Retail Dualities and Circular Communities

The sustainable development of retail

What is a brand?

Understanding what does BRAND actually mean was the initial thing we did. I explored different brand identities which I composed into a synthesis model. The task was to create an abstract model which has a facade and interior spaces. In my model, I combined the brand identity of the National Theatre, Coal Drops Yard, The V&A, the Olympics (the Olympic stadium), the Universal store in CDY, the Aesop store in CDY, and the Mac store in Thailand.

Synthesis model

Understanding the the skin care brand Aesop

The brand I chose to design for is Aesop. Understanding is crucial to create a design that carries the brand identity.

Through research and analysis, I realised that Aesop is a brand that carries profound meaning in everything they do.

Branded product design

I decided to remake an existing Aesop product - The Aromatique Candle. I've interpreted the product as part of the circular economy.

My product is called Hypatia and it is developed around the existing product line concept of astronomy.

The Hypatia candle has a sweet scent of honey mixed with anise and rose geranium. It has a candleholder designed for compostability and emotional durability. The outer layers are grown from mycelium material and the inner layer is from stainless steel, perforated with a star map.

Infography

Product design

Life cycle

Plaster prototype

Metal candleholder

Creating a Circular Pop-up Space

I wanted my pop-up store to have a connection with the site and the previous task and the materials became the ‘red thread’ between the designs. I introduced a third
material newspaper wood, which is made from outdated TFL newspapers.

The pop-up is designed to fit the different pace of the passengers.

Visual

How can I design an engaging space which creates a relationship with the user while raising awareness of sustainability issues?

Proposed drawings

Scaffolding, mycelium panels and newspaper wood planks create the boundaries of the pop-up and incorporate display areas, test and try areas, a sample area, a refill station, a counter, storage, and a seating area. An installation from newspaper wood and mycelium (growing between the ribs of the structure) stands in the middle of the design. It is a metaphor for ‘How mankind reshapes nature to fit industrial processes’. The users can also take a piece of the pop-up at home which is in the shape of mycelium product packaging.
On a metaphorical level, the pop-up aims to represent how mankind is shaping nature and its recourses to create mass-produced goods and tailored services.

Construction

The pavilion introduces new activities - refill and return, and brings an educational aspect to the brand experience. The users can learn more about sustainable materials and they can take home part of the walls which is in form of mycelium packaging for their purchase.

Refill area

Detail section

Creating a Sustainable Brand Pavilion

Creating a brand pavilion for a festival situated in Bishopsgate Goodsyard, Shoreditch.

Site analysis

Existing site

1:100 site model

How can retail respond to global environmental, economic, health and social issues at a local scale?

My proposal is reflecting on the pollution from retail and the cosmetic industry. It promotes a healthy life, urban farming,
education, and social inclusion.
I am responding to several local
issues: the lack of green spaces, the division of communities from different backgrounds, and the large amounts of food waste.
The proposal is a temporary structure but universal in its use. It can fit various locations inside and outside the UK.

Design development

I went through several design stages to reach the final proposal. Initially, I based my design on the Pop-up and the existing site. Then I made the design more dynamic by exploring concept and sketch models.

After careful consideration, I decided to develop the design around the Garden. I introduced Passionflower as a concept. Its geometry corresponds to the design process and the spaces I want my proposal to have.

Concept

Proposed plan

Section A

North elevation

West entrance- transition

from public to semi-private space

Retail area

The Garden

In connection to the local issues, local communities and to the brand identity, I decided to have a workshop, retail, a garden and a tea bar.Together they create an internal ecosystem and relate to the four branches of sustainability.

Diagram of services

I am using the knowledge I’ve gained from biomaterials making to create a new product line based on the climate and identity of Shoreditch and ideally to stimulate the production of products customised for different regions of the world.

The cases for the Shoreditch products will be made out of bioplastic. They will be produced at the pavilion’s workshop by the designer in residence.

The colours of the bioplastic
depends on the fill. They are
inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the are and its communities.

The Shoreditch product line

Circular Economy diagram

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PROJECTS