Yinno Unico: A Geometric Masterpiece in Boutique Store Design

Linping Chen's Award-Winning Design Marries Geometry and Aesthetics

Yinno Unico, a boutique store in Hangzhou, China, is a standout example of Linping Chen's innovative approach to design. The project, which was completed between August 2021 and May 2022, spans 310 square meters and features a unique blend of geometric shapes. Triangles and rectangles bring a sense of order to the space, while also offering a playful nod to the simplicity of children's building blocks.

The design's most striking feature is its staircase, which serves as a bridge between the store's two floors. The stairs, designed with rigorous proportions and geometric shapes, create a vertical, intensive, and guiding visual focus. This not only draws consumers upstairs but also adds a rhythmic aesthetic to the space.

Yinno Unico's design is not just about aesthetics; it's also about sustainability. Instead of using a variety of materials and colors, which can be wasteful, the design employs wear-resistant and seamless micro cement. This material simulates the texture of Pentelic marbles, which were widely used in ancient Greek temples, and helps to prolong the life span of the space and control construction costs.

The store's design does not explicitly divide functional areas. Instead, it uses various geometric shapes to fulfill functions such as display, fitting, and storage. Symmetrical axes at horizontal and vertical levels, along with the staircase at the end of the space, showcase the aesthetics of geometry and order. This creates a multi-dimensional physical space that offers an immersive experience and evokes customers' emotions.

One of the greatest challenges in designing Yinno Unico was breaking away from conventional commercial space design. Traditional designs often focus on marketing purposes or adhere to a specific style, which can result in a monotonous space. Linping Chen's design, however, offers a more vivid space that allows customers to perceive the brand's values. The simple colors and materials visually amplify the space, while also improving its sustainability.

The Yinno Unico boutique store design is a testament to Linping Chen's innovative approach to design. By marrying geometric aesthetics with practicality and sustainability, Chen has created a space that is not only visually stunning but also engaging and functional. It's no wonder that this design was awarded Silver in the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2023.