UCCA Transformation

The new visual identity for UCCA in Beijing, designed by OMA, is rooted in the concept of visible transparency. We explored various ways to express this idea and ultimately selected a range of curved glass shapes. These shapes not only create captivating visual effects through the reflection of their surroundings but also highlight the subtle imperfections that occasionally emerge during the glass curving process.

Photography: © Bian Jie

PCA-Stream
Paris, France
2013
Shopping and leisure center, cinema multiplex

Drawings: © VS-A. Group

Frames are monolithic lasercut stainless steel profiles. 6 months were sufficient for doing the design, the tender and finally get it all constructed by Northglass.

Northglass is probably more famous abroad than in China itself, so we were luckily surprised that they showed such high interest in this small project. No one ever said the project was simple, but the production appeared to be very challenging, and the most complicated glass type, in Ω shape, required over 10 unsuccessful tests before the glass specialist found the way to get it done.

Although Northglass has one of the most modern factories in the world, the feasibility of such glasses still rely on the experience and the know-how of a few men.

Visual Mock-Up: © VS-A. Group