Located at the intersection of Changde Road and Nanjing West Road in Shanghai, the Ports 1961 flagship store embodies the brand’s forward-looking vision while paying tribute to its heritage. The façade seamlessly blends traditional elements with contemporary interpretations, symbolizing the brand’s continuous evolution.

Inspired by the organic form of an iceberg, the design expresses the delicate balance between legacy and innovation. The façade is constructed using two types of glass blocks—standard 300mm x 300mm units and custom 300mm x 300mm x 300mm corner blocks—assembled into a sculpted, three-dimensional structure with dramatic cantilevered forms. A standout feature is the ornamental canopy, which slopes toward pedestrian traffic and incorporates four bow windows visible from every direction.

Materials such as satin-finished glass blocks and shot-blasted stainless steel create subtle, diffuse reflections and respond dynamically to natural light, producing a shifting play of shadow and shimmer throughout the day. After dark, integrated LED lighting illuminates the façade from within, transforming it into a luminous, ice-like surface.

More than a storefront, the design becomes an architectural statement—an engaging, ever-changing interface between the brand and the vibrant urban fabric of Shanghai.

Title: Ports 1961 Shanghai
Location: Shanghai, China
Use: Retail
Size: 1,145 sqm
Number of Stories: 3
Structure: Steel, Concrete, Glass Block
Completed: 2015
Photographer: Shengliang Su