Al-Jawad Pike Redesigns Aesop Harrods Counter with Terracotta Architecture
A terracotta-clad installation blends ancient Persian architectural motifs with Harrods' iconic red brick aesthetic.
1Architectural Retail Concept
London studio Al-Jawad Pike has completed a significant interior refresh for the Aesop counter located within Harrods. Moving beyond standard retail fixtures, the design team treated the installation as a miniature building. This approach incorporates distinct floor levels and structural apertures, balancing architectural ambition with the precision required for high-end cabinet furniture.
2Persian Architectural Influence
The design concept draws inspiration from the architecture of ancient Persia, a civilization historically significant for developing liquid perfumery. By integrating carved alcoves into the counter structure, the architects aimed to create a spatial narrative that honors this heritage. These openings provide a tactile, historical depth that differentiates the space from typical beauty counters.
3Materiality and Scent Retention
The central counter is clad in Italian glazed terracotta tiles, specifically selected for their unique material properties. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these tiles were chosen for their ability to hold scents effectively. This functional choice reinforces the connection between the physical structure and the traditional fragrance production methods central to the Aesop brand identity.
4Harrods Facade Integration
The choice of terracotta also serves as a deliberate nod to the iconic red brick facade of the Harrods department store. By aligning the material palette with the building's exterior, the designers created a cohesive visual link between the store's interior installation and the historic London landmark that houses the retail space.
5Olfactory Sculpture Mechanism
A key feature of the refresh is the olfactory sculpture, a delicate structure composed of copper piping and blown glass vessels. This system pushes fragrance-infused air through copper cones, allowing customers to interact directly with scents. This installation represents an ongoing development in Aesop's retail strategy across various global project locations.
6Tactile Material Contrast
The store's overall color palette was developed in close collaboration with the Aesop team to ensure intensity and richness. Brushed copper was introduced as a matte, tactile contrast to the monolithic terracotta counter. This material pairing specifically references the distillation processes and tools traditionally used in the creation of fine fragrances.
7Long-term Collaborative Partnership
Al-Jawad Pike maintains a long-term professional relationship with Aesop, having collaborated on multiple retail projects. This specific refresh replaces a counter that had been in operation for over a decade. The studio’s deep understanding of the brand's requirements allowed for a design that pushes boundaries beyond traditional beauty retail display standards.
8Strategic Design Evolution
This project highlights Aesop's commitment to site-specific design, following their recent launch of a lighting collection at Milan Design Week. By prioritizing architectural storytelling over standard branding, the company continues to differentiate its physical retail presence. This strategy ensures that each store location offers a unique, immersive experience for the consumer.