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Our online shopping baskets overflowed even before the pandemic as familiar brands started disappearing from the high street. It was clear then that the physical retail sector was due an overhaul. In this article, we consider what the future of retail might look like.
Even pre-pandemic something clearly wasn’t working in terms of the function, design and overall appeal of physical retail spaces compared with online. Then of course Covid-19 did hit and things went into overdrive. Paul Martin, Head of Retail at KPMG in the UK, said in the firm’s ‘Future of towns and cities post Covid-19’ report which came out in January 2021, “Online sales have grown by 50%+ in nine months, accelerating a trend that would have taken five years plus to deliver in normal circumstances.”
US-based trade body the National Retail Foundation has noted some in-store design changes that successful retailers are using, “Colour is more playful than monotones. COVID-19 has [also] taught us to enjoy the simpler things in life: more quality and less quantity, natural, antibacterial materials, less reliance on plastic and less materials with embedded energy playing a greater role in design.”
Photo: Erik Wik
In London, Borough Yards is set to reshape the face of retail with space for 50 new shops and restaurants with its grand launch in spring following the first section, Soap Yard opening last December. Designers SPPARC have revived a lost medieval street pattern, transforming a series of formerly disused warehouses, arches, and viaducts into a series of new spaces with the emphasis firmly on relaxation and enjoyment rather than just shopping. There’s harmony between old and new elements, thanks to innovative use of materials such as bricks.
Photo: Ed Reeve
Another example of the importance of material selection in retail interiors is the newly opened Kongahälla Center in Kungälv, Sweden. It demonstrates how natural materials and good lighting design provide an environment to thrive in. Gustafs wooden panels produced with elm veneer clad vast areas of the interior ceilings. The most eye-catching elements, meanwhile, are massive lampshades hanging down from the rooflights in one of the atriums, also produced with elm veneer, embellished with a brass strip.
Photo: Devis Bionaz
In their book series Retrofitting Suburbia, authors Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williams find examples of previously unloved American shopping malls given an experiential makeover courtesy of yoga classes, farmers markets, even a Mexican wrestling ring!
The KPMG report makes a similar argument, pointing to the future of retail “catering for a full range of ages and interests and the needs of the local population” with social and recreation space playing their part in encouraging shoppers away from their screens and back to the real-life checkouts.
This focus on experience, and not just somewhere to shop, is evident in Mall of Scandinavia. Designed by Wingårdhs, the vast complex includes retail spaces, cinemas, food courts, lounge areas and pop-up spaces.
As the world opens up following the Coronavirus pandemic, it is clear that retail spaces of the future will combine quality interiors with in-person experiences to attract shoppers back into physical stores again.
Photo: Devis Bionaz
Underpinned by our Scandinavian design heritage, we bring you regular stories about architecture and interiors, exploring natural materials, acoustics, and the creation of safe and harmonious environments.
Lithuanian interior design studio DVI tell us about their recent workspace project.
Myles Burke from PLP Architecture talks about the Arbor building in central London, where 300 sqm of Gustafs Linear Rib is installed in the entrance area.
Interior Designer Stephanie Dunning speaks about the ‘cathedral like’ Exton Hall building at Exton Park Vineyard, and the installation of Gustafs Linear Ribs in the ceiling.
We explore a new intarsia artwork designed by artist Anna Hedström for Gustafs. Collaboration is an important aspect of our creative approach at Gustafs, we love to test what can happen when creativity and craftsmanship merge!
Gustafs is inviting architects to use its products as a springboard for their own creativity.
Experienced acoustician Johan de Sousa Mestre uses a blend of perforations for best reverberation and diffusivity in his search for optimal room acoustics.
We introduce a new acoustic line with felt absorbers inspired by nature, offering a wide selection of silent designs for both walls and ceilings.
Explore new design possibilities with our latest Lamellow+ design; Puzzle. This collection features twelve unique models that offer limitless assembly variations.
Gustafs was nominated twice at Stjärngalan 2024, winning the Brand of the Year category.
Designer Simon Mattisson’s collaboration with Gustafs to 3D print acoustic panels from waste materials.
BDP’s Vicky Casey on using natural materials in Southmead Hospital, Bristol.
Learn why experience and materials are the key to the future of retail.
Creative agency Nineties Studio explain the concept behind Gustafs new brand identity.
Experienced consultant Paul Nulty on how to combine lighting and materials such as wood.
House of Choice by White Arkitekter gives guests a greener choice.
Carol Costello, practice leader of Cullinan Studio, discusses what architecture studios can do to reduce their environmental impact.
Hawkins\Brown tell us how they approached the modernisation of a Grade II Listed building in London.
Chris Lefteri, renowned expert in material technology, speaks about materials of the future.
Colour expert Karen Haller tells us how behavioural colour and design psychology can create harmonious interiors.
Gustafs introduces Feltfon Linear, a customisable linear felt solution which gives a soft, warmth to walls and ceilings.
From courtrooms to concert halls. We list five favourite projects that use ash.
Jan Ammundsen talks through Denmark’s gamechanging Klimatorium scheme
An overview of how material choices affect sound absorption in a workplace environment.
We explore how workplace design can be adapted for people with neurodiverse conditions.
A conversation with Daniel Rönnqvist, Architect and Accessibility Consultant at Gatun Arkitekter, about human-centered architecture and workplace design.
3XN’s Design Director explains the studio’s approach to material selection.
