PAGEONE, the renowned Beijing-based bookstore chain, has unveiled its inaugural Vinyl Concept Store at POLPAS within the scenic Olympic Forest Park. The 400-square-meter space, completed in 2023, represents a bold departure from traditional retail design and marks a significant milestone in the company's evolution. Designed by the innovative architecture studio llLab., the store aims to create an immersive experience that celebrates the tactile and auditory qualities of vinyl records. This new venture reflects PAGEONE's commitment to reimagining the relationship between physical media, architecture, and community engagement in an increasingly digital age.
The concept store emerges at a time when vinyl records have experienced an unexpected cultural renaissance, attracting both nostalgic collectors and younger generations seeking authentic sensory experiences. PAGEONE's decision to dedicate an entire concept store to vinyl demonstrates a strategic response to this trend, positioning the brand at the forefront of cultural retail innovation. The location within Olympic Forest Park provides a serene, nature-infused setting that complements the contemplative experience of browsing and listening to records. This carefully chosen environment encourages visitors to slow down and engage with music in a more intentional, mindful manner. The store's programming likely includes listening stations, curated selections, and possibly live events, transforming retail into cultural engagement.
llLab., led by principal architect Fei Chen, approached the project with a design philosophy centered on creating a space that feels both contemporary and timeless. The design team, which included Luis Ricardo, Hanxiao Liu, Ziyu Wei, Yujun Yan, Lingkong Yin, Lingling Liu, Lexian Hu, and Chao Zuo, sought to craft an atmosphere that honors the ritualistic nature of vinyl listening. Their vision encompasses not just a retail space but a cultural hub where music enthusiasts can gather, discover, and connect. The architectural concept emphasizes fluid circulation, natural materials, and strategic lighting to create distinct zones for browsing, listening, and socializing. Each zone serves a specific function while maintaining visual continuity throughout the space.
Wood veneers feature prominently throughout the interior, creating warmth and acoustic intimacy essential for a space dedicated to music appreciation. The project incorporates products from several specialized manufacturers, including Beijing Bosisi International Culture Communication Co., Ltd., Beijing Dongfang Fujin, Beijing Yufeng Hongli Air Conditioning Equipment Co., Ltd., Hebei Hongtai Aluminum Industry Co., Ltd., Tianjin Construction Technology, and Wood Veneers. These carefully selected materials and systems work in concert to achieve both aesthetic refinement and functional performance. The structural engineering by LuAnLu Partners Structure Consulting ensures the space can accommodate heavy record collections and specialized audio equipment while maintaining an open, inviting atmosphere. Acoustic considerations were paramount in material selection and spatial configuration.
The integration with Olympic Forest Park's natural environment plays a crucial role in the overall experience of the Vinyl Concept Store. Large windows and carefully framed views connect visitors to the surrounding landscape, creating a dialogue between the interior cultural space and exterior natural setting. This relationship reinforces the store's ethos of providing a refuge from urban intensity, much like the immersive experience of listening to a vinyl record. The design strategically uses transparency and materiality to blur boundaries between inside and outside, making nature an active participant in the spatial narrative. Visitors can enjoy seasonal changes while exploring music collections.
As PAGEONE's first foray into format-specific concept retail, the Vinyl Concept Store at POLPAS establishes a new benchmark for experiential design in Beijing's cultural landscape. The project demonstrates how physical retail can remain relevant by offering something digital platforms cannot replicate: a multi-sensory environment that fosters community and deep engagement with cultural products. For both the brand and the city, this store represents not just a commercial venture but a commitment to preserving and celebrating analog culture in the twenty-first century. Its success may inspire similar concept-driven retail experiences that prioritize cultural value over mere transaction.
