Shop O

Embodying a new retail and lifestyle typology, Shop O is a showroom, with cafe and bar functions in a mere 68sqm to complement the shopping experience and support occasional events. OFFICE AIO blends these operations under one roof with meticulous planning that results in a functional and timeless design. Instead of simply blurring boundaries between functionalities, the design grants each operation the totality of floor area. Components of a beverages-serving establishment and that of furniture-sale interlace with each other. They all come together to offer a micro-version of a galleria, where hospitality and commerce adjoin. Upon entry, a coffee serving counter also works as a reception for the store. With the business priority to showcase a curated collection of retail goods and designer furniture, OFFICE AIO laid a sectioning foundation that allows various scenarios and presentations. As visitors sip their drinks, they can take the time to try out the objects which are readily available for purchase. Few fixtures are implemented to anchor the many potentials for future activities and arrangements. A long sandstone counter set along one side of the wall ready to shelve coffee machines, small products, or even roofing a fireplace. On the other side, custom-made flip-down seats that serve as extra seatings create a sense of interaction that invites people to engage with the store. A division of three in Shop O is knitted by a repetitive yet idiosyncratic gesture - the floating elliptical arches. As a store, this division of space and ceiling suggests clusters of objects and activities that share the same affinity that helps visitors shop. Its middle section is lowered down a step, creating an area that its neighbouring divisions embrace, ready to host congregation during events. With part of the columns and walls exposed, order is blended with rawness, giving Shop O character without occupying any footprint. The floating arches strengthen the rhythmic nature of the existing columns. Its long tube-like light fixture bounces soft light and resonates with the wall lamps, altogether tying the space together for a visually coherent look. When the night comes, Shop O transitions from a sophisticated design store to a bar with changing moods. Towards the bar, the last arch section is membraned and backlit with colour-changing LEDs to infuse different flavours into the space. And the hidden cabinets behind the mirror open up, where curiosities arise from the reserved narrow strip of space as bartenders to attend the dark. As e-commerce becomes the norm, this new spatial typology offers a micro galleria that let small business continue to strive with a competitive edge. Shop O's innovative format and timeless design attract its customers with sophisticated yet down-to-earth qualities.