Anagram Architects has unveiled a striking 1,200-square-foot flagship store for ARKS, a lifestyle brand based in Bandra West, Mumbai, that successfully translates the brand's identity into a compelling physical retail space. Conceived by Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, the store features a carefully restrained layout that is dramatically punctuated by bold red sculptural elements, including a sweeping display rod and a central bench that serves as both seating and a powerful focal point.
Targeting Mumbai's young, urban demographic, the store's design organizes customer circulation through an innovative linear podium system, strategically concealed back-of-house zones, and a distinctive stage-like alcove that houses fitting rooms and a photo booth. The spatial design reflects Anagram Architects' signature approach of guiding movement through subtle transitions rather than relying on overt partitions to define different areas within the retail environment.
Set back from the bustling Mumbai street, customers access the store through a metal gate and forecourt before ascending a short flight of steps to reach the main entrance. This deliberate threshold creates a sense of arrival and separation from the urban chaos outside. Inside, the podium seamlessly integrates the billing desk with product display areas, while the suspended red rod above anchors the visual rhythm of the entire interior space.
The store's layout is carefully choreographed with defined zones on either side of the central circulation path. On one side, a sophisticated veneer-paneled wall conceals essential service areas and storage, maintaining the clean aesthetic of the retail floor. On the opposite side, the alcove designated for changing rooms is elegantly framed by flowing drapery, an eye-catching chandelier, and plush carpeting, creating a contained and intimate zone within the otherwise open floor plan.
The design masterfully adopts ARKS' signature brand colors of red, black, and white throughout the space. The exterior facade pairs a crisp white bulkhead with sleek black-tiled cladding and a striking red metal portal finished in ACP (Aluminum Composite Panel). This bold color blocking immediately establishes the brand's visual identity from the street level and draws potential customers into the space.
Inside the store, neutral walls and flooring provide a sophisticated backdrop that is strategically punctuated by vibrant red accents on display elements, seating, and branding components. Black hardware and tiles provide visual contrast and grounding elements throughout the space. The sculptural red bench serves as perhaps the most dramatic design element, functioning as both a seating area for customers and a bold visual anchor that reinforces the brand's identity.
To address the challenge of the space's relatively low 7-foot ceiling height, the architects employed clever design solutions to enhance spatial perception. A Barrisol stretch ceiling system conceals lighting fixtures to reduce visual clutter and create clean sightlines throughout the store. Mirrored beam fascias are strategically positioned to reflect the Barrisol ceiling, effectively extending the perception of space and creating the illusion of greater height.
The sweeping red display rod, complete with hangers stamped with ARKS' abstract red logo mark, creates a continuous visual element that ties together the merchandise presentation while reinforcing brand recognition. The billing desk extends seamlessly into the continuous podium system, creating an integrated approach to both customer service and product display that maximizes the efficiency of the compact retail footprint.
Even the store's restroom continues the cohesive design narrative, featuring the same red, black, and white color palette that echoes ARKS' brand identity throughout every aspect of the customer experience. This attention to detail ensures that the brand's visual language is consistently applied across all touchpoints within the space.
The combination of these carefully considered design elements creates a structured yet dynamic retail environment that successfully reflects the brand's youthful energy and urban sophistication through thoughtful material selection and bold formal gestures. The project demonstrates how architectural design can effectively translate brand identity into physical space, creating an immersive retail experience that resonates with the target demographic while maximizing the impact of a relatively modest square footage.
