Tiffany & Co. in Shanghai: A Jewel-Inspired Façade by MVRDV

Nestled within Shanghai’s Taikoo Li Qiantan retail development, Tiffany & Co.’s store boasts a striking jewel-inspired façade, a masterpiece by MVRDV. The exterior is adorned with 6,988 meticulously handcrafted glass “diamonds,” symbolizing Tiffany’s iconic jewelry designs. By day, these elements reflect and refract the environment, creating a shimmering spectacle, while at night, LED lighting transforms the façade into a vibrant display of infinite colors.

Positioned prominently on the central axis of Taikoo Li Qiantan, completed in 2021, the store is part of the southern sector dedicated to luxury brands. MVRDV’s design distinguishes itself with a daring yet elegant concept: a façade crafted from glass diamonds. This sophisticated simplicity underscores a profound grasp of Tiffany’s brand heritage and identity, continuing MVRDV’s strategy first seen in their design for Tiffany at Singapore’s Changi Airport. This approach honors Tiffany’s legacy through innovative material use, pronounced three-dimensionality, and a captivating visual impact.

In Shanghai, these principles manifest through a meticulously arranged glass diamond screen. The diamonds are distributed to create a randomized effect, becoming sparser for better visibility, such as near the first-floor balcony of the store’s café. Each glass diamond measures 21 centimeters wide and 13 centimeters tall, weighing 1.5 kilograms. They are suspended on slender, mirrored steel cables under high tension, secured by discreet steel fixtures to prevent movement. This detailed design allows for complete dismantling and potential reuse or recycling of the façade’s components.

Echoing the Singapore Airport store’s design, the Shanghai store’s façade incorporates elements inspired by the local skyline’s vibrant light displays. The façade features low-energy, color-changing LED lighting integrated into its top and bottom, capable of displaying any color, including the signature Tiffany Blue. The refractive quality of the glass diamonds enhances each hue, creating a mesmerizing and dynamic visual experience.

Credits

• Architect: MVRDV
• Founding Partner in charge: Jacob van Rijs
• Partner: Fokke Moerel
• Design Team: Aser Giménez Ortega, Elien Deceuninck, Monica Di Salvo, Simone Costa, Türker Naci Şaylan, Xiaoyi Qin, Natalia Lipczuk
• Copyright: MVRDV Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, Nathalie de Vries