When 'Adapting to Life' Meets' Excellent Work ': Spatial Narrative of Fast Retailing (China) Headqua

When 'Adapting to Life' Meets' Excellent Work ': Spatial Narrative of Fast Retailing (China) Headquarters

Main creators: Zhao Zongyang, Ryosuke Ono

Design team: Qin Zhiwei, Zhao Yinglun, Zhang Fanxing, Zhang Aping, Xie Haoxiang, Guan Chen, Chuan Hefeng, Lin Jiashi, Sun Xiuyun
Address: Shanghai, China
Area: Approximately 16000 square meters
Photography by Zhang Daqi
Keywords: fast-moving consumer goods/clothing, office environment design, Shanghai headquarters, brand presentation, flexible and efficient, multifunctional module design, sustainability, employee care, internationalization, mixed diversity, office furniture
When 'Adapting to Life' Meets' Excellent Work ': Spatial Narrative of Fast Retailing (China) Headquarters
In the bustling Xujiahui Center in Shanghai, the headquarters of Fast Retailing (China) quietly resides on the 7th to 11th floors of the T1 tower. This approximately 16000 square meter space is no longer just a relocation and expansion of office space, but also a profound expression of the brand's core extending from "clothing" to "space" - derived from Uniqlo's classic "LifeWear", a new concept belonging to this space: "WorkWell".

The Evolution of Ideas: Goodwill from "Clothing" to "Space"
The original intention of "LifeWear" is to integrate clothing into life, giving more comfort and possibilities to daily life. On this basis, 'WorkWell' extends care from daily life to the workplace. The clever idea of the word 'Well' emerges here: it is both 'good' and 'well'. This means that this space should not only provide a "good" environment, but also be like a spring well, continuously nourishing everyone working here, allowing inspiration and creativity to flow constantly.

Space is woven: weaving brands, nature, and culture
Entering the main reception area on the 11th floor, warm natural light is sprinkled through the french window, and the totem of wood texture and "weaving" texture spreads on the wall, ground and ceiling. This is not only a transformation of clothing brand elements, but also a metaphor for how space meticulously weaves people, light, scenery, and brand stories together. The slightly elevated ground in the negotiation area allows people to sit comfortably while also having a panoramic view of the entire space and the city skyline - a subtle yet considerate respect.

Mobile brand exhibition gallery
The spatial flow itself becomes the silent narrator of the brand. From the main visual display rotating on the LED screen, to the carefully set showcase at the corner, and to the brand posters unfolding like scrolls on the corridor walls, visitors naturally immerse themselves in the brand world of UNIQLO, Theory, and GU while walking. This is not only a display, but also an experiential infection, making the concept of "adapting to life" tangible, perceptible, and resonant.

Modules and Elasticity: Supporting Diverse Forms of Work
The office floors are clearly divided into shared areas, standard office areas, and communication areas as soft partitions. Flexible partitions, flexible workstations, and integrated service cores (tea rooms, telephone booths, printing areas, etc. within a one minute walking circle) all echo the theme of "flexible and efficient". It is particularly worth mentioning that the restaurant and training room can be connected to form a large venue that can accommodate 500 people, and can also be flexibly separated - the space always changes according to people's needs, rather than allowing people to adapt to the solidification of the space.

Sustainability is more of an atmosphere
Sustainability is not only reflected in the selection of environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving design, but also integrated into every aspect of visual and experiential experience: sufficient lighting, ubiquitous green plants, visual air purification equipment, sound-absorbing and noise reducing conference walls... These details together create an office atmosphere that focuses on physical and mental health, quietly echoing the brand's dual responsibility for "people" and "environment".

Conclusion: Space is another brand language
The design of Fast Retailing (China) headquarters goes far beyond the integration of aesthetics and functionality. It tells the story of the brand through space, conveys the warmth of the enterprise, and shapes the sense of ceremony in work. Here, 'WorkWell' is no longer just a slogan, but a sofa where you can sit and talk, a window where you can admire the scenery, a wall that inspires inspiration, and a quiet and focused corner.

This may be the underlying proposition of contemporary office space design: how to make the space carry culture, nourish people with the environment, and make every day's work a gentle and profound dialogue with the brand concept.