Originating from the era of the “fast life,” supermarkets rapidly gained popularity worldwide after their emergence in the United States during the 1930s. Although supermarkets were introduced to China’s retail sector in the 1970s, they lacked effective integration, continuation, and innovation rooted in local market culture. Zhizuo Studio was commissioned by the local new retail brand “Fulai Shiji” in Changsha to design its first supermarket. The design organically blends traditional market culture, creating a dynamic public space where citizens can deeply engage with the environment.
△ Plan view
△ Spatial axonometric map
The project is situated in the Beichen Delta of Changsha New District, surrounded by numerous residential buildings. The supermarket features two main entrances: the south entrance faces Pingsha Road, while the north entrance connects to the internal street of Fenghuanghai Shopping Park. Wooden frame elements, inspired by traditional market shelves, form the primary structure linking different functional zones within the supermarket. These elements are combined in various ways to create distinct visual effects that emphasize the unique themes of each zone.
△ Snack and beverage area
The stacked milk cartons extend from the street facade into the indoor snack and beverage zone, visually communicating spatial identity and order. These elements also double as store signage and provide lighting, enhancing both functionality and atmosphere.
△ Fruit and vegetable area
The fruit and vegetable section features undulating metal mesh eaves and wooden frame shelving, evoking the lively atmosphere of an open-air market. This design invites customers to relive the joy of selecting fresh produce in a traditional setting.
Fresh meat and seafood area
The fresh meat and seafood corner draws inspiration from traditional cutting boards. Its countertop features a pixelated pattern of light and dark wooden blocks, transitioning smoothly into a waterproof stone base for the fish tanks. The background wall is adorned with a red string of images representing “fish” and “meat,” cleverly linking the two sections with a lively and engaging visual narrative.
△ Restaurant
The dining area is designed to resemble an open-air snack stall, featuring a wooden frame structure and corrugated boards supporting a steeply pitched roof. A semi-transparent grid screen separates the restaurant from the sales area, while grid motifs are echoed in the surrounding counters and equipment enclosures, ensuring visual cohesion throughout the space. Handmade rattan chairs, bamboo tables, and stone-paved walkways evoke a traditional Chinese ambiance, offering visitors a nostalgic experience akin to enjoying authentic cuisine at a local, time-honored eatery.
△ Bread area
△ Coffee area
Passing through the “open-air” food stalls along a stone path, customers arrive at the more private bread and coffee sections. Zhizuo Studio designed a purlin structure creating a mountain-shaped roof, enhancing the coffee area’s natural slope and providing a visually pleasing sequence. The mix of booths and tiered seating offers a comfortable space for people to gather or relax. Columns descend from the roof rafters and transform into neatly arranged bread display racks. Adjacent to the bread area, the checkout counter features molded panels with woven grass textures on the outer edges of the counter and menu wall, establishing a warm, inviting atmosphere through natural textures and earthy tones.
△ South entrance
With the rapid growth of e-commerce, online shopping for snacks and fresh produce has become routine for many Chinese consumers. As a result, the convenience of physical supermarkets has diminished, shifting the focus toward enhancing the customer experience. The Fulai Food Collection is designed with this vision in mind: to serve as a platform where customers can learn about food and cooking, a community where elders share life experiences with younger generations, and a social hub for everyday interactions. It aims to provide citizens with a tangible, authentic lifestyle experience that feels warm and inviting.
Project Details
Location: 1st floor along the street of Fenghuanghai Shopping Park, Beichen Delta, Kaifu District, Changsha City
Indoor Area: 670 square meters
Interior Design Team: LUKSTUDIO
Design Director: Lu Yingzhi
Project Team: Ding Yiren, Du Xue, Gao Yong, Li Mo, Wang Haixin, Yu Weifeng
Design Scope: Facade, interior design, furniture, and lighting design
Main Materials: Laminated aluminum alloy (PIVOT brand), stainless steel, metal mesh, self-opening polypropylene mixed with 30% rice husk plastic frame, acrylic corrugated board, strawboard, solid wood carving, reclaimed wood, wood veneer, stone slab flooring (D&ASPACE rough stone)
Design Period: December 2019 to April 2020
Construction Period: March 2020 to June 2020
Construction Team: Hunan Sendu Decoration Design Engineering Co., Ltd
Shelf Manufacturer: Foshan Xingda Shelf Co., Ltd
Event Furniture: Shanghai Yiteng Furniture Co., Ltd
Lighting: Zhongshan Liyin Lighting Co., Ltd
Brand Image Consultant: Shanghai Yirong Design Consulting Co., Ltd
Photography by Dirk Weiblen
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