Bronze A' Design Award Winner 2025
A retail interior space unfolds before you, photographed from a slightly elevated perspective that provides comprehensive view across the entire room measuring perhaps twenty-five feet in width and extending thirty feet in depth, the floor covered entirely in terracotta ceramic tiles arranged in traditional herringbone pattern, each tile roughly four inches by eight inches, the warm orange-brown color reminiscent of sun-baked clay or desert earth, providing textural richness underfoot and establishing a foundation of warmth that rises through the entire environment. Beginning in the left portion of the view, slender arched metal frameworks in matte black finish rise from floor to approximately eight feet height, these graceful structures describing semicircular curves like stretched gothic arches or elongated croquet wickets, constructed from narrow metal rods perhaps one inch in diameter, within these frameworks transparent glass or acrylic shelves at various heights display merchandise including folded clothing items in deep forest green and navy blue tones, athletic shoes in white with dark accents, and small leather goods, the open framework design allowing light to pass through while clearly defining display zones. The middle ground contains a series of cylindrical display pedestals in soft cream or ivory tones, these drum-shaped forms range from perhaps fourteen inches to thirty inches in height, arranged in clustered groupings, some standing independently while others nest together creating tiered display surfaces, their rounded smooth surfaces appearing soft as plaster or painted wood, atop these pedestals rest additional merchandise including folded garments, small accessories, and footwear, the pale neutral color of these platforms causing displayed items to visually float against the darker floor. Dominating the background, tall arched windows with white frames stretch nearly floor to ceiling, perhaps nine feet tall and four feet wide, dressed in layers of window treatments: sheer white curtains closest to the glass diffusing incoming daylight into soft glowing illumination like frosted glass or morning mist, overlaid with darker charcoal gray drapery panels pulled to the sides framing the windows like theatrical curtains, through the sheer fabric, shadowy silhouettes of foliage suggest trees or large shrubs outside, these plant shadows also visible on the white ceiling as delicate branching patterns created by sunlight filtering through leaves. The white walls contain a series of recessed arched niches painted white on their interior surfaces, these alcoves perhaps three feet wide and five feet tall with rounded tops echoing the metal armatures' curves, within the left alcove stands a dark vertical element possibly a doorway or storage unit, another alcove contains shelving displaying shoes and folded clothing items. Overhead, the white ceiling supports a rectangular circuit of black metal track lighting, this geometric frame measuring perhaps twelve feet by eighteen feet, studded at regular intervals with adjustable black spotlight fixtures, some directed downward creating focused illumination pools on merchandise below, others angled to graze walls or highlight specific displays, when illuminated these spots create bright white circles of concentrated light while areas between receive gentler ambient glow, the foliage shadow patterns on the ceiling appearing as dark gray organic shapes against white, shifting and moving as outdoor breezes stir branches. In the right foreground sits a comfortable lounge chair upholstered in textured fabric the color of warm sand or natural linen, the nubby surface suggesting boucle or similar looped weave, the chair's rounded generous back and curved arms inviting relaxation, supported on four splayed wooden legs in medium brown finish that angle outward for stability, positioned just before the chair sits a matching rounded ottoman sharing the same fabric and leg treatment, both pieces suggesting mid-century modern design with organic sculptural profiles softened by plush upholstery, these seating elements scaled for human comfort with seat height perhaps seventeen inches and overall chair height approximately thirty-two inches, inviting visitors to pause and rest during browsing. The overall atmosphere feels quiet and contemplative, natural daylight dominates the lighting creating soft even illumination without harsh shadows, the air appears still and temperate as suggested by the undisturbed drapery, the space smells perhaps of new textiles and leather goods with subtle wood undertones from furniture, the ceiling's foliage shadows suggest gentle outdoor movement and connection to nature just beyond the windows, the warm terracotta floor contrasts pleasantly with cool white walls creating balanced temperature sensation, the mixture of hard architectural surfaces and soft textiles offers varied tactile possibilities from smooth cool tiles underfoot to warm yielding upholstery inviting touch, the curved metal armatures and rounded pedestals throughout create rhythmic repetition of circular forms that soften the rectangular room architecture, the careful spacing between elements allows easy movement and creates breathing room preventing visual crowding, merchandise colors concentrated in deep greens, navy blues, and earth tones harmonize with the overall warm neutral palette while providing sufficient contrast to attract attention, the integration of residential furniture within commercial display environment suggests hybrid space where shopping and relaxation coexist comfortably.
The designers faced a difficult task of blending traditional Iranian elements with the modern aesthetic, but still made it possible to create harmony in this multifunctional space. Gray and dark blue palettes were used together with naked finishes to create a modern background. While the old wooden floors were carefully preserved, they skillfully integrated modern looking mirrors and arches, which are a combination of traditional and contemporary architectural styles.