Dezeen Magazine

Rchmnd store by Omar Gandhi

Omar Gandhi Architect creates minimal fashion store for Rchmnd in Halifax

Canadian studio Omar Gandhi Architect has chosen an all-white palette for the interior of a clothing boutique in its home city of Halifax.

Rchmnd (pronounced Richmond) is a multi-brand fashion retail company based in Halifax, Canada. Its store occupies a narrow ground floor space in the city's historic Granville block – recently revitalised as a cultural hub.

Rchmnd store by Omar Gandhi

The design concept sought to pay homage to the neighbourhood's architectural styles, while conveying the brand's pared-back aesthetic.

"During the design process of the physical space, great emphasis was placed on respecting and celebrating the historic building's character," said Omar Gandhi Architect.

Rchmnd store by Omar Gandhi

"[We made] exaggerated, oversized mouldings, a feature temple-like door way – while introducing new elements of modern design."

From the outside, glazing frames products displayed on white millwork – giving visitors the impression of a minimal, monochromatic space.

Rchmnd store by Omar Gandhi

Along both walls, recessed cavities provide room to hang clothing or place shelves.

The spaces are separated by shallow partitions, resembling columns in high-relief against the walls.

Rchmnd store by Omar Gandhi

Along their upper register, the flow into elaborate, double-tiered original mouldings along the ceiling.

The cornices stop short of an archway, also original to the space. Its form is echoed above twice – first engraved, and then again as a hollow in the upper wall.

Rchmnd store by Omar Gandhi

Along the store's midline, display benches and the open archway follow the same axis as the glazed entrance. A mirror on the rear wall gives the impression of an extended space past the archway, even when viewed from outside.

Minimalism is a popular choice for fashion boutiques. Others that also make use of a monochromatic palette include John Pawson's design for British fashion designer Christopher Kane's first physical retail space, Beige's Tokyo concept store by Nendo, and a clothing shop in Porto designed by local studio Fala Atelier.

Rchmnd store by Omar Gandhi

Omar Gandhi Architects has recently completed several buildings in Nova Scotia that feature similarly pared-back designs, including a slender cabin that stands on a bluff and a holiday home perched on a rocky cliff.

Photography is by Format Films.