Ilma means “weather, air” in the Finnish language. All spaces clearly have harmonious air, and our client wanted to have that kind of air’s positive energy lingering in the space.
The client, who has been working in the clothing business for the past 20 years, was operating a total of 8 clothing editor stores, and the design and concept of each store is different according to the characteristics of each site. Cheongdam Ilma Store was opened in the process of developing the branding called ‘the ilma’ in full swing, so the identity of the space had to be expressed with great care.
The brand and space identity of the existing ‘The Ilma’ was based on modernism and the designer wanted to focus on the deeper origin of modernism. By interpreting a constructivist El Lissitzky’s artwork which served as a foundation for modernism, the designer introduced geometric figures of the artwork into the space by using the elements of overlapping, arrangement and textural contrast with an expectation to express the identity of the space clearly.
There are three important elements in the design of ‘The Ilma.’. The first design element is formative and textural contrast. Such contrast is vividly revealed through the contrast of forms and materials, starting from the entrance. It attempts to reveal the Ilma Show Room, which is existing in the center of Cheongdam-dong’s black buildings, by using a distinctive property. The form of the façade is expressed in an abstract, and dynamic style by arranging round shapes and straight lines to eliminate boredom. The finishing materials also add volume to the space in various ways as the round columns of white oak wood look overlapping between clear glass and rough stone powder-treated special paint, delivering a heavy mass feeling.
