Absolut Lab Gallery and Retail

Press Kit

Unique Properties

ABSOLUT's century-old brand culture was communicated in this space through a low-carbon and environment-friendly way. Formed by modular components, the space showed a sense of lightness and fluidity. The modular elements are reusable, which transcend time and echo the everlasting charm of the century-old brand. Besides, the modular design approach created a modern shopping experience, and produced a space featuring a distinctive style and a sense of free fusion just like the Mobius Strip.

Dimensions & Packaging

Low-carbon and eco-friendly design was highlighted in the project. Recyclable kraft paper, stainless steel, and polycarbonate sheets were chosen as the main materials. Papers rolls were used for a large area of walls, which avoided pollution brought by oil painting. Modules in the interior space were mainly made of stainless steel. The entrance featured a corridor made of curved polycarbonate sheets and mirrored materials. All the props could be recycled after the temporary space was dismantled.

Tags

Sustainable materials, Green, Recyclable kraft paper, Modular design, Classless space, Innovation, Diversity, Equality, Mobius Strip

Production Technology

The entrance featured a corridor made of curved polycarbonate sheets and mirrored materials, which extended from the indoors to the public outdoor spaces. It formed a structure similar to the Mobius Strip, which broke the spatial boundary and created a curving circulation route. A mirrored ceiling was adopted in the interior, to erase the sense of narrowness in the space and showcase a new and diversified image of the brand. All modules were prefabricated, which were efficient and eco-friendly.

Design Challenge

Creating a pop-up store that reflects the brand's features in a space less than 150 square meters through a low-carbon and environment-friendly way was a big challenge. Besides, the tight construction schedule made the task even challenging.

In response, the designers innovatively adopted modular components to construct the space. The modular approach maximized the protection of environment while satisfying functional needs. Finally, the construction of the store was completed in just 60 hours.

Project Duration

The project started in May 2019 and finished in July 2019 in Shanghai, China.

Operation Flow

The image of Absolut's typical bottles was refreshed in the space through new materials and forms. The multiple curved surfaces expressed a sense of infinity of the iconic bottles. Stainless steel, which features a sense of technology, endowed the space with a unique temperament. The material was hollowed out, producing an integration of lightness and solidness and creating open views in the space. The formal design of details fully manifested the characteristics of the brand.

Research

This pop-up store was transformed from a narrow space, and was required to finish on-site construction in merely five days. At the beginning of the project, the designers envisioned a new space image that echoed with the surrounding neighborhood and community, and reconsidered the social boundary between people from the perspective of contemporary art and creative culture.

Inspiration

ABSOLUT LAB is a global program of Sweden vodka brand Absolut, and this project was the first experiential store of ABSOLUT LAB. Renovated from an existing site, this pop-up store showcased a free and artistic lifestyle through a modular system. Drawing design inspiration from the Mobius Strip, the space created a fluid shopping experience and conveyed the brand's spirit of striving for excellence to Chinese consumers.

Image Credits

YKS

Colors of Absolut Lab Gallery and Retail