Retail Store Architecture Design: MSLAN Corner by Devolution in Xiamen

The evolution of retail store architecture design has redefined the relationship between physical spaces and community engagement. An exemplary project reflecting this modern shift is MSLAN Corner in Xiamen, China, designed by Devolution. Completed in 2024, this innovative street shop concept reimagines retail as a fusion of fashion, lifestyle, and neighborhood interaction.

MSLAN Corner: Reinventing the Retail Experience

Situated at a corner location within a bustling block in Xiamen, MSLAN Corner represents the future of retail store architecture design. Designed by architects Jiansong Tang and Qi Wang of Devolution, the project serves as a flagship street shop for the clothing brand MSLAN, marking its 10th anniversary with a refreshed spatial identity.

The design embraces the unique urban setting by integrating a pocket park adjacent to the store, creating a semi-public resting space that invites pedestrians to pause and engage with the environment. This architectural gesture reflects a broader movement toward blurring boundaries between commercial spaces and public realms within retail store architecture design.

Studio Open Day Concept: Blending Retail and Personal Space

The core inspiration behind MSLAN Corner is the “Studio Open Day” concept, which transforms the retail store into a hybrid environment that merges personal aesthetics, creativity, and retail display. The designers sought to replicate the atmosphere of a creator’s studio, capturing the essence of a designer’s private space opened to the public.

This studio-inspired approach shapes the interior into a multi-functional setting that accommodates solitude, creative work, and social gatherings. Customers are welcomed into a space that feels less like a traditional store and more like a lifestyle hub reflecting the personal taste and interests of the studio’s occupant.

Natural Pinewood and Relaxed Interiors Defining the Spatial Language

Materiality is central to the architectural narrative of MSLAN Corner. Natural pinewood was selected as the primary material, infusing the interior with warmth and a sense of calm. This wood-centric palette reflects the slow-living aesthetic increasingly favored in contemporary retail store architecture design.

The light timber surfaces, exposed beams, and custom wood furniture evoke the feeling of a lived-in studio, emphasizing simplicity and authenticity. The result is a space that is both visually inviting and functionally adaptable, allowing MSLAN to curate a retail experience beyond mere product display.

Flexible Space Supporting Creativity and Retail Evolution

The spatial design of MSLAN Corner is rooted in adaptability and future growth. The "Creator’s Studio" theme allows for flexible reconfiguration, enabling the brand to rotate collections, host workshops, and showcase lifestyle products alongside fashion.

Each season, different “creators” and collections will bring new interpretations to the studio, ensuring that the retail space remains dynamic and ever-evolving. This fluid approach to store design reflects a growing trend in retail store architecture design, where static displays are replaced by interactive, modular experiences.

Retail Space as a Community Anchor

Beyond serving as a fashion retail outlet, MSLAN Corner is envisioned as a future community hub. By dedicating part of the site to a pocket park and encouraging local engagement, the design transforms the store into a neighborhood meeting point.

The architects and brand see the store as a social catalyst, fostering a sense of belonging while enhancing the urban streetscape. This community-oriented perspective aligns with the broader global trend in retail architecture, where stores are evolving into cultural and social platforms.

Architectural Identity: Celebrating 10 Years of MSLAN

The creation of MSLAN Corner marks the 10th anniversary of the brand at this iconic street corner in Xiamen. The new store symbolizes both continuity and reinvention, paying homage to its history while embracing a forward-looking architectural identity.

MSLAN Corner positions the brand not only as a fashion retailer but as a contemporary neighbor, reinforcing the notion that retail store architecture design can cultivate enduring relationships with urban communities.

Sustainability Through Thoughtful Materiality and Purposeful Design

Sustainability is subtly embedded into the design ethos of MSLAN Corner. The use of locally sourced pinewood reduces the project’s environmental impact while promoting natural aesthetics. The integration of green space through the pocket park aligns with the idea of sustainable urban design, softening the commercial footprint and enhancing the microclimate.

This environmentally conscious approach is increasingly shaping retail store architecture design, with brands recognizing the importance of balancing commerce, community, and ecology.

MSLAN Corner by Devolution is a pioneering model for retail store architecture design, demonstrating how commercial spaces can evolve into multi-functional, community-driven environments. The project redefines the retail experience by merging fashion, personal creativity, and urban interaction into a seamless architectural narrative.

As retail landscapes continue to evolve, projects like MSLAN Corner offer valuable insights into the future of store design, emphasizing flexibility, sustainability, and community integration as defining principles.

All Photographs are works of Xunkai Zou