CASESTUDY STUDIO deserves a moment in the spotlight. Spotted at IDS Vancouver last month, this recently launched multidisciplinary design studio brought to life The Apartment, a conceptual recreation of a Danish apartment. Featuring brands that have shaped the Scandinavian design landscape – Menu, Bang & Olufsen, Reform, Please Wait To Be Seated, and Tekla – the space was inspired by historic Danish architecture. Specifically narrowing its focus on twentieth century Nordic architecture that is characterized by function, minimalism, and in balance with nature, The Apartment features traditional spatial elements such as archways in a soft, translucent fabric.
Having worked at different (interior) design firms for many years, both Islam and Lee arrived at a point where their own creative direction was the one they wanted to follow and focus on. Fueled by their shared passion for travel, their love for spatial design, and a discovery that retail is focusing on experiences rather than the instant act of buying and selling, the duo started CASESTUDY STUDIO.
“Our desire is to give brands an opportunity to immerse the audience in their narrative,” explains Islam. “With the right approach, retail spaces – pop up or permanent – are still one of the most powerful platforms for brand activation, especially those targeting newer generations.” Islam and Lee’s practice is centered around creating experiential installations for exhibitions and retail spaces. With particular attention given to research into the changing retail landscape and an exploration in materiality, the designers create spatial experiences to help brands bring to life new ways to shop.
Their latest project, a hybrid pop-up space for Menu in a downtown Vancouver apartment is open by appointment until January 2020.