本帖最后由 vooping 于 2017-7-4 09:48 编辑
Aimé Pâtisserie, a new brand entering the Shanghai market, has positioned its flagship store on an elevated retail strip on Huai Hai Road. The chosen site is flanked by familiar coffee and donut franchises, and fronted by a city bus stop. Across the street is a recently opened shopping mall flaunting an array of luxury brands. The design challenge of the store is to stand out from its immediate chaos and appeal to the clientele from the nearby gentrified neighborhood. The strategy: to dress this newcomer up as a beautiful white present.
The unwrapping experience of the Aimé gift box is translated into the physical store. The idea of layering appears when one semicircular translucent paper after another is lifted to discover the colorful macarons within. This opening sequence gives form to the overhead storefront design, while the window display made of four translucent layers attracts passersby to explore inside the store.
Beyond the 14-foot retail storefront lies a curving L-shape layout divided into two zones: the foyer with bar seating and the display counter at the back. With a lower ceiling, the former compresses views of the latter, yet frames the illuminated feature wall to capture the curious minds. Every step forward heightens the discovery of the playful interior where the 30-foot long counter showcasing macarons and other treats is in perfect order.
The illuminated feature wall, composed of stacked gift boxes at various states of opening, draws one’s eyes up to the ceiling where the whimsical pattern continues. The versatile modular system allows for necessary wall display shelves, and ceiling openings for spotlights, speakers, and security devices.
In light of the neutral palette evoking a gallery ambiance, the branding wall is created with an artistic approach, where aluminum bands are twirled and bent to cast a calligraphic shadow. A visit to this white gift box should delight the eyes as much as the sweet tooth.
