The design brief called for a space that embraced its architectural presence while offering flexibility for different functions. The result is a minimalist haven where concrete’s raw textures and the interplay of light take centre stage. With dramatic, black-framed windows and unfinished walls and floors, the interior reflects a brutalist aesthetic that celebrates the natural imperfections of the material. “The structure itself was our starting point,” explain the founders of Shell+Core, Jade and Ghalia. “Its statuesque presence inspired us to extend its elegance into the interiors with a balance of exposed finishes and contemporary design.”

The space is intentionally minimalist, serving as a blank canvas for curated retail displays, coffee culture and social interactions. Long slit windows and an atrium allow natural light to flood the interiors, casting shadows that dance across the concrete surfaces. Integrated lighting details amplify this effect, using reflective materials to create dramatic interactions between light and objects.

Shell+Core have transformed the raw beauty of concrete into an upscale, versatile experience

Metallic finishes reflect a brutalist aesthetic that celebrates the natural imperfections of the material

This emphasis on light enhances the indoor-outdoor connection, seamlessly blending the structure with its surroundings. The result is an environment that feels both monumental and intimate, offering moments of solitude and community. Adapting the open-plan layout to cater to diverse functions presented a creative challenge, which Shell+Core met with thoughtful design interventions that seamlessly balance functionality and artistry. Central to this vision is the conversation pit, a recessed seating area beneath a striking skylight that fosters connection while accentuating the vertical grandeur of the high ceilings. Complementing this is a stepped stage tucked into a corner recess, which serves both as a display platform and flexible seating area, featuring modular benches that can be rearranged to accommodate different layouts. Throughout the space, sculptural statement pieces harmonise with practical furniture, blending style with utility to create a setting that feels both dynamic and purposeful. “We wanted to create a space where every corner offers something unique,” say the designers. “The conversation pit, for instance, naturally encourages dialogue, while the stepped stage adds a dynamic layer to the functionality.”

The conversation pit beneath the skylight gives the impression of a modern majlis setting amidst high ceilings

The project was completed with the collaboration of key suppliers like Designitch, Huda Lighting and The Line Concept. Execution partners Exotic Interiors and Exceptional Interiors brought Shell+Core’s vision to life, ensuring that every detail upheld the high standards of craftsmanship. KONCRETE Space’s brutalist aesthetic, combined with thoughtful spatial planning, makes it more than just a café or retail destination (the hub is currently collaborating with Jordan and Margo Castro to present their Pinkum Collection to the public, featuring works from Bibi Lei, Felix Treadwell and Ryu Ju Young.

With its understated elegance and innovative approach, KONCRETE Space is not only a functional venue but a work of art, setting a new benchmark for multi-concept spaces in the region. It’s a place that visitors will not only remember but return to, time and again.

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Hosting warm sunset tones, soft curves, dark columns, wooden textures,  and furniture pieces that radiate warmth, the pair has crafted a space that delivers an unmatched personal shopping experience. Different natural materials and metallic finishes create a contemporary atmosphere. Serving as a debut for the luxury e-tailer, customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience with items delivered upon request through their 2-hour delivery service. VIP customers and hotel guests will have the opportunity to indulge in private styling consultations, followed by fittings in the exclusive, family-style rooms, ensuring a luxurious and personalised experience.

The space also hosts three exhibition zones, which can be easily reconfigurated depending on brand takeovers, ensuring a unique experience over time.

Images are courtesy Ounass Maison.

Here are some pictures of the space that promises to deliver an exceptional shopping experience:

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The design by Laeta Interior is centred around the bold use of steel, a material often linked with functionality but here reimagined to create a polished, reflective atmosphere. This gives the space a clean, structured look that contrasts beautifully with vibrant amplified shades of Biotic’s original pastel green and purple branding. These colours are strategically placed throughout the store in signage, shelving and counters, injecting energy into the space, while the industrial steel framework offers an open, airy feel.

Digital signage in both English and Arabic, along with integrated neon lighting, greets customers with playful and motivational messages, enhancing the dynamic atmosphere. A café space is seamlessly incorporated into the design, serving both as a social hub and a destination for corporate clientele. This area, which mirrors the retail space’s sleek aesthetic, provides a place for customers to enjoy healthy meals and drinks, accentuating the store’s focus on health and wellness. The open layout emphasises functionality, allowing for smooth circulation between different sections while maintaining a visual connection to the café, balancing the efficiency of a traditional supermarket with the needs of a modern, health-conscious audience.

