Architects and designers are frequently requested by retailers—specifically, brick-and-mortar retailers—and commissioned to create strong aesthetics with an emphasis on the experiential, and this skincare store in Hangzhou, China is a great example of what happens as a result of this practice. With various futuristic sensibilities and oblong shapes, the skincare store is said to look like a "desert planet." The aesthetic of this space derives from the creative vision and hard work of local interiors studio Lialawlab who was commissioned by independent skincare brand Formoral.
The designers drew inspiration from retro-futurism to create a "series of spatial scenes" and the firm focused on the use of texture over color. The layout, on the other hand, is organized to "accommodate the store’s various functional areas," while distinguishing between public and private spaces.
Desert Planet-Inspired Skincare Stores
Lialawlab Has Outdone Itself with the Design of Formoral
Trend Themes
1. Futuristic Retail Design - Architects and designers are being requested to create strong aesthetics with an emphasis on the experiential for brick-and-mortar retailers; this provides an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the field of retail design.
2. Texture Over Color Trend - Designers and architects are focusing on texture over color to achieve unique aesthetics in various spaces; this provides opportunities for product innovation in the production of materials and finishes.
3. Retro-futurism Inspiration - Retro-futurism has become a source of inspiration for designers and architects; this provides opportunities for innovation in the field of product design and development.
Industry Implications
1. Skincare Industry - Independent skincare brands, like Formoral, are commissioning architects and designers to create strong aesthetics in stores that put equal emphasis on the experiential and functional aspects of retail spaces; this provides opportunities for disruptive innovation in packaging design and overall product presentation.
2. Retail Industry - The increase in demand for unique in-store experiences has resulted in retailers seeking out architects and designers to create strong aesthetics with an emphasis on experiential design in their brick-and-mortar stores; this provides opportunities for innovation in the field of retail store design and technology integration.
3. Interior Design Industry - Architects and designers are being sought out by retailers to create strong aesthetics with an emphasis on experiential design; this provides opportunities for disruptive innovation in the field of interior design through the introduction of new materials, designs and finishes.