The Volume B store in Sao Paulo, Brazil by architect Marcio Kogan is modern concrete cube filled with contemporary goodies. Roughly hewn visible concrete forms the skin of the building and covers a steel frame. There is just a rectangular glass sliver at the bottom of the cube to merchandise Volume B’s wares and entice potential clients.
The interior walls also seem unfinished and still have the original chalk markings left by workers during construction. The external floor is made of pebbles which are also used to mix concrete. The vaulted ceilings and color-mutating lights make it feel more like a hip nightclub than furniture store.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Concrete Cube Aesthetic
- The use of rough, visible concrete as an aesthetic design element in modern architecture and furniture design.
- Unfinished Interior Design
- The trend towards utilizing unfinished interior design elements, such as construction markings, for a unique and edgy look.
- Multi-functional Spaces
- The integration of various uses and functions within a single space, as seen in the Volume B store's nightclub-like vibe.
Where This Applies
- Furniture Retail
- There is an opportunity for furniture retailers to incorporate raw and edgy design elements like rough concrete and unfinished interiors into their store design to appeal to modern consumers.
- Architecture
- Architects can embrace the trend of using visible concrete and incorporating unfinished aspects in structures for a distinctive and modern aesthetic.
- Nightlife and Entertainment
- Inspiration can be drawn from the Volume B store's integration of a nightclub feel into a furniture store, for unique and multi-functional entertainment spaces in nightlife industries.
