SND Fashion Store in Chongqing, China, created by 2GATTI Architecture Studio is, my opinion, an amazing reinterpretation of the ceilings created by Antoni Gaudi, in examples such as the Batllo House or the Milla Residence. The Studio created an unconventional way of displaying arches, with thousands of fiberglass sheets suspended from the ceiling. The arches offer the space an almost regal appearance and create a playful display of various heights.
The fact that the ceiling modules are so heavy is counterbalanced by the very small dosage used of other materials in the shop: white colored wood is present both on the floor, on the walls, and on the shelves. The smart placement of mirrors add more dimensions to the space, while the clothes racks are almost sporadic, ethereal presences. This is what design is all about – keeping things simple, while managing to also create interesting, eye-catching elements, which embellish the spaces around us.
Lidia Ratoi is a Romanian architect, educator, and researcher, currently serving as Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong’s Department of Architecture. With a background in both architectural design and theory, her work explores the intersections of technology, media, and politics in the built environment. Ratoi’s research focuses on the aesthetics of power, surveillance, and virtuality, with a strong interest in critical and speculative design. She has practiced internationally and exhibited in venues across Europe and Asia. Passionate about challenging conventional narratives, Ratoi integrates digital tools with philosophical inquiry, encouraging experimental approaches to architecture. Her contributions continue to shape emerging discourses in design and architectural pedagogy.