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall customer experience, with interactive displays, modern payment solutions and clear wayfinding systems ensuring a seamless shopping journey. The integration of bold colours, industrial materials and tech-driven features makes Biotic a standout retail environment, offering more than just a place to shop: this is an immersive experience that aligns with the brand’s mission of promoting health, wellness and community. 

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“Designing The Matcha Tokyo space in JBR was such an exhilarating challenge for me! With a small footprint, I knew every detail had to be spot on to create a bold, inviting atmosphere. This project involved a full structural design, transforming both the interior and exterior into a cohesive, eye-catching space.” Sakina Kara, the designer & founder of her eponymous design studio, reveals to identity. Kara is known for her work across the UAE and the UK, specialising in retail and private residential design. Her portfolio includes notable projects like Sarabeth’s at Mall of the Emirates and design consultations for % Arabica in London and New York. She co-designed the winning entry for the d3 ‘Design for Good Initiative’ in 2018 and is set to open a second UAE location for The Matcha Tokyo later this year.

The client’s brief was clear: create a design that suits the beach location, emphasises transparency, and fosters an inviting atmosphere. The design needed to be both attractive and innovative to drive footfall, while also incorporating a well-considered layout for functionality and efficiency. Outdoor seating was essential to take advantage of the beautiful weather and views.

The challenge for the space was to ensure that both the interior and exterior spoke the same design language, creating a seamless and immersive experience for visitors. Kara used small-scale tiles in a curved formation, juxtaposed against large slabs of Verde Prato marble. This combination not only adds visual interest but also helps in creating a balanced and focused environment. The green hues of the marble draw a connection to the natural surroundings, celebrating the essence of matcha.

Honouring the roots of The Matcha Tokyo, Kara also infused modern Japanese design elements into the space. Clean lines and symmetry are prevalent throughout the windows, doors, and furniture, reflecting the elegant simplicity found in Japanese aesthetics. This approach ensures that the cafe not only feels authentic, but also pays homage to its origins.

The space emphasises the traditional matcha ceremony, creating a focal point that celebrates the art of matcha. The warm and neutral palette balances the bold green materials, ensuring the space feels both inviting and calming. Outdoor seating was designed to blend seamlessly with the indoor space to enhance the overall experience. The transparency and open layout ensure that the cafe feels spacious despite its compact size.

The Matcha Tokyo in JBR is a beautifully designed space that perfectly balances bold design with the serene elegance of modern Japanese aesthetics. Sakina Kara’s thoughtful approach and meticulous attention to detail have transformed this small café into an immersive and inviting sanctuary, celebrating the art of matcha and providing a unique experience for all who visit.

Images by Dua Photography

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Pallavi Dean, Founder and Creative Director of Roar, explains the vision behind the design: “We wanted to imagine a space that goes beyond a typical retail environment. It’s about stepping into a dream, where every element—from the blush color palette reminiscent of an elegant, intimate powder room to the curved lines that invite and embrace—contributes to a feeling of soft enchantment.” The design balances functionality with moments of pause and play, making customers feel as though they are part of a magical story.

Building on the foundational aesthetics of the original SJP store, Roar has elevated the design by incorporating blush tones to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. By strategically placing mirrors and reflective surfaces, customers can view themselves from various angles, adding a sense of discovery and playfulness. Mirrors on the ceiling offer unique perspectives, further immersing visitors in the dreamlike environment.

The design seamlessly integrates functionality, with displays showcasing shoes at varying heights and against diverse backgrounds. The shop front features semi-transparent bubbles, creating an intriguing visual that draws customers inside to explore. This innovative approach ensures that the boutique is not only visually stunning but also practical and user-friendly.

The new SJP boutique in Abu Dhabi brings a seamless blend of fantasy and functionality, offering an enchanting shopping experience that transports customers into a world of wonder.

Photography by Yasser Ibrahim

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The store’s striking façade and interior feature concrete tiles that draw inspiration from the renowned Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, known for his innovative use of concrete. These tiles, which envelop the walls, floors, shelving units, and planters, establish a serene and sophisticated aesthetic. Complementing this is the use of Italian walnut wood for additional shelving, display units, and mirrors, chosen by Blazy for its warmth and homely appeal. Adding to the luxurious ambiance is the stunning Verde Saint Denis marble, sourced from the Aosta Valley in northern Italy, which is prominently featured throughout the store.

