Brifing

Hui Pan Architects Unveils Yearly Plan House in Chengdu

A retail space reimagined as an art container filled with light in China's cultural hub.

ArchDaily Global2 min

1Cultural retail transformation

The Yearly Plan House in Chengdu's Luhu district repurposes a 400m² space into a retail environment blending art and commerce. Hui Pan Architects' design preserves the original structure while infusing contemporary elements that reflect Chengdu's unique urban character. This approach demonstrates how adaptive reuse can honor heritage while meeting modern functional needs.

2Tripartite design philosophy

The project's core concept revolves around three dimensions: structural reinterpretation, capturing Chengdu's spirit, and creating a luminous art container. The architects transformed the space by carefully balancing these elements, resulting in an environment that serves both commercial purposes and cultural expression. This multidimensional approach sets a benchmark for retail interior renovations.

3Material innovation

The design incorporates products from GANWU and PanDOMO, selected for their quality and aesthetic alignment with the project's vision. These material choices contribute to the space's identity as an 'art container,' with particular attention paid to light manipulation throughout the interior. The selection process prioritized both durability and visual impact.

4Collaborative execution

A multidisciplinary team including Pan Hui, Li Yingpei, and Yu Zelong worked alongside Shanghai Chengyu Space Design and GARTNER Facades to realize the vision. Frenchhouse provided supervision, ensuring the project maintained its architectural integrity while meeting all functional requirements. This collaborative model demonstrates effective project coordination.

5Photographic documentation

Ce Wang's photographs capture the interplay of light and space that defines the Yearly Plan House. The visual documentation highlights how natural and artificial lighting interact with the architectural elements to create dynamic spatial experiences throughout the day. These images serve as an important record of the design's atmospheric qualities.

6Urban context integration

Located in Chengdu, a city known for its vibrant cultural scene, the project responds specifically to local urban temperament. The architects translated Chengdu's distinctive character into spatial qualities, creating a retail environment that feels authentically connected to its surroundings while offering a unique experience.

7Construction timeline

Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project represents contemporary Chinese architectural practice in retail design. The timeline allows for careful execution of the complex renovation, which involves preserving structural elements while introducing modern interventions. This phased approach ensures quality control throughout.

8Architectural significance

The Yearly Plan House demonstrates how retail spaces can transcend commercial functions to become cultural landmarks. By prioritizing light, materiality, and urban context, Hui Pan Architects have created a model for future projects seeking to balance aesthetic innovation with practical utility in dense urban environments.

Original article: ArchDaily Global — Hui Pan Architects Unveils Yearly Plan House in Chengdu