Torafu Architects designed a metallic-like interior harmonized with calm colour scheme for Aesop's new store opened in Seoul, South Korea. Aesop, an Australian skin care brand, opened its ninth store in Seoul  -located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace in the area where galleries and shops are lined up. Existing buildings whose appearance can be seen from all directions have a ceiling showing the tree truss structure in the interior space of 5 m in depth and 7.5 m in depth. 

The building was repeatedly renovated and presented a variety of mismatched materials. Tokyo-based design studio sought to mitigate this cacophony by applying a midnight blue color to the exterior and a warm white color to the interior, thus lending the whole space a sense of unity and brightness. 

Called Aesop Samcheong, architects made all the fixtures of stainless steel or made them retract into the existing space by coordinating them in a simple manner using the same color as the exterior. Torafu Architects also combined sinks for consultations and a point-of-sale (POS) counter into one big table found at the center of the store. 

The sprawling network of pipes above the table provide the water supply and lighting for the sink area, and highlights the piece of furniture while beckoning clients inside the store through the store's big windows.

The subdued color scheme helps this store become a part of the cityscape, but also manages to make it stand out in its bustling surrounding environment. The studio sought to create a store design that condensed Aesop's brand image into a small space.

All images © Jan Dee Kim

Project Facts

Principle use: Shop

Production: Youngwoo ID. co,.ltd

Credit: Graphics: Aesop / Lightings: Ellie

Building site: Seoul, Korea

Total floor area: 41.2m2

Design period: March 2016-September 2016

Construction period: September 2016-October 2016

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