“Retail interiors carry the responsibility of not just telling the story of a brand, but also creating an immersive experience for the customer. They allow for a customization of expression, and personality.”
Location
Mumbai
Typology
Retail Interiors
Built area
620 m2
The Tank, in Mumbai, takes inspiration not just from the history of its location – Ballard Estate, the Alexandria Docks, and the story of the making of the area – but also the history of the city. It is presented almost as a deconstructed ship, or a dockyard warehouse. The various elements reinstate this narrative.
In a retail setting, it is important that the transition from the outside to the inside is not overwhelming. With this in mind, the threshold is open, laid out as if one were entering a modest living space, rather than a boutique store.
Through the store, the layout creates different densities - sometimes through the placement of the various elements; at times through the porosity of the material that has been used. It allows for ample personal space within this public establishment.
Unlike other retail establishments where lighting is bright, the Tank has chosen to maintain a darker, softer ambience. A squid light sculpture, created by Vyom Mehta, spans the ceiling, connecting an otherwise seemingly discontinuous space.
The material choice and tone of the space is neutral and rustic; constantly creating connections with shipyards, and the water that borders the city. This presents a contrast to the wares that the space displays.
Boat seating has been repurposed as seating within the space. Barrels have been used as display objects. Walls and storage spaces have been created to resemble dockyard containers.
The adaptability of the layout of the space is heightened by metal displays that have been placed on casters.
The interior design of the space is unconventional. Even so, it does not stray away from the core of the function assigned to the space.
