimacy and exterior expansiveness. Entering from the wide side, they navigate through a central aperture before arriving at the narrow end, where the bustling cityscape unfolds before their eyes. Yet, despite the panoramic views, the raised ground and lowered roof create a sense of detachment, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior, private and public.
The Charm of Simplicity: A City Balcony Experience
At the heart of “The Others” store lies a black flat steel plate, serving both as a handrail and tabletop—a minimalist yet multifunctional element that epitomizes the store’s ethos. Positioned on the first floor yet elevated above the city, this makeshift balcony offers a serene retreat amidst the urban bustle, inviting patrons to linger and contemplate.
Symbolism and Metaphor: A Space for Collective Memory
As patrons congregate within the store, each interaction becomes a testament to the power of spatial storytelling. From intimate conversations at the bar to contemplative moments on the balcony, “The Others” store serves as a canvas for shared experiences and collective memories. Like “a tree shakes another tree, or a cloud pushes another cloud,” the space becomes a conduit for eternal connections, transcending individual narratives to evoke a sense of shared humanity.
A Daily Oasis: Inviting Moments of Respite
Amidst the ebb and flow of urban life, “The Others” store stands as an oasis of simplicity and serenity. With its unassuming charm and understated elegance, it beckons visitors to pause, reflect, and savor the fleeting moments of everyday life. As patrons stand on the balcony, gazing out at the cityscape, they are reminded of the beauty of simplicity—a timeless reminder to cherish the present moment.
