mirrored, metallic surfaces create immersive portal at 22RE's store in los angeles

22re rethinks the retail experience for departamento

22RE has designed the storefront and interiors of Departamento’s new location in Signal, Downtown Los Angeles. Customers access the shop through a concealed entrance, finding themselves in an immersive portal clad in mirrored walls. Inside, the architects lean into the original architecture’s industrial elements through a deconstructivist lens. The space follows an unconventional, non-linear grid floor plan — reminiscent of a library or supermarket — that is then disrupted and divided into distinct zones.

Exclusive to this Departamento location, 22RE partnered with Taiga Takahashi for a distinct shop-in-shop. The space, entered via a slatted, sliding door, invites guests to experience the collection in a ryokan-inspired setting, evoking the traditional Japanese inn. Here, Sugi wood repurposed from 300-year old Japanese ryokans features beside shelving with tatami-mat bases. Further lending to the atmosphere is a pebble stone-inspired flooring and a glowing ceiling that balances the traditional elements with a futuristic overtone.

all images by Erik Stackpole Undehn

deconstructivist and modernist design shapes the space

As visitors explore each corner of the Departamento store, they are treated to glimpses of various vignettes and collections via strategically placed mirrors, adding an element of voyeuristic intrigue to their journey. These design features evoke a feeling of expansion and contraction, while ultimately encouraging moments of discovery. Instead of providing expanses of products for shoppers, Los Angeles-based studio 22RE has created moments of blank space to allow the eye a moment of rest. Collections are hung and displayed via monolithic and sculpturesque forms that divide up the space, creating a fluid but juxtaposing dichotomy between the heavier wood forms and the lighter metallic elements.

The spatial experience is further contrasted by secluded zones designated as dressing rooms, providing clients a respite. Drawing on the styling sensibilities of 20th-century European Modernists, the team painted I-beams silver as an homage to Rudolph Schindler and Richard Neutra. Enhancing the industrial nature and serving as a constant throughout the amorphous store is a white aluminum ceiling grid that operates above as a glowing plane. Contrasting the elements underfoot is a custom, deep burgundy carpet as well as spotted cowhide seating throughout the shop, providing an earthy feel against the stainless steel.

Departamento opens new location in Signal, downtown Los Angeles

Throughout the Departamento store, 22RE founder Dean Levin contrasts forms and materiality, a signature to his studio. Custom works outfit the space, including a sea foam green fiberglass resin and a foam jewelry case made in the same materials as surfboards, as well as a chiseled aluminum side table. Olivier Mourgue and Castiglioni Splugen Brau Pendants and a Max Ingrand floor lamp help to illuminate the space, while Tito Agnoli Slipper Chairs complement the custom-made elements with comfort, along with a TG-15 Sling Lounge Chair by William Katavolos, Ross Littell, and Douglas Kelly and a Dr. Sonderbar Chair by Philippe Starck.

customers access the shop through a concealed entrance, into an immersive portal clad in mirrored walls

the architects lean into the original architecture’s industrial elements through a deconstructivist lens

the design features evoke a feeling of expansion and contraction, while encouraging moments of discovery

contrasting the elements underfoot is a custom, deep burgundy carpet

pebble stone-inspired flooring and a glowing ceiling that balances the traditional elements with a futuristic overtone

exclusive to this Departamento location, 22RE partnered with Taiga Takahashi for a distinct shop-in-shop

guests experience the collection in a ryokan-inspired setting, evoking the traditional Japanese inn

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project info:

name: Departamento
designer: 22RE | @22re_22re

location: Los Angeles

photographer: Erik Stackpole Undehn | @erik_stackpole_undehn

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom