Introduction
Established in 2012, the Floating Half Earth (Vagteera) was inspired by its founder Jelena’s extensive travels to nearly half of the world’s countries. Drawing from her deep exploration of design brands and keen market insights, she created a clothing buyer’s shop rooted in the concept of “Half the Earth.” The goal was to craft a trendy retail space that resonates with contemporary aesthetics and lifestyles.
Design Philosophy
From its inception, Floating Half Earth has consistently embraced environmental protection as a core design principle. The project’s theme centers on global warming and glacier melting. Through diverse design techniques, the space simulates glaciers floating on the ocean surface, aiming to deliver a striking visual impact that encourages reflection on environmental issues.
Material selection is equally thoughtful, with organic and sustainable decorative materials chosen for the spatial design. This choice reinforces a lifestyle that practices environmental responsibility.
△ AI Concept Map © Inspiration from the Flying World
△ Night view of the main exterior © YUNSIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Design Interpretation
Vagteera features shopping zones that can be flexibly arranged to accommodate seasonal displays, using customized scaffolding that is both disassemblable and reusable. This approach creates a rhythmic spatial flow throughout the store.
The facade reveals a raw cement wall by foregoing painted surfaces, enhanced with cement self-leveling mixed with blue mineral powder, floating stainless steel blue spheres, and other layered details. These elements evoke the sensation of glaciers floating, generating an intriguing visual hierarchy. The design’s visual contrasts and ‘wildness’ aim to resonate with consumers on environmental themes.
At the entrance, a suspended Earth art installation cleverly combines stainless steel tracks and acrylic spheres, accentuated by breathing lamps. This striking centerpiece draws curiosity while emphasizing the space’s futuristic and artistic atmosphere.
Large-scale installation art at the entrance © YUNSIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Unique scaffolding methods create comfortable, open pathways encouraging customer exploration, supporting well-planned retail flow. This design invites visitors to discover enjoyment throughout their shopping journey.
△ Main interior space on the first floor
△ Framing techniques combined with the checkout counter’s landscape wall © YUNSIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Visual interplay between framed scenery and full-length mirror © YUNSIN PHOTOGRAPHY
The staircase leading to the second floor © YUNSIN PHOTOGRAPHY
△ Illuminated backdrop wall and mirror panel at the second floor entrance © YUNSIN PHOTOGRAPHY
The second floor employs scaffolding of various scales and specifications to craft a dynamic, multi-level spatial experience. This flexible setup allows for easy reconfiguration of clothing displays and promotional areas, enhancing the store’s vibrancy and adaptability.
Brand displays are strategically placed to guide sightlines and naturally shape the exploration path, inviting customers to enjoy a playful and free-flowing shopping experience.
Stainless steel partitions combined with display cabinets on the second floor © YUNSIN PHOTOGRAPHY
△ Large custom movable full-length mirror
△ Hand-painted planetary device on facade © YUNSIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Throughout the design process, the team explored various possibilities to discover the optimal solution amid uncertainty. This approach enriches the space’s unique character while injecting a sense of fun.
Project Drawings
△ First floor layout plan © Inspiration from the Flying World
△ Second floor layout plan © Inspiration from the Flying World
△ Indoor sectional view © Inspiration from the Flying World
Project Information
Project Name: Floating Half Earth Vagteera Buying Shop
Design Unit: Feijie Inspiration Design Laboratory
Client: Floating Half Earth
Year Completed: 2023
Building Area: 500 square meters
Location: Suzhou Huanyuhui
Main Designer: Hu Yanxin
Space Designer: Zhu Xiaohan
Rendering: JZ Vision
Photography: Yunsin
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