Chu Ting Fai's "Simply" Circus-Inspired Gift Shop

Bringing Cheer and Fun to Retail with a Unique Design Concept

Located in Macau, the 52 square meter shop was designed with a youthful demographic in mind. The shop offers a variety of products, including souvenirs, candies, and toys. The design concept was inspired by the lively and exciting atmosphere of a circus, aiming to provide customers with a unique shopping experience.

The shop's design is characterized by its open front, inviting customers in with a welcoming vibe. The interior is dominated by vibrant colors and curved shapes, reminiscent of the iconic elements of a circus. These elements, including decorative columns and a domed ceiling structure, were simplified and incorporated into the design in a sophisticated manner.

Chu Ting Fai utilized simple materials to realize this design. GRG curved columns, various wallpapers, ceramic tiles for the floor, and special Venetian paint for the facade were used. The most challenging aspect of the project was the technical construction of the curved vertical roller shutter, which took almost a month to fabricate.

The design process began in March 2019 and was completed in November 2019. The designer conducted extensive research on circus designs from different countries to identify the most iconic elements and simplify them for application in the shop's design.

The "Simply" gift shop is a testament to Chu Ting Fai's innovative approach to retail design. By taking inspiration from the circus, the designer has created a space that not only attracts customers but also provides a fun and cheerful shopping experience. This unique design approach has earned the project the Bronze A' Design Award, a prestigious accolade bestowed upon outstanding and creatively ingenious designs.