The design thoughtfully integrates soft textures with wool carpets and woven leather seating in shades of green, brown, and black, reflecting Bottega Veneta’s signature materials. The attention to detail extends to fixtures and objects that evoke iconic Bottega Veneta designs, such as the main door handle, inspired by the Sardine bag, and ceramic plant pots crafted by a Milan studio known for its exquisite enamelled ceramics.

A notable addition to the store is an enhanced customization offering. A folding wooden room screen marks a private area dedicated to made-to-order services. Here, customers can personalize iconic Bottega Veneta bags, selecting colors, materials, and personalization details like initials. Customers can have a tailored and intimate experience in this exclusive space, thanks to the presence of a bespoke table, leather swatches, and a customization box.

Towards the back of the store, rotating doors made from Verde Saint Denis marble open to reveal an intimate VIP area. This exclusive section will showcase 15 unique Knot bags from the Bottega Veneta archive and a selection of the House’s jewelry collection, providing a curated glimpse into the brand’s storied history.

The newly reopened boutique debuts with the Pre-Fall collection and Bottega Veneta’s new candle collection. To celebrate the reopening, the store will also launch three exclusive Sardine bags with ceramic handles and six exclusive handbags in exotic leathers. These special editions include the Sardine in Blue Sprice alligator, Small Hop in Emerald Green alligator, Mini Andiamo in Bitter Orange alligator, Small Andiamo in White Fume alligator, Medium Andiamo in Cold Teal alligator, and Large Andiamo in Dark Ruby alligator.

Bottega Veneta’s redesigned Mall of the Emirates store invites customers to experience a refined blend of heritage and contemporary design.

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Nestled on Ahmedabad’s bustling high street, Fortune Farm stands out with its otherworldly charm, drawing visitors into its terracotta-drenched interior. The store’s façade offers a tantalizing glimpse of the treasures within, luring customers into a realm where walls undulate and a central island blooms like a mystical lunar landscape.

Mystical ring-bearers dwell within glass cloches analogous to biodomes showcase a world within a world in absolute equilibrium yet meshed seamlessly with the larger selenic landscape

Rejecting the conventional ‘across-the-counter’ approach, MuseLAB has created a sensory, curiosity-fueled journey. At the heart of the layout lies the ‘discovery island,’ a meandering form that encourages visitors to pause, converse, and explore. This island features a topography of gritty craters and ring bearers, conceptualized by artist Shailesh Rajput, housed under glass cloches like biodomes within a larger selenic landscape.

The idea was to create an experience of otherworldliness through a series of sensuous textural undulating surfaces that house the army of the ring bearers within the biodome like cloches

Suspended above the island is a bespoke pendant light, mirroring the island’s shape and creating a visual yin-yang. The light, crafted from gauzy, stretched fabric and spotlights, sensuously illuminates the jewellery below, held delicately by the ring bearers. Along one edge of the store, amoebic mirrors reflect fragmented views of the discovery island, perfect for customers to admire their chosen pieces.

Strategically placed mirrors, amoebic in shape, serve a dual purpose – to check out bejewelled ears and fingers, and to also amplify the beautiful island unit through reflections.

The store’s interior, rich with shades of rusty terracotta and moody charcoal, creates a theatrical narrative that celebrates dualism. Delicate, brilliant diamonds find a home within the fiery Martian milieu, merging two seemingly disparate worlds into a harmonious whole.

Fortune Farm, completed in October 2023, is a testament to MuseLAB’s ability to push the boundaries of retail design. Principal designers Jasem Pirani and Huzefa Rangwala, along with their team and collaborators, have crafted a space that is both a sensory delight and a groundbreaking retail experience.

Technical sheet

Project Name: Fortune Farm

Store Name: Luire

Location: Ahmedabad, India

Area: 1,000 sq ft

Completion: October 2023

Design Firm: MuseLAB

Principal Designers: Jasem Pirani, Huzefa Rangwala

Team: Fahim Khambati, Trupti Desai

Photographer: Ishita Sitwala

Collaborations: Shailesh Rajput Design Studio, Flos India

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“Istanbul, and the East in general, have always been watching and following what happens in Paris, London and New York in terms of music, art and fashion,” Aydin begins. “Most of the subculture movements from these cities [have been] a source of inspiration for many of us. However, what I see now is that Istanbul and the East are at an all-time high, creatively. I [am seeing] so many new designers, artists, sculptors, musicians and independent magazines popping up.”

