Aesop - Retail Store Design

Prof. Dr. Osama Hassan

Project idea

This project presents a conceptual interior design proposal for an Aesop retail store that reinterprets the brand's architectural philosophy through the cultural and environmental context of Jordan. Rather than replicating a standardized retail model, the proposal explores how a globally recognized brand can establish a meaningful dialogue with its local setting through architecture, materiality, and spatial experience.

The design is centered around the olive tree, an enduring symbol of Jordanian heritage, resilience, and community. Positioned at the heart of the store, it serves as both a symbolic and spatial anchor, shaping circulation and encouraging moments of pause, reflection, and interaction. Inspired by Aesop's commitment to contextual design, the project integrates locally inspired materials, restrained architectural expression, and sensory qualities to create an environment that is both authentic to place and consistent with the brand's identity.

The primary objective of the project is to demonstrate how retail environments can move beyond commercial functionality to become immersive architectural experiences that foster cultural connection, thoughtful engagement, and a stronger relationship between people, place, and brand.

Project description

The project provides a comprehensive interior architectural proposal for a two-level Aesop retail store, encompassing concept development, spatial planning, customer circulation, material strategy, lighting integration, and technical resolution. The design includes retail display areas, consultation spaces, a concealed retail room, staff and storage facilities, service areas, and an upper-level workshop dedicated to community engagement and educational activities.

The proposal addresses both the experiential and functional aspects of retail design by integrating clear spatial organization, intuitive circulation, and carefully considered material selections within a cohesive architectural framework. The project is supported by design development studies, zoning and circulation diagrams, detailed floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, flooring layouts, technical drawings, sections, elevations, and three-dimensional visualizations that collectively communicate the design intent and its architectural resolution.

Technical information

The project is organized around a central double-height space defined by a living olive tree, which functions as both the symbolic and spatial core of the retail environment. Circulation follows a continuous loop around this central element, ensuring intuitive movement, clear wayfinding, and uninterrupted visual connectivity between all functional zones.

The material palette consists of locally inspired limestone flooring, warm oak timber wall cladding and display systems, polished concrete surfaces, brass detailing, mirrors, and clear glazing. These materials were selected for their durability, tactile quality, and ability to reflect Aesop's philosophy of material honesty while establishing a strong connection to the Jordanian context.

The retail environment integrates custom display shelving, consultation basins, concealed storage, cashier facilities, and a dedicated hidden retail room. A double-height volume enhances daylight penetration and visual openness, while the upper level accommodates additional retail displays and a workshop space designed for community engagement, educational events, and product demonstrations.

Lighting is designed as a layered system combining ambient, accent, and integrated display lighting to highlight products, enhance material textures, and create a calm, immersive atmosphere. Natural daylight is introduced through the central volume to reinforce the biophilic character of the space and strengthen the visual relationship with the olive tree.

The proposal is supported by detailed architectural documentation, including floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, flooring layouts, sections, elevations, technical drawings, and three-dimensional visualizations that demonstrate the project's spatial organization, construction intent, and material application.

Documentation

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