Aesop Raffles City
Drawing on the maritime history
2015–2016
Introduction
Aesop Raffles City is situated next to Beach Road, which traces the old foreshore and neighbors other local landmarks such as the Raffles Hotel and St Andrew's Cathedral. Drawing on the site's embedded maritime history and Singapore's significance as a thriving port, the store weaves a two-toned palette from the romance of trade, exploration, and tall ships and the weathered durability of nautical materials.
Technical details
Aesop
A single glass pane on the façade refracts the design beyond and provides the choice of a port or starboard entry. Emitting a soft luster, a centrally placed large brass island sink commands immediate attention; this custom-designed, undulating form allows staff and clients access to products from the inset bays that surround it. Brass is also used for the thin horizontal shelving on each wall.
To contrast with the gleaming metal, natural fiber carpet wraps the space from ceiling to floor, evoking the durability of sailing rope or hessian storage sacks as well as providing acoustic benefits that give a cabin-like atmosphere.
Other Aesop stores designed by Snøhetta include Aesop Prinsens gate (Oslo), Aesop Homansbyen (Oslo), Aesop Grabenstraße (Düsseldorf), Aesop Fasanenstraße (Berlin), Aesop ION (Singapore), Aesop Pitt Street (Sydney) and Aesop Duke of York Square (London).
Photos: Wai Kay
