Boutiques and Other Retail Spaces

This illustrated volume provides a critical theory of retail design, linking concepts to practice. Boutiques and Other Retail Spaces is essential for understanding retail architecture.

This first illustrated volume of critical theory explores the intersection of retail design and its practical application, backed by real-life case studies from renowned architectural firms and a rich historical context. Boutiques and Other Retail Spaces delves into the theoretical dimensions of retail design, making a significant contribution to the literature on architectural and interior theory.

Over the past three decades, retail structures have undergone significant transformations, leading to the rise of expansive out-of-town shopping centers and specialized boutiques in urban areas. These boutiques are characterized by their innovative designs, often crafted by prominent architectural firms such as OMA/Rem Koolhaas, David Chipperfield, and Herzog + de Meuron. Boutiques and Other Retail Spaces presents a thorough examination of this evolution in retail architecture.

With a combination of insightful case studies and over 100 black-and-white images, authors Vernet and de Wit offer a well-grounded theoretical framework that complements this thriving sector. The book not only highlights the aesthetic and functional aspects of retail design but also emphasizes its cultural significance, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the future of retail environments.