Aesop Grabenstraße
Blurring distinctions between interior and exterior
2016
Introduction
Located in Grabenstraße, this is Aesop's tenth signature store in Germany, and the second store designed by Snøhetta.
In harmony with the handsome pedestrian plaza where the store is situated – host to various markets and fairs – the design subtly blurs distinctions between interior and exterior, and effects subdued contrasts of materiality and form.
Technical details
Aesop
An amphitheater beckoning audiences
Blonde-hued, tiered shelving crafted from Douglas Fir curves around the walls to effect a crescent suggestive of an amphitheater beckoning audiences; embedded downlights from the ceiling mirror its form.
This implicit extension of the plaza is amplified by a monolithic concrete sink, reminiscent of a fountain around which locals might regularly gather. Conversely, an interior element is continued just beyond the stone façade, where two timber benches fitted with planter boxes invite visitors to sit and linger in the shade outside.
Other Aesop stores designed by Snøhetta include Aesop Prinsens gate (Oslo), Aesop Homansbyen (Oslo), Aesop Fasanenstraße (Berlin), Aesop ION (Singapore), Aesop Raffles City (Singapore), Aesop Pitt Street (Sydney) and Aesop Duke of York Square (London).
Photos: Christian Heesen