Melt Season Flagship at Taiyuan Road, Shanghai by MLKK Studio

The Oriental Perfume brand is opening its flagship store on historically significant Taiyuan Road in Shanghai, focusing on an immersive olfactory experience. The converted garden villa will create a sensory narrative that honors Old Shanghai’s heritage. Design elements include six Chinese water pine trees in the courtyard, symbolizing the connection between past and present.

The entrance features a garden-style partition that invites exploration of the interplay between time and fragrance. Challenges in preserving historical features were met with a dynamic design approach, employing microcement for a seamless and tranquil finish. Thoughtful lighting and oxidized brass accents add depth, while the ground floor creates a cave-like ambiance. Restored timber trusses on the second floor embody the building’s history. Microcement highlights the walls, and polished natural sandstone slabs serve as display counter centerpieces. This design reflects a balance between humans, objects, and nature, ensuring the flagship store celebrates Shanghai’s heritage through an immersive, sensory experience.