Kengo Kuma: Camper Store

Precedent study written for The Soap Co: Experiential Retail project

CREDIT: KENGO KUMA

DESIGNER: KENGO KUMA

LOCATION: BARCELONA, SPAIN

DATE: 2019

"The arches speak of the volta catalana, a shape that

fascinated Kuma and his team." - (Messina, 2019.)

This custom display system created by Kengo Kuma showcases the history of the store’s location through the use of a ceramic vault, inspired by Barcelona’s Antoni Gaudi, and produced locally by ceramic company, Ceràmica Cumella. These concave ceramic tiles are tessellated to create many of the stores surfaces, including display shelves, seating, and the counter. The display shelves are tailored to suit the brand with some tiles made wider to fit larger products, and are fitted with a small spotlight to illuminate the item below.

CREDIT: KENGO KUMA

By translating the history of the site, Kengo Kuma have created a very characterful and rich experience, which is something that could be achieved through the materiality of the Soap Co design. Furthermore, the use of one single element continued through all of the furniture may also influence the design, as a similar approach would support the concept.