He continues: “Les Benjamins acts as a community brand that helps and supports the acceleration of the creative Eastern youth movement. It gives hope to others from our region that this can be done. Each [of our] collections is inspired by our stories from the East and I try to tell these stories by educating ourselves about our past and present. Bridging the gap between our heritage and today’s values is also a great juxtaposition that is [central to] the design philosophy of the brand. I want to see more creatives, artists and talents pop up globally from this [part of the world].”

For Les Benjamins’ first store in Dubai, Aydin reconnected with long-time collaborator and designer Dong-Ping Wong, founder of Food New York, who also created the brand’s flagship store in Istanbul as well as projects such as the Yeezy Studio in Calabasas and Virgil Abloh’s first Off-White store in 2015. “I loved that Food New York’s retail stores never felt like stores,” Aydin says.

Wong’s approach to Les Benjamins Dubai maintained the same attitude. “All my [design] training is in cultural and civic spaces: museums, performing arts theatres, public parks, student centres; places where culture gathers – so that’s how we approach stores [as well],” Wong explains.

Spread across 213 square metres, the minimalist space features a convergence of East and West, with inspirations including Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historic District and the Basilica Cistern in Old Istanbul. Food New York used a local plastering technique that can be seen in the souks and older structures of Dubai as the foundational material for the entire store, overlaid on to forms from Old Istanbul such as arches that echo across the overall space. Concrete and steel are used to contrast with the more traditional materials of the store.

In the ‘main courtyard’ at the centre of the store is what Wong describes as a “Nickelodeon green slime table and bench from Max Lamb”, which is designed to offer young creatives space to work and connect.

“I want the Les Benjamins Dubai store to become a flagship store that is also a community space,” Aydin explains, adding that plans are currently underway to kickstart year-long activations in the store that are centred around the arts, fashion, sneaker culture and music.

“If you are based in Dubai, feel free to stop me at the store and share your ideas,” he says. “We are very open to ideas from the community. Every store should feel like part of the city and the way to do that is to allow creatives to express themselves.”

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“The world of retail needs a revolution and with Presentedby we had the chance to boost a new creative vision all around the world,” he says. “When we designed the Dubai store, we knew we were creating a concept without precedents: a concentrate of innovation where art and design produce the next destiny for the sneaker community.”

The fully immersive and experiential store is wrapped in a 3D-printed lattice structure that showcases some of the most expensive and exclusive sneakers, while interactive projections decorate the walls and floors, encouraging visitors to interact with the space. At the centre of the store, one can watch a holographic show unfold. The store is designed to go beyond a typical retail experience and instead acts as an exhibition of audiovisual technologies and digital fabrication where the digital dimension informs the physical and vice versa. At its core, the store is an amalgamation of influences, including technology, fashion, urban culture and design.

Zappulla explains how context plays a vital role in informing the design of the Presentedby stores. In London, for instance, the design implements red brick elements that are representative of the urban fabric of the city. In Dubai, everything had to be on a heightened scale, and far more contemporary and spectacular, to capture the fast-paced glamour of the metropolis.

“Technologically, it was quite a challenge,” he admits. “We 3D-printed everything in Barcelona where I am based and then we shipped it to Dubai so I could control all the production. If you look closely, you can see some glitches and imperfections in the end result, but I like it – because it is part of the process.”

Zappulla argues that there is a misconception in the way technology is equated with perfection. “3D printing is still an ongoing technology,” he says. “We always tend to think that technology is something perfect but at the end of the day, it also has its own challenges – it has to deal with gravity, with material, so in a manner, it is also somewhat analogue. When it becomes physical, it also has to struggle with reality. So why hide the imperfections if it’s part of the process? It’s like when you have a pixel that is visible – it’s what makes things real and warm.

“With this store, I wanted to push the boundaries of technology and interaction but if you look at my other projects, I always try to merge and to find relationships between craftsmanship, experience and digital fabrication. There is always a place for this kind of interaction, and it is something that I love.”

Formally trained as an architect, Zappulla is involved in academia, teaching at various universities and engaging in research with a focus on geometrics and complex morphologies. This led him to explore solutions in the world of digital manufacturing which he has applied not only academically but also in his projects.

Ultimately, his scientific investigations are motivated by a curiosity in design integration and technological advancements that could improve the impact of our daily lives.

Physical and digital worlds collide in the works of External Reference, and Zappulla believes that this relationship is what helps generate new experiences for users – something that is becoming increasingly important for retail at a time where online shopping is taking precedence.

