A Chocolate Utopia
BAN&CHOC is a premium cocoa research and innovation institution, dedicated to exploring differentiated possibilities in chocolate products. As the brand’s first offline store, the design adopts a retro-futuristic approach to create an innovative and forward-looking retail space.
Inspired by chocolate bar elements, the design flexibly applies modular structures to the storefront, ceiling, and walls. The folding blocks create a visually striking composition, giving the space a strong sense of structure. The outward-extending chocolate bar motifs form an inviting and open facade, attracting mall visitors.
The combination of chocolate brown tones and stainless steel symbolizes the collision and fusion of retro and futuristic aesthetics, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and avant-garde. The ceiling features illuminated chocolate blocks that provide foundational lighting for the store. Recessed between the blocks are spotlighting, sprinklers, and other essential equipment, ensuring the overall integrity of the design. An LED screen embedded at the corner of the facade resembles a time capsule, drawing attention with its sculptural presence and attracting significant foot traffic from within the mall.
The circular central island, integrated with the brand’s zebra motif, reinforces customer memory and strengthens brand identity. Metal trim in matching tones is used where the floor meets the island’s bakery display cabinets, visually amplifying the counter space. A dining area is situated to the right of the island, with furniture design continuing the chocolate theme. Flowing chocolate-inspired dining tables and a curtain wall installation that mimics the movement of melted chocolate together create a rich, immersive cocoa ambiance throughout the store.