Outside in: Civic store design engages with the environment

Outside in: Civic store design engages with the environment

Outside in: Civic store design engages with the environment

#120 / 0

UK high street favourite John Lewis is taking the innovative step of creating a department store as visually powerful outside as it is within. With brands’ civic presence becoming increasingly important and consumers raising their visual merchandising standards ever higher, it is important that anchor stores are more than just a big brick box.

Unlike most city shopping complexes, the new John Lewis store in Leicester aims to engage with its surroundings. A ‘skin’ of natural fabric covers the building, allowing people in the shop to see to the outside rather than feeling insulated inside the store. Designed by architects FOA, the building’s skin will be adorned with an original John Lewis print from 1803, bringing both heritage and local relevancy to the site.

Photographed by Helene Binet and Satoru Mishima.

John Lewis store by FOA photographed by Helen Binet John Lewis store by FOA photographed by Helen Binet
John Lewis store by FOA photographed by Satoru Mishima John Lewis store by FOA photographed by Satoru Mishima
John Lewis store by FOA John Lewis store by FOA
John Lewis store by FOA John Lewis store by FOA
John Lewis store by FOA photographed by Helen Binet John Lewis store by FOA photographed by Helen Binet
John Lewis store by FOA John Lewis store by FOA
Discover More News
AirCar readies for launch, ushering in an era of casual air mobility

News

AirCar readies for launch, ushering in an era of casual air mobility

Slovakia’s Klein Vision has announced that its AirCar – a road-legal vehicle that converts into a certified aircraft in under two minutes – will be...
Mobility : Air Travel : Transport
Foresight Friday: Seyi Oduwole, foresight analyst

News

Foresight Friday: Seyi Oduwole, foresight analyst

Every Friday, The Future Laboratory team offers an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, ...
Foresight Friday : Gen Z : Gen Beta
British Gen Alphas are listening to CDs and vinyl

News

British Gen Alphas are listening to CDs and vinyl

Nearly half of Generation Alpha are turning to physical music formats, according to new research from Key Production.
Gen Alpha : Music : Media
Social media star Kai Cenat launches Streamer University

News

Social media star Kai Cenat launches Streamer University

Twitch sensation Kai Cenat has launched Streamer University, a weekend-long experience for aspiring creators to collaborate, learn and produce cont...
Media : Entertainment : Education
De Beers to close its lab-grown diamond jewellery brand

News

De Beers to close its lab-grown diamond jewellery brand

De Beers Group has announced the closure of Lightbox, its lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, signalling a strategic retreat from the synthetic jewe...
Luxury : Sustainability : Jewellery
Financial mansplaining endures for a majority of British women

News

Financial mansplaining endures for a majority of British women

Gender bias in money matters is pushing British women out of financial conversations, according to new research commissioned by digital wealth mana...
Finance : Diversity : Inclusion
Avanade Intelligent Garden gives trees a voice at Chelsea Flower Show

News

Avanade Intelligent Garden gives trees a voice at Chelsea Flower Show

This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show invites visitors to interact with AI-enabled trees in the Avanade Intelligent Garden.
Technology : Nature : Sustainability
ITV launches deaf-led drama with BSL and silent ad break

News

ITV launches deaf-led drama with BSL and silent ad break

ITV is pushing the boundaries of inclusive storytelling with the launch of its new prime time drama Code of Silence, starring BAFTA-winning actor a...
Media : Diversity : Inclusion
Stat: Boomerang generation return home due to cost of living crisis

News

Stat: Boomerang generation return home due to cost of living crisis

The rising cost of living and unaffordable housing are fuelling a surge in adult children returning to the family home.
Family : Home : Youth
Manchester City brings grassroots spirit to kit launch

News

Manchester City brings grassroots spirit to kit launch

Manchester City Football Club has marked the launch of its 2025/2026 home kit with a short film that playfully blends football fandom, nostalgia an...
Sports : Design : Creative
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN