Embracing the sustainable concept of harmonious coexistence with nature, ARC'TERYX, the high-end outdoor apparel brand originated from Vancouver's Coast Mountains, has launched its first ski field-based ReBIRD Service Center at Songhua Lake in Jilin Province. This pop-up experience space celebrates the enduring spirit of mountains amidst the chill of winter.
For this project, STILL YOUNG employs a unique localized visual language, seamlessly combining functionality and experience, creating a winter camp for outdoor skiers to embark on a sustainable journey.
Born in Nature, Upcycling
"One piece of clothing originally protected just one person. Now it has transformed into a shelter, carrying greater meaning."
Amid snow-laden mountains, an icy lake reflects an ethereal landscape.
The striking tent camp and a towering 6-meter jacket, with their color-blocked exteriors, echo the surrounding snowy mountains, creating a strong visual contrast against the pristine white world. These elements erect with distinct artistic tension, breathing new life into the site.
For the outdoor brand ARC'TERYX, a deep connection to nature is rooted in its DNA. Staying true to its core values, ARC'TERYX acts with genuine kindness to embrace all things, give back to the planet, and make circulairty into reality. This commitment to sustainability is embodied in the ReBIRD™concept, which inspired the project's design. Old garment fabric were deconstructed and reimagined to reshape the tent facades and the massive jacket.
Bathed in sunlight, the vibrant camp exudes energy. Through aesthetics of clothes upcycling, the space pulses with circularity and new life, underscoring the brand's reverence for the mountains and its environmental commitment. Here, the sustainable ethos is brought to life in the great outdoors, fostering a deep connection between people with nature.
Ice Lake Reflections, Site-specific Creation
For skiers drawn to the mountains, the journey begins with soaring over ridges like a bird and racing downhill—a thrilling descent that completes a perfect skiing adventure. But the journey doesn't end there—it continues in the endless cycle of exploration and discovery. Beyond the thrill, there is a yearning for a place that radiates warmth, offers shelter from the elements, and stirs the soul.
After an exhilarating adrenaline rush, skiers leave their snowboards on outdoor racks, shedding their weariness.
Entering the colorful tent, they are embraced by warmth, as light softly fills the space.
Inspired by the terrain of Songhua Lake, an ice sculpture takes center stage within the tent, echoing the natural beauty outside. Its winding contours mirror the lake's frozen landscape, encircling a bar counter.
Crystal-clear like the lake, stacked like snowflakes, the ethereal bar counter blends seamlessly with warm wood textures, creating a warm and artistic atmosphere.
A Shared Passion, A Snowy Gathering Spot
For every skier venturing into the mountains, the journey transcends the thrill of conquering the slopes—it's a quest for deeper spiritual fulfillment.
Unlike conventional pop-up spaces that focus on transactions, this project prioritizes an "experience first" concept, creating a welcoming social hub that fosters belonging and meaningful interaction. The bar counter, serving as the centerpiece, is surrounded by wood-carved structures that extend the layered design of the ice sculpture. Functional areas, including a VIP lounge, product displays, and the ReBIRD™ area, are set around this central focal point.
The VIP lounge, designed with an "outdoor cabin" aesthetic, features wood textures, upholstered booths, and a cozy campfire-style heater, creating a secure, inviting environment for relaxation and casual interaction.
Under soft lighting, skiers can sit back and unwind, enjoying the warmth of the flickering fire. They can also connect with new friends and share their "plunging philosophies," cultivating shared appreciation for outdoor culture.
In this moment, people are connected by their shared passion for the mountains.
An area that carries the traces of time, articulates the sustainability spirit of the space.
The ReBIRD™ area highlights Arc'teryx's sustainability vision, offering comprehensive equipment maintenance, repair services, and expert washing care recommendations, giving new life into each piece of gear and extending its lifespan.
As a leader in the outdoor field, Arc'teryx has been on a journey of relentless growth and evolution, guided by the ethos of "The Mountains Make Us Better."
The brand's first-ever ski field-based ReBIRD™ Service Center at Songhua Lake is an outdoor practice that blends nature and sustainability. From the spirit-warming camp to the colorful tent and monumental jacket, the project redefines the possibilities of outdoor exploration, inspiring skiers to gear up with resilience to brave the elements and conquer new heights in the snowy world.