22re rethinks the shopping experience for Departamento

22RE designed the façade and interior of Departamento’s new location in Signal, Downtown Los AngelesCustomers access the Business Through a hidden entrance, they find themselves in an immersive portal clad in mirrored walls. Inside, the architects look at the industrial elements of the original architecture through a deconstructivist lens. The space follows an unconventional, non-linear grid layout – reminiscent of a library or supermarket – which is then interrupted and divided into different zones.

Exclusively for this location in the department, 22RE has partnered with Taiga Takahashi to create a unique shop-in-shop. Entered through a sliding louvre door, the space invites guests to experience the collection in a ryokan-inspired setting reminiscent of a traditional Japanese inn. Here, Sugi Wood Elements from 300-year-old Japanese ryokans have been reused, alongside shelves with tatami mat underlays. A pebble-inspired floor and a luminous ceiling that balances the traditional elements with a futuristic undertone also add to the atmosphere.

All images courtesy of 22RE

Deconstructivist and modernist design characterizes the space

As visitors explore every corner of the Departamento store, they are given glimpses of different vignettes and collections through strategically placed mirrors, adding an element of voyeuristic fascination to their journey. These design features evoke a sense of expansion and contraction and ultimately encourage moments of discovery. Rather than presenting shoppers with tons of products, Studio based in Los Angeles 22RE has created moments of empty space to give the eye a moment of rest. Collections are hung and presented using monolithic and sculptural forms that divide the space, creating a fluid but contrasting dichotomy between the heavier wood forms and the lighter metal elements.

The spatial experience is further contrasted by secluded areas designated as dressing rooms, offering customers a restful respite. Taking cues from the 20th century European modernist sensibilities, the team painted I-beams silver as a nod to Rudolf Schindler and Richard Neutra. A white aluminum ceiling grid acts as a luminous plane above the amorphous store, reinforcing the industrial character and running as a constant throughout the amorphous store. Contrasting the elements underfoot is a custom deep burgundy carpet and spotted cowhide seating throughout the store, which provides an earthy feel in contrast to the stainless steel.

Departamento opens new location in Signal, Downtown Los Angeles

Throughout the Departamento store, 22RE founder Dean Levin relies on contrasts between shapes and materials—a trademark of his studio. Custom pieces adorn the space, including a seafoam green fiberglass resin and foam jewelry box made from the same materials as surfboards, and a chiseled aluminum side table. Pendant lights by Olivier Mourgue and Castiglioni Splugen Brau and a floor lamp by Max Ingrand help illuminate the space, while slipper chairs by Tito Agnoli complement the custom elements with comfort, along with a TG-15 Sling Lounge Chair by William Katavolos, Ross Littell and Douglas Kelly and a Dr. Sonderbar Chair by Philippe Starck.

Customers enter the store through a hidden entrance, through an immersive portal clad with mirrored walls

the architects consider the industrial elements of the original architecture from a deconstructivist perspective

the space follows an unconventional, non-linear grid floor plan, which is then interrupted and divided into different zones

the design features convey a sense of expansion and contraction and encourage moments of discovery

A specially made, deep burgundy carpet underfoot provides a contrast to the elements.

Pebble-inspired flooring and a luminous ceiling that balances the traditional elements with a futuristic overtone

Exclusively for this location in the department, 22RE has teamed up with Taiga Takahashi to develop a unique shop-in-shop concept.

Guests experience the collection in a ryokan-inspired environment reminiscent of the traditional Japanese inn

Project info:

Name: department
Designers: @22re_22re

Location: Los Angeles

designboom has received this project from our DIY Submissions Feature where we invite our readers to submit their own work for publication. You can find more project submissions from our readers here Here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom