A Walk in Their Shoes: Palola Store Design

Creating Connections Through Design

In the heart of Singapore, a unique retail store required a concept that will cultivate a bond between shoe wearers and shoemakers. Our team at BuildBuilt was commissioned to materialize this vision for Palola, weaving a narrative of craftsmanship, passion, and sustainability. We aimed to create an environment that not only sells shoes but also tells stories, connecting patrons with the craftsmen who pour their heart into every stitch.

Experimenting with movement and colors through a material palette

Challenges Are What Designers Eat for Breakfast

Every design journey has its challenges, and Palola’s store was no different. We were tasked with crafting a multi-layered narrative in a small, constrained space. The budget was tight, requiring us to think creatively about material usage and space optimization. Balancing the brand’s vision with these constraints required innovation and flexibility. The compactness of the space became an opportunity to create an intimate, immersive experience, turning potential limitations into advantages. We maximized visibility through large street-facing windows, transforming constraints into opportunities for engaging with a larger audience. These challenges prompted us to innovate, pushing us to create a design that communicates Palola’s story in the most compelling and immersive way possible. The high footfall and exposure of the store drove us to ensure that every element of the design was purposeful, resilient, and effectively communicated the brand’s philosophy and vision. Through it all, the challenges transformed into opportunities, allowing us to create a retail environment that is as resilient and inspiring as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Crafting The Shoemaker’s Narrative Through Interiors

Shoes are much more than accessories, and shoemaking is an art. In Palola’s store, this philosophy is embedded in every corner. The design team decided to create an environment that allows customers to experience the intricacies of the shoemaking process. Customers can walk around the display areas, designed to evoke a shoemaker’s workshop, showcasing the meticulous process of crafting a shoe. The space becomes a tactile exploration of the shoemaker’s journey, revealing the care, precision, and artistry involved in bringing each shoe to life.

Piecing together visually strking elements that would tell of the brand’s history

Hedonistic Sustainability

Do we really need to sacrifice our environment for our pleasure? Inspired by a presentation from Bjarke Ingels, we understood the significance of integrating sustainability and aesthetic pleasure into the design process. We chose materials not only for their desired appeal but also for their ability to connect the inhabitants to nature. We incorporated sustainably sourced wood and other socially responsible sourced materials, celebrating their raw and organic beauty. We wanted to bring the wearer closer to the source of the shoe’s materials, to feel the connection between the product and the natural world.

More textures and depth for a tactile and richer spatial experience.

A Feast for the Eyes: The Shoe Buffet

The centerpiece of the store design was a ‘shoe buffet’, an immersive shoe display designed to feel ostentatiously luxurious. The central location of the buffet ensures that each customer is encircled by a seemingly endless assortment of fine footwear. The shopper is encouraged to explore the array of options available to them, experiencing a sense of delight, choice, and anticipation. This innovative approach to retail space engages customers, transforming shopping into an exciting and interactive journey.

Weaving in sensible aesthetics to support necessary function.

The Ultimate Shopping Experience

The goal was to create an environment that brought the customer into the shoemaker’s world, surrounded by a blend of craftsmanship, sustainability, and endless choice. In the Palola store, shopping becomes an immersive experience, where customers are not just passive buyers but active participants in the narrative.

Putting together ideas through visual prototypes help expand ideas.

An Intimate Bond

Through thoughtful design, we have sought to bridge the gap between the wearer and the shoemaker at Palola, establishing an intimate bond through a shared appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. The resulting retail environment serves as a testament to the power of design in telling stories and building connections, all while creating a shopping experience like no other.