Aesop, the renowned skincare brand known for its minimalist aesthetic and evocative fragrances, has opened its first concept store in Taichung, Taiwan. This new retail space, designed by Japanese architecture firm Torafu Architects, pays homage to the city’s bustling traditional markets, weaving their vibrant energy and cultural nuances into the store’s design.
Inspired by the sights and sounds of Taichung’s bustling marketplaces, the store embraces the warmth and familiarity of local traditions. The design draws on familiar elements found in everyday life, transforming them into a space brimming with aesthetic appeal and emotional resonance. The product display shelves, for instance, resemble stacked market baskets, a design choice that is both practical and evocative. These shelves, carefully crafted in varying heights and depths, showcase the products with the same clarity and visibility as market stalls, offering a unique and engaging shopping experience.
The store’s interior further blends seamlessly with the local aesthetic, incorporating elements synonymous with Taiwan’s market culture. The smooth, textured surface of the floor, crafted from polished pebble aggregates (known as “minshizi” in Mandarin), is a common sight in Taichung’s markets and serves as a subtle nod to the city’s architectural heritage. This tactile detail is juxtaposed with the sleek, minimalist lines of the large display shelves, creating a visual dialogue that adds depth and complexity to the overall space.
The store’s lighting design also reflects a distinct Taiwanese influence. Drawing inspiration from the ubiquitous “iron sheet houses” found throughout the country, the lighting fixtures are crafted from corrugated metal sheets, further integrating local aesthetics into the space.
Throughout the store, circular elements serve as a unifying design motif. A large circular water basin, strategically placed in the center of the space, acts as a visual focal point, gently embracing the original circular pillar of the building. This design not only highlights Aesop’s core belief of encouraging customers to engage with their products through sensory experiences but also creates a sense of natural flow within the store.
The circular motif extends beyond the central basin, reflecting the spontaneity and natural rhythm found in traditional markets. These circular elements imbue the space with a sense of softness and openness, creating a welcoming ambiance that feels both expansive and inviting. The store’s color palette mirrors the hues of Taichung’s streetscapes, with an exterior finished in a rich, deep coffee brown that blends harmoniously with the surrounding greenery. The interior reflects the color palette of market cardboard boxes, featuring light-toned flooring and a vibrant orange hue dominating the basin and counter areas, effectively defining distinct zones within the space. This muted yet dynamic color scheme creates a sense of familiarity and warmth, instantly welcoming customers into the store’s embrace.
Aesop’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in the store’s design. The display shelves are primarily constructed from solid wood panels, crafted from reclaimed wood offcuts, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to resource utilization. This sustainable design strategy, coupled with the thoughtful use of polished pebbles and the overall market-inspired layout, underscores Aesop’s commitment to both environmental responsibility and aesthetic excellence.
Aesop’s Taichung concept store transcends the confines of a typical retail space, evolving into a gathering place imbued with storytelling and emotional resonance. Its design embodies the warmth and vibrancy of Taichung’s traditional markets, inviting customers to engage with the brand on a deeper level and experience the essence of local culture. For those seeking respite amidst the bustling urban environment, the store offers a tranquil oasis where they can linger, enjoy the space, and immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere.
