LLD Factory Store — Baicai Design

Project

Retail
Cultural
Restaurants and Bar
Cafe and Bakery
Other

LLD Factory Store

The LLD Factory Store is located on Qianshan Middle Road in Anshan, within a low-density commercial area. The project site covers 550 square meters and is situated on a spacious platform that offers panoramic views of the distant mountains to the south. The brand aims to create a superstore that integrates a production factory, commercial space, and lifestyle elements all in one.

Project Info:

Status: built, 2024
Area: 550 sqm
Client: LLD Factory Store
Location: AnShan
Photography: Topia Vision

We aim for this store to stand out from the surrounding commercial environment by disregarding the complex and aged layers of the original building. Bright orange is used to delineate different areas, creating a striking façade that draws attention.

The design removed all non-load-bearing walls, using sliding glass doors and windows to create an open and unified façade. This transparency between the interior and exterior enhances the sense of relaxation within the space, while also allowing the mountain view to be integrated into the interior.

Upon entering the space, guests are greeted by an 8-meter-long bar that connects the production area and faces the retail area. The production zone is organized and efficient, while the retail area exudes a relaxed atmosphere. The floor plan uses broad strokes to divide the space into two distinct sections: production and retail.

We want the space to convey a sense of relaxation and honesty, extending visual transparency into the interior. The cake decoration room and parts of the factory kitchen are visible to guests, allowing them to observe the production process. This openness reflects the brand's confidence in its products and its commitment to sincerity.

Understanding that the store intends to operate long-term, we incorporated a variety of movable furniture into the design of the retail area. We aimed to create a space that serves as a versatile platform, adaptable to future changes in business needs.

The design of the space employs objective materials and colors to shape the environment. We retained the original concrete texture and incorporated natural wood and metal finishes, while adding greenery to enhance the space's character and warmth. The materials used are flexible and inclusive, allowing the space to evolve and showcase endless possibilities in the future.

About

Baicai Design is a multidisciplinary design practice based in New York and Shenyang, working across architecture, interiors, exhibitions, and spatial design. Its practice spans different geographies, scales, and cultural contexts.

Founded by Kaiwen Zhao, Baicai is shaped by his interdisciplinary background in design and architecture. Zhao studied Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Architecture at the Yale School of Architecture. He currently teaches in the Department of Industrial Design at RISD, and has previously taught at the University of Colorado Denver, lectured at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and served as a guest critic at Syracuse University.

Baicai approaches space beyond the conventional boundaries of interior design, bringing together architectural and product design thinking to address spatial questions. Through different scales of intervention, we explore the relationships between space, objects, and human behavior.

Awards

FRAME Wellness Space of the year Shortlisted
2026

Paris Design Awards Winner
2026

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner
2026

Dezeen China Rising Firm of the Year
2025

POSITION Award China Best 100 Young Architect
2024

Guangzhou Design Week 40 Under 40
2024

AD China 100 YOUNG
2022-2024

Architizer Best Young Interior Design Firm Special Mention
2024

Forbes China 30 Under 30
2023

FRAME Small Residential of the year Shortlisted
2023

FRAME Award Best Emerging Designer Nominee
2023

APIDA Design Award Excellence Award
2023

FRAME Pop-up Store of the Year
2022

FRAME Window Display of the Year Shortlisted
2022

WYDF TOP 100 Designer
2022

Dezeen Award Shortlisted
2022

Architecture Masterprize Best of The Bests
2022

AD China 100 YOUNG
2020-2022

Architecture Masterprize Honorable Mention
2022

KUKAN Design Award Shortlisted
2022

DNA Award Winner in Workplace Design
2022

DNA Award Honorable Mention in Workplace Design
2022

DNA Award Honorable Mention in Showroom Design
2022

K-Design Award Winner
2022

Novum Design Award Gold Award
2022

Novum Design Award Silver Award
2022

IDA Design Award Honorable Mention
2022

FRAME Best of the Month
2022 April

Design for Asia Award Bronx Award
2021

Design for Asia Award Excellence Award
2021

IDEA Design Award Finalist
2021

Golden Pin Design Award Winner
2021

Golden Pin Design Award Honorable Mention
2022

Vestibulum Inceptos Gravida, Ornare Review,
by Tincidunt Nisl
2024

Ullamcorper Faucibus (Congue) Euismod, by Ligula Parturient, Bibendum Review Porta Libero
2023

Dictumst Tristique, Facilisis Magazine, Edition Two, Porta Libero
2021

Auctor Adipiscing Art Magazine, Porta Libero
2020

Sollicitudin Ornare Magazine,
Porta Libero
2020

Press