Present & Correct Shop
Architecture for London completed both the design and construction of a new retail shop for the independent stationers Present & Correct, transforming a heritage retail unit in Bloomsbury, central London.
The project brings together contemporary retail design, finely detailed joinery, and a flexible, demountable interior that can adapt over time.
All major elements of the joinery and display units were therefore designed to be easily disassembled and relocated to future premises. The project was also minimally invasive to the existing heritage shell.
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The project brings together contemporary retail design, finely detailed joinery, and a flexible, demountable interior that can adapt over time.
Demountable Interior
The brief called for a demountable fit-out, allowing the lifespan of the interior to extend beyond the current lease.All major elements of the joinery and display units were therefore designed to be easily disassembled and relocated to future premises. The project was also minimally invasive to the existing heritage shell.
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This approach delivers a sustainable and economical solution for the small retailer, ensuring that investment in the shop interior need not be lost when the business relocates.
Material Palette
A muted palette of maple plywood and ash timber is paired with a quarry tile floor, Vitsœ shelving and new LED lighting throughout.The muted, natural tones ensure that the stationery remains the focus of the space.
Brand Expression
Present & Correct’s strong graphic identity is translated into the three-dimensional design of the shop.A grid system, inspired by the ISO 216 A-series paper chart that governs most European paper sizes, is applied to the shop cabinetry. This grid establishes a consistent rhythm across shelves, cabinets, and display units.
Situated close to the British Museum, the shop takes further design cues from its neighbour. The cabinetry is imagined as a series of miniature ‘wunderkammer’, or cabinets of curiosities, that treat each product as an object of desire.
The result is a space where brand, product and architecture are tightly integrated.
Heritage Retail Unit
The project is located within a heritage retail unit on Bury Place, Bloomsbury. Our approach was to respect the existing character of the building while inserting a contemporary, lightweight interior, allowing Present & Correct’s identity to take centre stage.Design and Build
The project was delivered by Architecture for London with AFL Build, enabling a seamless design-and-build process. This integrated approach allowed the team to maintain tight control over quality and detailing, whilst also delivering the project within a limited budget and timeframe.Project Information
Project Architect:Alastair Selven
Featured:
Shortlisted Frame Awards
Dezeen
Wallpaper*
D5Mag
Location:
Bury Place, London WC1A
Contractor:
AFL Build
Photography:
Alastair Selven
