Bund Post Office and Shop by Yatofu Creatives.

Helsinki based studio Yatofu Creatives have designed a new post office in Ningbo Bund, China on the banks of the Yongjiang River. Home to the province’s first post office, the new location sought to revive the establishment’s former significance and re-establish its role as the centre of the community.

Collaborating with neighbouring store Nordic Books, an emphasis on lifestyle was formed fusing contemporary and cultural interests. Nostalgic forms combine with a festive palette of greens, white and rich shades of red allowing the historic references to live in a contemporary context.

As visitors enter, the space opens up into a double-height atrium, with a post office and checkout counter on the first floor and a striking and dynamic white staircase structure sweeping through the space from the first floor up to the mezzanine. The eye-catching staircase is clad in perforated metal mesh, creating a transparent and bold visual statement while incorporating functional writing surfaces and retail display structures.

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The second floor sees the continuous extension of the mesh staircase structure as well as display shelves painted in a deep hue of crimson, with two built-in reading booths featuring green leather and custom lighting. The third floor, which is entered through a bridge from the adjacent premise, is a private children’s event and workshop space, surrounded by undulating panels of glass windows and inspired by community rooftop gardens.

The brief from the client was posed as a question “How can we reimagine the role of the post office in the community?” The initial research led to the realisation that post offices are often seen as most necessary during times of celebration — this means holidays, festivals, birthdays, and of course the culturally significant Chinese New Year. This led to the redefinition of the brief itself to create a post office that combined its normal functions with gift retail, cultural events, and a children’s event/play space.

The interior therefore becomes a one-stop shop for customers looking to send greetings and presents for celebratory purposes that also serves as a gathering point for the community’s families for seasonal events.

Through this project, Yatofu Creatives deliver a fresh perspective on the role of the post office in the modern setting. Reaching beyond its founding purpose of sending and receiving mail, the interior offers a hub where visitors can connect with one another through the sharing of gifts, memories, and events.

Related: Buda Hotel Chengdu by Archetype Design Organization.

[Images courtesy of Yatofu Creatives. Photography by Wen Studio.]