Aesop

TEAM: Individual

ADRESS: 122 Dundas St W

TYPE OF RETAIL: Beauty

SIZE: 660 sq ft

Aesop store is seeking to open a new shop on Dundas Street West. This design follows Aesop’s Design Philosophy, which is “work with what is already in place… respect for the past, present, and future.” The Aesop’s interior mirrors the context of the environment and creates the illusion that the store and neighbourhood are sharing the world.

The store on Dundas Street pays homage to the AGO museum, particularly inspired by its atrium. Represented material in the model is Glulam columns and hardwood floors to convey the character of the atrium. Also, the three mirror walls take cues from mirroring the world; they not only enhance the product to show infinity but also make a given space more spacious and support the business by increasing purchasing desire through the illusion that customers are using the product.

Furthermore, the long shell allows the design to have distinct areas. In the first area, there is a white stone sink that catches pedestrians’ curiosity to visit the store and is their first tactile experience. The second area is characterized as selecting the products. The final area has benches which invite people to linger and test new products or communicate with others.