The choice to make the new Riachuelo’s flagship store in a spot where once was the Chaika – traditional ice cream parlor and candy store in Rio – greatly influenced concept’s creation. We had the concern to maintain the emotional connection from neighborhood’s residents with the space through decorative objects and Ipanema’s icons, as the sidewalk design. Plus we had the challenge to make a sustainable construction with certification, something rare in brazilian retail design.

Beyond the concept founded on the historical connection, another architectural premise was to integrate the building with the city, which led to bring nature into the store, now in vertical gardens on the walls now in ornamental palms. With 1,378 m², the store is in LEED certification process (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and will reuse storm water system, green roof implementation and LED lighting.

Concept by FAL Design Estratégico
Photography by Bruno Ryfer and Dhani Borges