East Village Urban Marketplace: A New Shopping Experience Inspired by Nature

Koichi Takada Architects Pty Ltd Transforms Retail Space with Forest-Inspired Design

The design of East Village Urban Marketplace is inspired by the concept of a forest. This theme builds on the architectural idea of hybrid mix-use residential living in a park. The aim was to draw the landscape of the park inside the built form to create continuity and balance between the external and interior environment. Through a careful play of materials and reflection, the interior condition is revered and opened up to light and nature.

Unlike typical shopping centres that are often internalized and artificial, East Village challenges this perception by introducing more natural elements. The use of raw timber materials combined with rustic steel creates a surprising yet inviting warehouse feel, resulting in a new shopping experience inspired by nature.

The design team, led by Koichi Takada, worked with developer PAYCE Consolidated and Turner Studio to bring this vision to life. The result is an urban marketplace under a forest canopy, designed to let nature in and express an organic beauty using raw colour, texture, and honest materiality. This approach engages the senses and fosters a sense of freedom and detachment from the demands of daily life.

East Village has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Golden A' Design Award in 2015. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

Images of East Village Urban Marketplace, captured by photographers Tom Ferguson and Sharrin Rees, showcase the unique design elements that set this retail precinct apart. From the raw timber materials to the forest-inspired interior, each image reflects the unique shopping experience that East Village offers.