Located on a former factory site in Jiading District, this project spans over 12,000 square meters and serves as NIO’s largest delivery center. Beyond the striking new facade, Kokaistudios also crafted the interior design for the public space on the first floor. The design is dynamic, open, and welcoming, reflecting Kokaistudios’ philosophy seen in the NIO Center in Jinan last year. Today, in Shanghai, these design principles transform a previously overlooked industrial site into a prominent brand landmark, effectively communicating NIO’s customer-centric values.
The existing structure comprises three interconnected blocks. The first block functions as office space, while the other two accommodate reception, waiting, and lounge areas, also serving as potential venues for future events. This layout allows visitors to engage more deeply with the NIO brand—not only as electric vehicle users but as participants in the broader NIO lifestyle. Behind these buildings lies the vehicle delivery zone where customers receive their vehicles.
The most distinctive feature of Kokaistudios’ renovation is the bright silver louvered facade. This vertical aluminum louver system creates an undulating, flowing effect that visually bridges the three buildings, producing dynamic ripples as visitors move around. It effectively conceals the connecting blocks at the rear, while the rhythmic louvers allow abundant natural light into both office and visitor spaces. From the street, the facade stands out with strong recognition, embodying NIO’s pure and elegant brand identity.
The design also enhances window openings by setting doors and windows within aluminum profile frames. Concrete textured coatings on the surrounding walls maintain consistency with NIO’s spatial design aesthetics. The upgraded main entrance sits centrally among the three buildings, featuring a large canopy and an accessible ramp. This entrance strengthens the building’s street presence and leaves a powerful first impression.
Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by an open, inviting space that sets the tone for the entire experience. To one side, the reception desk offers assistance; on the other, lifestyle products showcase NIO’s philosophy, including home furnishings, books, apparel, and cuisine. Deeper inside is “Joy Camp,” a children’s play and leisure area that brings the themes of home and care into NIO’s user space. Adjacent to this is a rest area designed to emphasize lifestyle focus, offering parents a comfortable space to relax while tending to their children.
Visitors then pass through a corridor connecting the second and third buildings, leading to a spacious lounge. Along the way, a photo wall displays brand community activities, providing a sense of community warmth. The lounge also features a bar counter and dining area, creating a relaxed and enjoyable pick-up experience.
The design thoughtfully balances spatial volume and flexibility. For high-traffic areas, soundproof ceilings and terrazzo floors enhance functionality. Natural bamboo and wood flooring, along with wooden veneer walls, add warmth and a connection to nature. Scattered tables and chairs in the lounge comfortably accommodate numerous guests. Custom furniture features smooth, simple lines inspired by the contours of NIO vehicles.
Besides the bar and dining areas, the 600-square-meter lounge is equipped with event furniture, enabling the delivery center to host various events in the future. An outdoor courtyard connects the two buildings, allowing users to enjoy a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments, creating a versatile and inviting activity space.
After seven months of design and construction, the NIO Delivery Center has quickly become a landmark in Jiading District, renowned for its unique appearance. It captivates viewers from the urban landscape and echoes the sleek lines and driving experience of electric vehicles. The interior design embodies NIO’s core principles of Pure, Human, Progressive, and Sophisticated through soft color palettes, nature-inspired materials, multimedia displays, and a focus on customer comfort.
This welcoming space transforms visitors passing through distinct zones into loyal NIO users. The journey begins at the reception area, featuring lifestyle products and a family-friendly play zone. It continues through a vibrant brand experience corridor and into a spacious, comfortable lounge. This carefully orchestrated brand experience culminates in the vehicle delivery process, ensuring customers depart with a satisfying and memorable experience.
Project Drawings
△ Block Generation Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ Facade Structure Schematic
△ Elevation Structure Schematic
Project Information
Architect: Kokaistudios
Area: 1270 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: RAWVISION Studio
Chief Designers: Filippo Gabbiani, Andrea Destefanis
Architectural Design Team: Liu Chang, Ji Jingning, Xu Jin, Wei Xiaowei
Interior Design Team: Zhang Yanan, Wang Siwen, Song Yan
Author: Frances Arnold
Location: Shanghai
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