Oror Store by NBDC: A Harmonious Fusion of Classic and Contemporary Eyewear Retail Design in Gangnam

Located in the dynamic retail landscape of Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the Oror Store designed by NBDC (New Balance Design Consultants) redefines the boutique eyewear experience with a poetic interplay of materiality, spatial rhythm, and brand identity. Situated within the high-profile commercial hub ‘The Shops at Centerfield’, this 80-square-meter retail space invites visitors into a curated architectural narrative where vintage aesthetics meet modern design cues.

A Reimagined Storefront: Breaking Conventional Retail Façade Norms

The Oror Store’s façade deliberately steps away from commercial uniformity. Instead, it captivates passersby with an original and visually engaging entrance that embodies classical elegance while signaling a distinct sense of place. Positioned centrally, the arched entryway anchors the storefront, drawing visitors inward and establishing a visual axis that spans the depth of the narrow site.

Framed by transparent glass walls, the entrance blurs the boundaries between the bustling mall corridor and the serenity of the boutique interior. This transparency not only extends visual depth but also dissolves the threshold, creating a seamless transition that enhances spatial flow and elevates the customer experience.

Spatial Strategy: Vertical Zoning in a Linear Plan

Faced with the challenge of a compact, narrow floor plan, the architects approached the spatial programming with a vertical logic. The store is zoned into three partitions, with modern eyewear collections flanking the sides, while vintage selections are spotlighted at the center beneath a feature ceiling. This layout not only solves the problem of showcasing a wide range of product styles but also supports the brand’s dual identity—contemporary and classic.

Material Language: A Dialogue Between Timelessness and Trend

NBDC’s design masterfully contrasts wood tones with crisp whites to reflect Oror’s identity. The warm, textured wood evokes a vintage sensibility, resonating with Oror’s commitment to sourcing high-end, classic eyewear. Meanwhile, minimal white finishes introduce a modern clarity, symbolizing the brand’s forward-looking vision.

This dual-tone interior palette also plays into emotional design—balancing nostalgia with innovation. Textural diversity further heightens this contrast, with matte surfaces juxtaposed against glossy finishes, ensuring that the eyewear products take center stage without being overshadowed by the architecture itself.

Sculptural Elements and Brand Signature

Oror’s signature red is used sparingly but effectively throughout the space—incorporated into bespoke furniture pieces that subtly reinforce brand recognition. Among the most distinctive features of the interior are the four hand-crafted sculptural pillars, which serve both aesthetic and spatial functions. Constructed from diverse materials including acrylic, glass, metal, and rope, these pillars act as modern art objects, enhancing the gallery-like atmosphere while subtly delineating zones within the store.

Each pillar possesses its own material expression and tactile quality, providing guests with unique viewing perspectives depending on their location in the space. These structural sculptures not only frame key product displays but also imbue the interior with a sense of visual rhythm and stability.

Curated Ceiling Heights: Emphasizing Focus and Warmth

Though the original space featured an open ceiling throughout, NBDC introduced artificial ceilings at the entrance and rear to create focal points and a more intimate retail environment. This gesture helps to frame the beginning and end of the customer journey, subtly guiding movement while enhancing the sense of comfort.

A Boutique Experience Rooted in Spatial Storytelling

Every design decision within the Oror Store is anchored in the brand's identity—which thrives on duality, craftsmanship, and artistic flair. By combining architectural innovation with brand storytelling, NBDC has transformed a simple retail unit into a sensorial and sculptural experience that mirrors the curated eclecticism of Oror’s eyewear collections.