LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
FROM QUARRY TO GALLERY
WOSA’s Shanghai showroom redefines the concept of a stone showroom, blending art, architecture, and storytelling to create an immersive journey through innovative materials and design
KATHERINE GANNON
Location: Shanghai, China
Client: WOSA Ltd.
Chief Designer: Manuel Lam
Design team: Scarlett Li
Lighting Designer: Manuel Lam
Project completion date: 2025
Nestled within a repurposed 6,243-square-foot factory in Shanghai, the WOSA stone showroom is a transformative space where art and architecture converge to celebrate the beauty and versatility of lightweight sintered stone. Far surpassing the conventions of typical retail spaces, this showroom reimagines the interaction between materials and their audience, creating an immersive experience that bridges design, storytelling, and commerce.
At the entrance, visitors are welcomed by a translucent curtain of thin white sintered stone, a strikingly modern yet ethereal invitation into the world of WOSA. Beyond this gateway lies a sanctuary of contrasts: a black stone-clad expanse leading to a breathtaking curved staircase, sheathed in golden stone slates, that spirals upward like a sculptural installation. This seamless interplay of light and material invites curiosity, guiding visitors deeper into the journey.
The design takes an unexpected turn with a metallic VIP chamber, its reflective exterior concealing a richly tiled wooden interior. This room evokes the sensation of stepping into a bustling, layered metropolis, each material and surface offering its own narrative. It’s a fitting metaphor for WOSA’s ethos: showcasing stone not just as a building material, but as an artistic medium with boundless possibilities.
The heart of the showroom unfolds into a boundaryless realm where stone volumes appear to float, their weightlessness mirrored in reflective ceilings that create an otherworldly effect. Digital storytelling comes alive through LED screens, offering insights into the origins and craftsmanship behind each material. Suspended sculptures made of stone, paired with volcanic-like formations, lend a playful dynamism to the space, culminating in an interactive interior landscape. At its core, a contemporary stone sculpture doubles as a gathering spot and bar counter, inviting visitors to engage, reflect, and envision the materials within their own designs.
WOSA’s showroom transcends the boundaries of retail, standing as a tribute to the artistry of stone and the transformative power of design. By reinterpreting traditional notions of sintered stone, WOSA elevates it into the realm of fine art, crafting an unforgettable narrative that merges aesthetics, craftsmanship, and exploration. This Shanghai masterpiece not only redefines the showroom experience but also transforms the way visitors perceive and appreciate stone in all its forms.