Space Age Retail
China’s successful landing of the Zhurong rover launches Asia into unprecedented grounds for potential space growth. The new Space Age can be an inspiration for retail environments. Luxury shopping is presented through the experience of new technologies of outer worlds.
Skincare brand Formoral by Lialawlab, Hangzhou, China
ToSummer's flagship store by F.O.G. Architecture, Beijing, China
A constantly present light source indicates timelessness, the absence of a natural circadian rhythm. Steel, concrete, fluorescent lighting, mirrors, transparency, and revealed construction: these futuristic materials present the exoticism of space travel. This aesthetic is especially prevalent in Asian retail, hospitality, and workplaces. The central element is nature, surrounded by fluid facades. The technology preserves and ‘exhibits’ these earthly creations as something to marvel at.
Sense Salon by Mojo Studio. Chengdu, China
The Space Age introduced countless modern materials that are used commonly in building technology and construction today. At the time, there was a desire for technology to renew society and solve the fear of war. Now, the harmony of nature is introduced to complement technology.
The synthesis of raw and smooth reflects the dynamic of otherworldly terrains and spacecraft. Retail, hospitality, and the workplace become an environment to experiment. Citizens and tourists alike shall explore the areas in their own initiative. Their curiosity introduces and gets them situated in a foreign environment.
Luxēmporium store by All Design Studio in Chengdu, China
IEW.H Shanghai Flagship by Kokaistudios, Shanghai, China
Jinmao Capital J Space by Daga Architects, Beijing, China
P Lab by Xu Studio, Creative Design Centre, Hangzhou, China
Why this matters
The shopping environment is no longer designed just to purchase a product. It is for the consumer to take the first step to inspire themselves and be stimulated by the environment. The consumer wants the surprise of the product and the involvement of it in the total spatial experience. Elemental resources bring a fresh and clean atmosphere to escape. The use of natural references in these space environments shows the importance of sustainable living alongside future living.