Melbourne-based architecture firm Studio Edwards has partnered with local fashion brand LOWF to create Shift Space, an innovative relocatable modular retail system that represents a new approach to commercial architecture. The groundbreaking design emphasizes mobility, sustainability, and adaptability in response to the rapidly changing nature of modern retail environments.
The Shift Space system was specifically designed for disassembly and reuse, allowing it to be configured for various settings ranging from compact laneway shops to expansive gallery-scale interiors. The modular components include clothing rails, display fixtures, and seating elements, each engineered for longevity and maximum flexibility. This design philosophy enables the system to be reassembled across multiple iterations while generating minimal waste, addressing growing concerns about sustainability in retail construction.
The system utilizes a sophisticated combination of materials including salvaged Oregon timber, industrial-grade wool felt, and galvanized steel stud frames. All components are connected using reversible fixings that allow the entire assembly to be packed flat, transported efficiently, and reconfigured without requiring permanent joints. This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional construction methods that typically result in waste when retail spaces are modified or relocated.
At the heart of the system is a unique strap-tensioning mechanism that balances compression and restraint. This mechanism compresses timber inserts within the steel framework while supporting tubular metal rails. As an alternative configuration, rolled felt panels can be wrapped around the rails and secured in place using the same strapping system, providing retailers with multiple aesthetic and functional options.
"We were interested in how retail could become lighter, more adaptive and less wasteful," explained Ben Edwards, founder of Studio Edwards. "The idea was to build something that can move, evolve and be re-used – a framework for continual transformation. A prototype for mobile architecture." Edwards views the project as addressing fundamental changes in how retail spaces are conceived and utilized in contemporary commerce.
Edwards believes the prototype represents a broader transformation in retail architecture, which he describes as traditionally focused on "concealing structure and covering the mechanics to achieve smoothness." Instead, his approach embraces impermanence and raw construction as both an aesthetic choice and a sustainable solution. This philosophy responds directly to the evolving nature of retail business models and consumer expectations.
"Retail has become increasingly transient," Edwards explained. "Spaces now operate more like stages, open for months rather than years, yet their construction methods haven't evolved. It speaks to a broader shift towards lighter, reusable systems in architecture." This observation reflects the growing trend of pop-up stores, temporary retail experiences, and flexible commercial spaces that can adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
Studio Edwards joins a growing number of architectural practices that are rethinking traditional retail typologies while embracing circular design principles and temporary use concepts. This movement represents a significant shift away from permanent, resource-intensive retail construction toward more sustainable and adaptable solutions. Earlier this month, renowned firm Snøhetta revealed 113 Spring, an experiential retail space in New York that was conceived as both a community hub and a model for sustainable design practices.
The flexibility and impermanence of the Shift Space system directly reflects the changing nature of contemporary retail while challenging architects and designers to reconsider lighter, reusable systems in commercial architecture. This approach acknowledges that modern retail success often depends on the ability to quickly adapt to new trends, locations, and consumer preferences without the significant costs and environmental impact associated with traditional construction methods.
Studio Edwards has previously demonstrated its commitment to sustainable and flexible design through other notable projects, including a Melbourne workspace specifically designed for disassembly. That project utilized recycled and off-the-shelf materials that can be reused in future configurations, establishing a consistent philosophy of circular design principles across the firm's portfolio. The photography for the Shift Space project was captured by Jack Carlin, documenting the system's versatility and aesthetic appeal across various configurations.
