A facade made from broken glass

An interesting project, and one whose idea really appeals to me: eco-friendliness and the union of opposites, exclusive luxury goods and recycled materials.

For the new Bulgari store in Shanghai, MVRDV created a green jade façade made of brass and recycled champagne and beer bottles.

The Art Deco architecture is a nod to Shanghai itself, a blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

The panels are made of sintered green glass with a translucent effect, which looks striking.

And the gold-colored brass trim is a nod to jade jewelry.

At night, the lighting further enhances the unique texture of the glass, and it is designed to keep the façade's energy consumption to a minimum.

This is the third Bulgari store whose façade was designed by MVRDV. The Kuala Lumpur store has a marble façade with gold veining, and the one in Bangkok also combines brass and glass, but in warm yellow hues and with more emphasis on the openings.