Maher Women’s Apparel Store: A New Approach to Retail Space Design

Ali Hamidi Moghadam's Innovative Design Redefines the Concept of a Showcase

The design of the Maher Women’s Apparel Store is inspired by the idea of creating a space that is more than just a commercial entity. Moghadam wanted to create a space that could be a part of the city, a place where people could wander and enjoy, irrespective of its commercial application. The design aims to create an experience and memory of a space that motivates people to return, either for shopping or entertainment.

One of the unique properties of this design is the redefinition of the showcase. Unlike traditional stores where mannequins are used to attract customers, in the Maher store, the showcase is a place for people. This innovative feature gives the Maher store a distinctive position, as it allows people inside the store to watch those outside, and vice versa, creating a dynamic and interactive environment.

The store is designed with a variety of materials including compressed foam, MDF, ceramic, metal, and wood. The interior design and reconstruction of the store, which is part of a 40-year-old building, were carried out with careful consideration of the building's unique geometric structure and its historical significance.

The store's design also includes a huge staircase, which is placed as an independent object within the building. This staircase creates diverse spaces with various applications within the 5.5 meters height of the building. The staircase, along with the handrails and regales, forms an integrated and continuous structure, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the store.

The design of the Maher Women’s Apparel Store is a testament to Moghadam's innovative approach to retail design. It not only challenges traditional concepts of retail spaces but also introduces a new way of integrating commercial spaces with their urban environment. This project was awarded the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017, a testament to its innovative and unique design.