Less Store

Less Store

Less Store is an innovative retail space that exemplifies minimalist architectural principles, designed by architect Zhenfei Wang in collaboration with Luming Wang. The design philosophy draws profound inspiration from Mies van der Rohe's iconic less is more principle, manifesting through a sophisticated interplay of minimalist planes and structural elements within a 12m x 8m x 3.3m space. The store's architectural composition achieves a remarkable synthesis of form and function through the strategic bending of planar elements, simultaneously creating structure, space, and visual tension. The implementation of cement as a primary material introduces an unexpected warmth to the minimalist environment, challenging conventional retail design paradigms. The space represents a harmonious convergence of brand philosophy and architectural expression, where the concept of life is subtraction and growth is addition materializes in physical form. The steel structure serves as the foundational framework, allowing for a clean, uncluttered aesthetic that aligns perfectly with contemporary retail design principles. This architectural achievement, which earned a Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design category, demonstrates exceptional spatial organization and material application. The five-month project, located in Hangzhou, China, showcases how commercial architecture can transcend mere functionality to become a physical manifestation of brand values and design philosophy, creating an immersive retail environment that resonates with modern consumers while maintaining architectural integrity.

retail design, minimalist architecture, commercial space, interior design, spatial composition, architectural innovation

— Adam Dawson

CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'Less Store.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=443206 (Accessed on June 07, 2025)"