“This doesn’t mean that the offline experience will disappear,” he comments. “Instead, it means that offline stores have to adapt to this revolution and the ones that don’t adapt will disappear. We can never lose physical stores because they are part of our leisure.”

Nevertheless, ‘experience’ is vital to the way we design, he says – a realisation that became even more apparent during the lockdown. “There was a boom in food delivery services in Barcelona during the lockdown,” he shares. “Even Michelin star restaurants were delivering to customers. I tried it but it was not the same as when you experience the food within a space especially designed for it.” Zappulla is behind the design of Michelin-star restaurant Alkimia in Barcelona, which is conceived as a continuous scenography that fosters a sensory experience for its guests. The restaurant won the architect a number of prestigious design awards.

“I guess now ‘experience’ has become an overused word. It is being used for everything,” he adds, “but then again, everything is an experience. For me, it is something that involves all the senses.

“It needs to take into consideration comfort, ambiance, lighting and the overall environment. All these things are fundamental to having a good experience.”

Zappulla also carries a strong background in exhibition design, and is currently working on the Spanish Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai as well as the Peruvian Pavilion. Designing retail stores is very much like designing a museum now, he says, where – especially in consignment stores like Presentedby – the value of the items sometimes equal that of an artwork one may come across at a gallery. The two worlds collide, he affirms.

“When Duchamp signed the urinal, it was a completely pop operation; he was just putting his brand on top of something, and it is what they are doing here,” he says, pointing at a skateboard that is the product of a collaboration between streetwear brand Supreme and Louis Vuitton.

“If you look at this skateboard, it is a collaboration between two brands, but they are signing a skateboard with a value of maybe 300 euros which is now costing 3000 euros. So, the act is the same: it is a pop operation. What we don’t know is if the value of this board will be the same in 20 years. Because fashion changes. But the pieces are treated like artworks, like a manifesto of urban culture or streetwear culture. This is why experience is important. It is important how you display things and the way you interact with the space, and all these things are coming from the world of exhibitions.”

Carmello Zappula

Zappulla considers himself a multidisciplinary designer and rejects the notion of specialisation. “When you specialise, you lose a sense of freshness and multidisciplinarity. I believe in disciplines that can meet and inform each other.”

He continues: “I started working in retail with a background in architecture, but I never did a Masters in retail. I just designed my first retail store and my first restaurant without having previous experience. This is what gives it a sense of freshness, doing something new. Of course, it is a big challenge, but I think if you take a step that is longer than your legs, there are two possibilities: you either fall or your legs catch up. So far, in all the projects that we have worked on, we’ve always tried to reinvent things. So, I don’t believe in a mono-discipline or in specialisation. I believe in working across many scales to encompass a ‘total design’.”

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Located in The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, the new store offers an intimate environment where the latest womenswear collection is interspersed with pieces of art, craft and design – all curated by the brand’s creative director Jonathan Anderson.  From painting and sculpture to furniture and crafted objects, the collection offers a selection of pieces that one might find in an art collector’s home.

High quality materials Campaspero limestone and stucco marmorino can be found on the walls, floors and in structural furniture. In keeping with the sleek environment of the mall, the new store has a concrete-effect façade witha large glass welcome and a wall of ceramics. Contemporary furniture inhabits the space, with Utrecht recliners by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, Tekio Vertical lamps designed by Anthony Dickens from Santa & Cole joining natural jute rugs by Nanimarquina.

Art plays a vital role in Loewe’s retail concept, and The Dubai Mall flagship store is no different. Many of the artists on show within the store have a long-standing relationship with the brand. They include Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2019 finalist, Japanese weaver and sculptor Kazuhito Takadoi, whose work is characterised by intricate forms sculpted from delicate natural materials. Takadoi’s work is shown alongside artist Hylton Nel’s work Things With Eyes — a set of 10 enamelled ceramic plates.

To herald the opening, a Loewe Flamenco clutch bag adorned with ceramics by Takuro Kuwata is available to purchase at the store. Takuro Kuwata is a Japanese ceramicist who collaborated with Anderson on the FW20 collection. His work is known for its formal instability, an ambivalent relationship with tradition and a distinctive use of colour. He was awarded a special mention at the 2018 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize in London.

The new 216 square metre LOEWE will showcase the full range of women’s ready-to-wear, bags, small leather goods, soft accessories, eyewear, jewellery and shoes.

The original Loewe store has been converted into a dedicated menswear shop, making it the first Loewe menswear store in the region.

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