The Haight Clothing flagship inside Shopping Leblon in Rio de Janeiro, designed by AIA Studio together with art director and partner Raphael Tepedino, develops a minimalist retail concept based on the relationship between nature, materiality and spatial perception. The project translates the brand identity into an immersive environment where surfaces, light and forms recall Brazilian natural landscapes and geological processes.
Through material textures, indirect lighting and an organic layout, the boutique creates a retail experience that goes beyond product display and introduces a more sensory relationship with the space.
Natural materials and textured surfaces in the retail concept
The boutique interior is characterized by the use of “terracor”, applied to walls and ceiling to create visual continuity throughout the space. Its rough texture recalls natural surfaces and contributes to an essential and immersive atmosphere.
The concept takes inspiration from erosion processes that shape cliffs, caves, stones, sands and water movements. These natural references guide the design of the architectural elements and define a minimal yet strongly material language.
Indirect lighting and spatial perception
Lighting is used as a fundamental element to define the atmosphere of the boutique. Indirect light accompanies the internal path and enhances the textured surfaces without creating aggressive contrasts.
This approach reinforces the feeling of immersion within the space and creates a continuous relationship between light, materials and organic forms. The lighting design therefore contributes to the narrative of the retail concept, emphasizing the natural and contemplative character of the environment.
Stone, brushed brass and organic display layout
At the centre of the store, the main column alludes to limestone rocks and becomes the element around which the layout develops. Around the structure, three raw stone slabs of different heights define the display path and strengthen the relationship with the natural landscape.
Brushed brass display elements introduce a warmer and brighter tone, while soapstone helps balance the environment with grey shades and matte surfaces. The result is an equilibrium between minimalism, materiality and visual comfort.
A retail experience between minimalism and nature
According to Alice Tepedino, lead architect of the project, the goal was to create a welcoming, innovative and comfortable environment, capable of stimulating a less immediate reading of the space and generating interest through experience.
Haight Boutique interprets contemporary retail design through a synthesis of nature, materials and architectural composition, creating an essential yet highly recognizable environment.
Project information
Client: Haight Clothing
Location: Shopping Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Design: AIA Studio + Raphael Tepedino
Lead Architect: Alice Tepedino
Design Team: Michel Zalis, Matheus Amorim, Marcela Rezende
Engineering: Santa Irreverência
Area: 110 sqm
Photos courtesy: Maira Acayaba
by AN Shopfitting Magazine no.169 ©