PKU Souvenir Boya Store

Within the context of a prestigious university, cultural merchandise extends beyond products, embodying identity, memory, and the reinterpretation of culture. The cultural space emerges as a micro spatial experiment rather than a conventional retail store, exploring how the intellectual and spiritual imagery of the university can be reconstructed within a limited footprint. It caters not only to students and alumni, but also to a broader audience of cultural enthusiasts and visitors, turning merchandise into an interface for experiencing and engaging with the university’s spirit.

The design adopts an “embedded” approach, updating the space with minimal disruption while weaving a narrative of academic culture into the existing environment. The entrance façade draws on traditional campus architecture, referencing gateways with refined proportions, generous eaves, and warm, tactile materials to evoke a sense of intellectual history before one even enters. Inside, the tradition of campus publications is expressed through a façade of layered semi-translucent panels embedded with archival content, creating an interplay of light and shadow reminiscent of historical newspapers. Custom metal elements provide both structure and lighting, maintaining a unified, restrained material palette.

Traditional lattice motifs are reinterpreted as a layered spatial language, bridging classical Chinese gardens, early modern architecture, and contemporary academic spirit. The lattice patterns, integrated into the interior, reinforce collective memory and architectural identity. Digital and immersive elements extend the spatial narrative, transforming iconic campus landmarks into visual experiences that combine real and virtual layers. Using optical illusions, 3D imagery, and kaleidoscopic effects, the design reimagines the relationship between built forms, landscapes, and cultural stories in a compelling, contemporary manner.

The project demonstrates careful consideration of practical constraints, employing prefabricated construction and modular systems to ensure minimal disruption, efficient assembly, and integrity of the space. Overall, it transforms a small footprint into a rich cultural environment where tradition, innovation, and experiential design coexist, offering visitors an immersive encounter with the university’s enduring cultural legacy.