Form Follows Function | Retail Store Design

Form follows Function is the prime principle of design which has to be followed. It has to be borne into a designer’s mind. Recently, there has been quite a large change in the architectural trends. Architects and Designers are too much into decorating the exterior facade of the building without correlating to the interior spaces of the structure. This has caused the evolution of a new trend where people are more focussed about the exterior appearance of the structure and the aspect of functionality is being ignored and not paid attention to.

After the initiation of important design considerations for the Retail Store Design, implementation of “Form Follows Function” comes into picture.

Retail Store Design
Retail Store Design

The concept of sustainability has created an awareness among the people. Now people are heading back towards the core concept of “Form follows Function”. This principle does not imply on not decorating the structure or trying to make it aesthetically appealing. People are now more focussed onto making less use of energy intensive materials to make the environment sustainable and avoid chaotic designs.

Aesthetics and functionality flow hand in hand. People are ready to spend, buy materials locally or import to make the functionality blend well, in order to get an elegant interior with rich and brand-symbolic elements.

Aesthetics for different types of buildings are different. The aesthetic appeal factor varies from residential design to commercial buildings like office complex or shopping malls or cinema theatres etc.

Retail Store complex
Retail Store complex

For a retail store Design, aesthetics are developed to form a backdrop to the wares on display. The focus is on the merchandise followed by the comfort of the customer and by the actual functional aspects. Functional aspects that are integrated into a Retail store design such as the cash counter, the changing rooms, the storage area and the computers must be discreet and unobtrusive. The challenge is to integrate all these functions with the actual retail space, without being too cluttered.

Retail store is an integral part of any Mall design. The mall culture has influenced the lifestyle of the people to a great extent. Until not too long ago there was a general feeling that most retail outlets require a typical standard of design for their spaces. This has been proved wrong by innovatively designed spaces, where ambiance is given the utmost importance. Many a time, one can sell a marginal product at a maximum cost, by creating unique interiors.

Retail Store complex
Retail Store complex

The design should be responsive to the theme of the retail space. People are amazed with the kind of lavish interiors in the Western Countries. That is why, they appreciate the retail spaces that are designed creatively and that are very catchy and impressive. They attract more customers hence more traffic, more positive reviews which finally makes the entire design strategy and the design itself very successful.

7 thoughts on “Form Follows Function | Retail Store Design”

  1. Wow! I am amazed with this kind of architecture. Seldom do I appreciate retail store that is occupying small space but grand in terms of design. Some do have mainframe mirrors as huge as the store’s wall. The mirror actually expands the space of the small retail store. This is a relevant blog and should be promoted. Retail stores should be grand even though its just small. It should be elegant.

    • The main function of the retail stores is to sell their products to their maximum. Being elegant is one factor that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the store. The theme of the interiors for different advertisement products should be different. It should blend well with the design. That is what would be responsible for the success of a Retail store.

Leave a Comment