Outside in: Civic store design engages with the environment

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.