In a striking revamp of Aesop’s terracotta counter at Harrods in London, local design studio Al-Jawad Pike has created a terracotta-clad centerpiece that goes beyond typical beauty-brand displays. The design embodies the essence of a miniature building, offering a sense of architectural depth and craftsmanship.
Al-Jawad Pike, a long-standing partner of Aesop, sought to push the boundaries of design, crafting a terracotta centerpiece with apertures and levels reminiscent of ancient Persian architecture.”
The Terracotta Counter: A Unique Design Feature
The counter’s red terracotta tiles are a nod to Harrods’ iconic red brick facade. These tiles were specifically selected for their scent-retaining properties, connecting back to the traditions of fragrance production. Aesop describes the new design as an “olfactory sculpture” featuring artistic elements that enhance the visitor experience.
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Suspended glass vessels and copper cones take center stage, allowing visitors to interact with various fragrances. According to Aesop, the structure serves as a unique olfactory display that actively engages customers with the aromatic elements. This reflects a detailed architectural design approach in their skincare store interior.
“Our approach was to build a refined yet intricate framework using copper piping and blown glass,” explained Al-Jawad Pike. “This setup allows fragrance-infused air to flow seamlessly to the scent funnels, enhancing the customer’s interaction with the products on the terracotta counter.”
The design’s palette harmonizes with the monolithic counter, incorporating brushed copper for a tactile contrast. This choice was made to enhance the sensory experience, drawing on the materials traditionally associated with fragrance creation and distillation.
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“We worked closely with Aesop to ensure the color scheme felt as rich and immersive as the fragrances themselves,” Al-Jawad noted.
This collaboration follows Aesop’s recent debut of its first lighting collection at Milan Design Week, further exemplifying its commitment to innovation in retail design, particularly with this terracotta feature.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the terracotta counter for Aesop at Harrods?
The terracotta counter for Aesop at Harrods was designed by the local design studio Al-Jawad Pike.
What materials were used in the Aesop terracotta counter?
The Aesop terracotta counter used red terracotta tiles, suspended glass vessels, and copper piping for its design.
How does the terracotta counter enhance visitor experience?
The counter features artistic elements that enhance the visitor experience, acting as an ‘olfactory sculpture’ with fragrance-infused air flowing to scent funnels for customer interaction.
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