Emporio: Redefining Bathing Culture in a Retail Store

A Unique Experience for Exploring Bathing Rituals

The interior of Emporio, a 4,000 sq.m retail store in Kochi, India, offers a one-of-a-kind experience for users to explore and immerse themselves in the world of bathing culture. Designed by Arun Tillak and Mohammad Favas, this innovative space combines physical and digital interactions to showcase various brands and their distinctive products.

Emporio stands out as a retail store that goes beyond the traditional concept of shopping. It allows users to physically engage with the products while also providing interactive digital screens and virtual reality experiences. This unique approach creates a memorable and personalized journey for each visitor.

The design team's inspiration for Emporio came from the idea that "bathrooms of the future have no doors." This concept sparked the creation of an interior space that encourages users to explore different styles and cultures of bathing. By combining virtual reality, interactive touchscreens, and Kinect technology, Emporio enables users to fully immerse themselves in the world of bath culture.

One of the key strengths of Emporio is its ability to cater to the needs and values of each brand it showcases. The design team meticulously studied and understood the culture and products of each brand, creating a space that truly compliments their identity. The choice of materials, colors, textures, and lighting nuances within the interior further enhances the overall experience.

Throughout the design process, the team faced various challenges, including creating a space that could accommodate the diverse needs of the client and incorporating interactive user experiences seamlessly. However, through careful planning and execution, these challenges were overcome, resulting in a space that not only meets the client's requirements but also provides an immersive and engaging environment for visitors.

Emporio opened its doors to the public in January 2018, captivating visitors with its unique approach to retail design. The project received the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019 for its outstanding creativity and resourcefulness. This prestigious award recognizes designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Emporio is a testament to the power of design in creating memorable experiences. By redefining the concept of a retail store, Arun Tillak and Mohammad Favas have successfully transformed the way we perceive and interact with bath culture. Whether exploring physically or engaging digitally, Emporio offers a journey of discovery and self-expression in the realm of bathing rituals.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Arun Tillak
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer, Shamanth J Patil, ABC Emporio, 2018 Image #2: Photographer, Shamanth J Patil, ABC Emporio, 2018 Image #3: Photographer, Shamanth J Patil, ABC Emporio, 2018 Image #4: Photographer, Shamanth J Patil, ABC Emporio, 2018 Image #5: Photographer, Shamanth J Patil, ABC Emporio, 2018
Project Team Members: Arun Tillak Mohammad Favas Komal Bhulani Vijayraj Manmathan Ashwant Dinesh Al Ameen C
Project Name: Emporio
Project Client: Arun Tillak


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