KOKO MARKET


In the design of CPI Island Phase II, we extended the restrained design philosophy of "symbiosis with nature" from Phase I while delving deeper into the latent relationship between nature and urban life. Our focus was on creating seamless integration between indoor, outdoor, and natural ("third space") environments.Here, when people linger, the traces of design subtly recede, allowing for serendipitous encounters that foster a subtle emotional connection between people and place.

From the project's inception, landscape and architecture worked in close collaboration. The architecture adopted a "passively humble" approach, thoughtfully employing arched forms to accommodate the site's existing treesits original inhabitants. Within the interior, strategically embedded retail modules create continuous, street-like spaces. The landscape dissolves traditional boundaries, blending outdoor "publicness" into indoor areas, collectively shaping a community forest market beneath a white canopy.

From a landscape perspective, three key approaches ensured KOKO MARKET achieved its intended relaxed and organic atmosphere.

1. Maximized Natural Permeation & Landscape Vitalization

Trees possess spiritthey are not static decor but dynamic, evolving communal assets. Working with the existing trees and commercial needs, we created diverse experiences: entry groves, indoor green islands, canopy markets, and gravel gardens, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors, commerce and nature. The original trees stand like guardians, forming a protective green canopy. New plantingselephant ears, irises, wild cotton, and various fernswere introduced to enrich the vegetation layers, immersing visitors in a forest-like retreat. Scattered blooms add seasonal vitality. Unlike conventional indoor spaces, here social zones intertwine with native greenery, visible from the market hall, retail units, and sunken gathering areas. These ancient trees are witnesses to the past and silent participants in future stories. In this space, greenery transcends mere decoration, serving as a vital link between commercial vibrancy and human well-being.

2. "Rewilded" Natural Materials

Guided by naturalistic design principles, the landscape brings nature indoors, transforming materials from decorative elements into a living philosophy. Rough-aggregate concrete in public areas, handcrafted clay bricks in sunken markets, and gray gravel in outdoor gardens create a tactile, multi-sensory experience. The uneven texture of exposed aggregate, the warmth of hand-finished bricks, the soft crunch of gravel underfoot—these materials beneath the white canopy express a design ethos rooted in depth and authenticity. Nature permeates subtly through light, shadow, and seasonal patina, avoiding overt visual statements in favor of timeless, evolving beauty. The goal is for visitors to unconsciously absorb the environment’s charm, forging a deep emotional resonance with nature.

3. Nature as a Social Catalyst

Blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, KOKO MARKET emerges as an innovative community marketplace "vessel" offering rest spaces with diverse scales and textures. The open market hall features a semi-outdoor gathering courtyard beneath preserved trees, seamlessly connecting with the surrounding environment. Each retail unit is complemented by dedicated outdoor seating or shared spaces, inviting visitors to linger and interact within this harmonious blend of nature and curated design.

By integrating natural elements throughout the architecture and public areas, we've created a consumption environment that combines functionality with distinctive character. The design thoughtfully incorporates the site's natural topography and existing tree canopies, enhanced with misting systems and wooden decks to craft immersive, nature-inspired sensory experiences. Here, the simple pleasure of sitting casually on the ground embodies the space's inherent informality, where "unaffected naturalness" defines the everyday atmosphere.

This forest market is where meaningful moments unfold—a place that invites people to gather under trees, whether for conversation or celebration. The fusion of commerce and nature nurtures fresh, vibrant stories.

Location: CPI Island, LUXELAKES, Chengdu

Client: LUXELAKES Cultural Tourism & Research

Site Area: 1,740㎡

Design Period: June 2024

Completion: May 2025

Landscape Design: XJ DesignAgency

Landscape Construction: Chengdu Zhengmao Landscape Engineering

Architecture: VARI Architects

Floral Design: LUXELAKES Horticulture