Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2021
Simply Gift Shop
by Chu Ting Fai
- A' Design Award 2021 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Chu Ting Fai
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 12,904
- Verification code 003437FE08 · Verify this award
About Simply Gift Shop
Simply is a gift shop interior located in Macau. The shop sells souvenirs, candy and toys. The design is inspired by the atmosphere of the circus, simplified into curved forms. Cone shapes create decorative columns and a domed ceiling. Colorful surfaces are used to attract children and families passing by. The shop front is fully open to give a welcoming feeling. Simple materials are applied, including curved glass reinforced gypsum columns, wallpaper on the walls and ceramic floor tiles. The shop covers about 52 square meters.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The retail mainly provides souvenir product, candy, toy...etc. To fit the aim of youth demographic, a colorful design and circus atmosphere will help to draw attention to the kids and family whose walk through. A fully open shop front also helps to have a welcome feeling.Decided to bring the curved shape with cone, to form of decorative column and domed ceiling structure, curvature of the Circus, in simplified way.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- It is about 52 square meters in area.
- Tags
- circus, gift shop, colorful, candy
- Production Technology
- Simple materials are used for this project. GRG curved column, different kind of wallpaper applied on wall, ceramic tiles for the floor. Special venetian paint applied to Facade.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part of this design are technical construction issue. The making and fabrication of the curved vertical roller shutter used almost one month.
- Project Duration
- The project started in March 2019 and finished in November 2019 in Macau.
- Operation Flow
- The project had been appointed to us during the main building still under construction period. We tried to understand the design style of adjacent area based on design drawings and renderings. After few round of discussion and presentation to Owner, Circus design style had been confirmed.
- Research
- Designer did many research of circus design in different countries, find out the most iconic elements of circus, and simplified the elements to applied on the design.
- Inspiration
- The World need more fun under global pandemic. As a souvenir shop under this new development, the retail operator try to take a different approach to others, this store in inspired from the amazing ambiance of Circus atmosphere, to allow their customer with a different shopping experience: Cheer and Fun.
Colors of Simply Gift Shop
Grand Interview about Simply Gift Shop
The initial vision was to transform the traditional gift shop into a vibrant, engaging environment reminiscent of a circus. This concept aimed to evoke feelings of cheer and fun, making the shopping experience more than just a transactional activity but a memorable event.
The curved architectural elements and domed ceiling structure in Simply Gift Shop were inspired by the dynamic and fluid nature of a circus tent. These design choices were intended to create a sense of movement and excitement, drawing customers into the space and making their shopping experience more engaging.
These strategic choices and material selections were instrumental in creating a retail space that was not only functional and safe but also visually striking and memorable. The result was a testament to the resilience and creativity of the design team in adapting to the unique challenges posed by the project.Overcoming the technical challenges required innovative solutions. For example, the fabrication of the curved roller shutter involved advanced engineering techniques and precise measurements to ensure it operated smoothly. This attention to detail was crucial in bringing the vision to life.
The combination of an open shopfront and a circus-themed interior is specifically designed to cater to families. It creates a space where both children and adults can enjoy themselves, making it a preferred destination for family outings.The circus theme taps into the power of storytelling and imagination. It transforms the shopping trip into an adventure, where children can feel like they are part of a magical circus world. This imaginative experience is appealing to both children and their parents.
While maintaining the whimsical circus theme, the design was simplified to ensure functionality and ease of navigation. This included clear signage, organized product displays, and accessible pathways.The domed ceiling and curved architectural elements in Simply Gift Shop mimic the shape and feel of a circus tent. Instead of using fabric, durable and lightweight materials were chosen to create a similar visual impact while ensuring structural integrity and ease of maintenance.
Bright and cheerful colors were chosen to evoke feelings of happiness and excitement. The use of primary colors, along with playful patterns, helped to create a lively and engaging atmosphere that appeals to both children and adults.Incorporating whimsical and circus-inspired elements, such as stylized graphics of performers and playful installations, added a sense of fun and wonder. These elements were carefully integrated into the design to enhance the overall theme without overwhelming the space.
Receiving the Bronze A’ Design Award for Simply Gift Shop has been a significant milestone, reinforcing the value of blending entertainment with commerce in retail design.The success of Simply Gift Shop underscores the importance of creating spaces that engage customers on multiple levels. By blending entertainment with commerce, we can offer experiences that are not only enjoyable but also drive customer loyalty and repeat visits.
GRG is known for its strength and durability. It can withstand the wear and tear of a busy retail environment, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Additionally, GRG is lightweight, which makes it easier to install and maintain.These materials not only enhance the visual appeal of the shop but also contribute to a pleasant and memorable shopping experience. The playful and dynamic design elements capture the imagination of visitors, making their visit enjoyable and unique.
Simply Gift Shop’s innovative approach to blending entertainment with commerce provides a blueprint for future retail spaces. By focusing on creating immersive, safe, and engaging environments, retailers can meet the evolving needs and preferences of post-pandemic consumers. This approach not only enhances the shopping experience but also helps build strong, lasting connections with customers.Future retail spaces may adopt more modular and adaptable designs that can be easily reconfigured to meet changing needs. This flexibility allows retailers to quickly respond to shifts in consumer behavior and market trends.
Start with a clear and compelling theme that resonates with your target audience. A strong theme, like the circus-inspired design of Simply Gift Shop, can create a memorable and engaging experience.While aesthetics are important, functionality should not be compromised. Ensure that the space is easy to navigate, with clear signage and organized displays that make shopping convenient.