Floricultura Mon Parnasse / Canobardin. Image © Imagen Subliminal (Miguel de Guzmán + Rocío Romero)
Retail stores are not just places to shop; they are immersive environments that transport us to another world. To create a truly captivating experience, architecture plays a vital role in stimulating our senses and instincts. By using colors, materials, lighting, and volumes, commercial architecture has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions in customers. In this article, we will explore some remarkable examples of retail spaces that engage and inspire.
The Power of the Storefront
Whether it's on the street or inside a mall, the storefront is the first point of contact with customers. It sets the stage for the entire shopping experience. Some stores opt for a clean and minimalist approach, such as the T-HOUSE New Balance Store and the Mula Preta Store, using a large blank facade with a single color to create an air of mystery. Others, like the Desinchá Concept Store, incorporate interactive elements activated by wind, inviting customers to engage with the store even before entering. And the Dolce & Gabbana Store in Seoul captivates passersby with a grand glass staircase, offering a glimpse into its stunning interior.
Loja T-HOUSE New Balance / Schemata Architects + ondesign Partners. Image © Kenta Hasegawa
Loja Mula Preta / EMA - Escritório Metropolitano de Arquitetura. Image © Leonardo Finotti
Loja Desinchá / Superlimão. Image © Maíra Acayaba
Loja Dolce & Gabbana de Seoul / Ateliers Jean Nouvel. Image © Dolce & Gabbana. Ateliers Jean Nouvel. Jean Nouvel Design
The Enchanting Interior
Once inside, the interior of a store reveals the experience awaiting customers. Portugal Vineyards Concept Store opts for a simple and clean design, using white spaces to create a backdrop that allows the products to shine. Flagship Zissou takes a different approach, using texture, highlighted volumes, and intense colors to create a multi-sensory experience in a mattress store. The Banema Store showcases monochromatic furniture, while the Haight Clothing Store creates a neutral and earthy backdrop for its objects.
Loja Conceito Portugal Vineyards / Porto Architects. Image © Ivo Tavares Studio
Flagship Zissou / Estudio Guto Requena. Image © André Klotz
Loja Banema / Campos Costa Arquitetos. Image © Francisco Nogueira
Loja Haight Clothing / Entre Terras + Pablo Resende. Image © Ruy Teixeira
A Feast for the Senses
Some stores take a more daring approach, utilizing a mix of materials and visually captivating spaces. The Geijoeng Concept Store utilizes different textures and visibilities to create a unified and immersive interior. The forte_forte Store in Rome embraces stone and gold as dominant elements, exuding an aura of sophistication. Mon Parnasse Flower Shop surprises visitors with an inner landscape brought to life with the help of lighting and mirrors. Lastly, the Zak Ik Store embraces natural and earthy materials to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
Loja Conceito Geijoeng / Studio 10. Image © Chao Zhang
Loja forte_forte Roma / forte_forte. Image © Danilo Scarpati
Floricultura Mon Parnasse / Canobardin. Image © Imagen Subliminal (Miguel de Guzmán + Rocío Romero)
Loja Zak Ik / Roth-Architecture. Image Cortesia de Roth-Architecture
Unforgettable Retail Experiences
In retail stores, creating elements and environments that engage all our senses is crucial. Not only does it drive sales and promote brand understanding, but it also ensures that the shopping experience is enjoyable and memorable for customers. So, the next time you step into a retail store, take a moment to appreciate the effort that goes into creating these amazing spaces.
