The Santoni Material Experience Center (SANTONI MEC) is a state-of-the-art research and development facility created by Egret Design for Santoni Knitting Machinery Co., Ltd. This center serves as a collaborative hub for textile industry professionals to meet clients, exchange ideas, and work on customized projects. Designed as an inspiring space for innovation, conceptual experimentation, and knowledge sharing, the interior is flexible and versatile. Its open, bright, and clean design fosters a comfortable environment where designers can thrive creatively.
Designing the Future
The MEC’s design reflects the sustainability and forward-thinking approach championed by modern textile manufacturers. Saint Anthony’s seamless and circular knitting technology has enabled a successful partnership that perfectly blends materials with design. Gianpietro Belotti, CEO of Saint Anthony Shanghai, stated, “Establishing this new collaborative network allows us to think differently and gain insights into emerging fields. This helps us fulfill our mission of inspiring the world’s weavers with cutting-edge solutions.”
△ Spatial axonometric map
Challenges and Solutions
Saint Anthony required a space that is both flexible and adaptable to accommodate various projects. To meet this need, the architect designed a movable chandelier system and low cabinets that can be easily repositioned. Simplicity and adaptability are central to the design concept, allowing clients to effortlessly install products, samples, and demonstrations within the provided space.
Additionally, the company sought an open, bright, and high-tech environment. Bylu Design Company achieved this by using bright white paint and terrazzo flooring, which enhance and reflect natural light streaming through the windows. To emphasize a technological atmosphere, materials such as metal mesh, stainless steel, LED walls, and touch screens were incorporated. In contrast, areas intended to feel warm and inviting feature wooden floors and soft color palettes, creating a more humanized and welcoming atmosphere. The end result is a clean, elegant, and well-ventilated space that harmoniously blends technology with a futuristic aesthetic.
△ Plan view
A Captivating Entrance
The center is a significant space that all visitors to Saint Anthony Shanghai experience. It includes an entrance, concept interpretation area, general exhibition area, featured concept zone, and lounge. Visitors first encounter the striking entrance, which connects the front desk of the Saint Anthony factory with the Materials Experience Center. Chief architect Luigi Arcadu explained, “This is more than an entrance—it’s an experience and a symbol of knitting technology transitioning from the present to the future.” The entrance’s parallelepiped shape is clad in aluminum panels, with a blue epoxy-coated interior creating a subtle inverted funnel effect. This culminates in a 3×4 meter transparent LED wall that leaves visitors impressed as they enter the exhibition hall.
△ Entrance
Exploring the Space
The conceptual interpretation area is the second zone visitors enter. It features two white cubes, a digital demonstration screen, and an LED wall, creating an iconic and engaging design. Next is the general exhibition area, dedicated to showcasing Saint Anthony’s machinery, fabrics, and production processes. This space is divided into three distinct zones, each differentiated by independent hanging lighting systems, unique color schemes, and partitions. The layout is dynamic and inviting, encouraging visitors to explore and interact with samples and products. Creative Studio Director Eva de Laat emphasized that inspiring visitors to collect, explore, and discover ideas lies at the heart of Saint Anthony’s vision and the design of the center.
Concept Area
The general exhibition area also includes low cabinets for displaying samples and a glass curtain wall equipped with a touch screen. The touch screen provides detailed explanations about each exhibit’s function, development process, and background stories. Additional information can be accessed through stickers that generate augmented reality effects when combined with items on the screen.
△ Exhibition Area
△ Sample Area
Featured Samples and Initial Concepts
The featured concept area highlights innovative projects and offers visitors the chance to discover new products and textiles. This space is enclosed by a white metal mesh, providing privacy and comfort. A long wooden table at the center serves as a collaborative space for discussing samples and initial concepts.
△ Featured Concept Area
The lounge area is the final destination—a comfortable and inviting space ideal for relaxation and project discussions. The wooden floor here is elevated above the terrazzo flooring, and the arrangement of sofas combined with grid partitions creates a warm, intimate atmosphere. A protruding window connects this area with the Saint Anthony Materials Library.
△ Corridor
△ Discussion Area
High-Tech Materials Library
The Materials Library is the centerpiece of the entire space, capable of storing up to 2,000 samples with highly automated management. A robotic arm at the center delivers any selected sample directly to the lounge. This innovative feature is sure to captivate visitors and highlights the creative and technological advancements of Saint Anthony and its partners. CEO Gianpietro Belotti remarked, “The Materials Library represents the pinnacle of our knowledge and the sum of our activities. Laboratory testing, innovative ideas, new designs, and unexpected results are systematically collected and archived here. I envision a future where robots operate 24/7 to meet the demands and creative desires of both remote and onsite clients.”
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Saint Anthony Material Experience Center
Year Completed: 2019
Building Area: 400 SQM
Location: Shanghai, China
Interior Design: Egret Design
Website: www.byludesign.com
Contact Email: __AI_S_SC0__
Design Team: LUIGI ARCADU ┃ STEFANO BAI ┃ SARA CIRIBIFERA ┃ CHENEY CAO ┃ YI ZHANG
Client: SANTONI
Company Address: 16A, No. 888 Wanhangdu Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China
Photography Credit: Sven Zhang
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