Architect Colin Moses reflects on his key learnings from the University of Bedfordshire library project.
Exploring how architects can create happy cities by designing for mental wellbeing.
Fire engineer Håvard Strøm Halvorsen examines interiors with wooden ribs.
Property developer Folkhem’s Anna Ervast Öberg talks about her favourite material.
An interview with Graven’s Ross Hunter on designing multi-use education spaces.
The benefits of avoiding fire retardants, and other important points.
Workplaces designed with acoustics in mind can avoid noise and stress.
Joe Belcher lists his key learnings from The Davison Library, University of London.
We chat to Kristian Ahlmark of Schmidt Hammer Lassen about how this “city within a city” was designed for the local community.
We examine how architects focus on daylight, acoustics and materials in educational facilities.
Experiencing how buildings sound at the design stage: we look at a new research project of sound simulation software.
Take a trip around Arlanda VIP Services as Mark Humphreys of Tengbom Arkiteker explains how it epitomises Scandinavian style.
Jenny Lovebo of Linnaeus University answers three questions on the wellbeing effects of forests.
The wooden interior of Hejmdal Cancer Patients House.
Architect Annika Askerblom of AIX explains how interior design and acoustic excellence were combined to create stunning performances spaces.
We explore how reducing noise and creating harmonious sound environments can improve wellbeing.
Why forest bathing is here to save your social life: exploring how woodland walks have become the new way of socialising.
Want to get the best out of your digital and hybrid meetings? Get your acoustics right.
The legendary Swedish acoustician Jan-Inge Gustafsson joins us for a conversation about concert halls, collaborating with architects, and the creative process.
We ask fire consultant Anders Bach Vestergaard of COWI consulting to answer three questions about the creation of safe, beautiful and design-led wooden interiors.
In this article we explore the Scandinavian culture of educational sloyd, and its potential to inspire future generations of wood-centric designers.
The story of our heritage: from a forest in rural Sweden, based on traditions of carpentry and craftsmanship, to world-leading wood panel systems.
Recalling the challenges and joys of making a spectacular acoustic solution happen – from design to installation.
Recalling the challenges and joys of making a spectacular acoustic solution happen – from design to installation.
Wood is nature’s original stress-reliever, and studies have proven that its use in the built environment can greatly improve our wellbeing.
We talk to Wingårdhs Arkitektkontor on the future of offices and the shifting role of workspaces.
Introducing Lamellow+ from Gustafs, a beautiful combination of felt and wood for indoor public spaces with natural fire safety properties.
Gustaf’s collaboration with Cisco has resulted in a fantastic conference solution that has been awarded with Red Dot: Best of the best
We have developed a new design for our timber slats. A narrower model is now available for walls and ceilings.
The project Lund’s district court is featured on Archdaily – Building of the year award. The project is featured under Best applied products.
Once again we have a new product to present at the Stockholm furniture fair – come and experience our new meeting pod.
In our aim to lead the development of fire classified wooden claddings for public spaces we now launch a brand new linear timber cladding panel that achieves the market’s absolute highest possible fire classification A2-s1, d0.
Architect Arata Isozaki has been awarded the pritker prize. One of his projects is QNCC, which consists largely of Gustaf’s interior panels
Gustafs Gpod is our new Office meeting pod, designed for both meetings but also as an exclusive wooden furniture with perfect acoustics.
During the Stockholm Furniture Fair we will be launching a brand new product – we’re redefining the workplace, again
We continue to develop our product range. It is now possible to install spotlights as D-Line, we introduce Gustafs D-Line Spot
Once again DTU Building 202 has been awarded for it’s design. This time the prestigious Detail Inside Special Prize.
Introducing Linear RIB-S design. a new design with sharper edges that give the increased feel of a solid wooden rib.
Gustafs D-Line is our new integrated LED lighting system, fully compatibel with our Linear System – LED lighting for wall and ceilings.
Bedfordshire library project has been awarded the RIBA East Award 2018. We are delighted to have been part of this project.
The stunning project DTU building 202 has been awarded the Carpentry Prize 2017. We are proud to have delivered our panels to the project.
The Brunel Building of Southmead Hospital has been awarded European Healthcare Design 2017. Gustafs and LSA have produced and supplied panels to the project.
Gustafs together with LSA have produced and supplied slatted wood panels to this new library at Bedfordshire University.
The Royal College of Music in Stockholm is one of ten projects nominated for Stockholm Building of the Year.
Gustafs are producing interior acoustic wood panels for all music venues at the new royal college of music in Stockholm.
Gustafs have been awarded by the contractor Skanske for our environmental work at the project site NKS, we are truly glad!
Gustafs have contributed with interior wall panels in laminate and wood surfaces to the BREEAM Building of the year project.
Our brand new dark fibre gypsum core can be used to hide the perforations in a better way, using dark veneered wood panels.
Gustafs have won the Malmö Live contract and will produce and install interior wall and ceiling panels for this spectacular venue.
We’re happy to announce Gustafs’ first ever project in China. We have produced and supplied this auditorium with wood panels.
This summer Gustafs celebrated 100 years as a business, with the start of Andreas Tunander acquired the business back in 1913.
Together with our Russian supplier, Gustafs has manufactured and delivered fireproof wooden panels for this historic building.
Gustafs Linear System is our brand new cladding system with linear design, utilizing real wood veneer and a Quick-Up installation system.
Gustafs’ wood panels are now certified with fire classification A2-s1,d0 according to the European fire class.
