THE CODE

Location: Berlin, Germany

Type: Commercial - Retail & Exhibition space

Size: 80 square meters

Status: Built, Completed in 2020

The project was conceived through an engaged collaboration with the client to design a space that would represent their vision for THE CODE: a clubbing and fetish fashion shop/art gallery - By the scene for the scene. As the store serves the underground party community of Berlin, the design concept was to invite visitors to experience the party and art scene through their visit, by allowing each visitor to explore and discover their own path. The storefront space contains two showrooms, storage/working space, and a private bathroom. The main showroom located at the front of the store is used as the primary display area, while the second room, located at the back is used for rotating art display. During the day the store invites visitors to shop from top independent designers, and at night it transforms into an exhibition space by the scene for the scene.

Approaching this project it was important for us to closely work with the client to design all the elements within the store. From space design to furniture and to the smallest detail as the curtain of the changing area - all were custom tailored to reflect the story and vision of the client.

The experience starts at the main showroom. The space is celebrating the simplicity of raw materials, using concrete flooring and custom-made black metal furniture to create a minimalist design that manifests the clothes and accessories on display. Industrial metal pipes are hung from the ceiling, pulled from the floor, or attached to the walls, acting as the main exhibiting features throughout the space. Keeping the display along the edges of the space provides the flexibility to use the space as a gallery and event space. Borrowed from the underground party scene, elements such as a large black metal table, theatrical lighting, a hanging charcoal wood swing, and a bright yellow stage are integrated into the space to add a kick and a kink to the minimalist design. Going up the stage’s stairs one reaches the black box showroom that serves as an exhibition space for young artists of the scene.

Photos by Boaz Arad