Cinimod Studio
Unit 108 Canalot Studios, 222 Kensal Rise London, W10 5BN, England
Over recent years we’ve all become increasingly more aware of the role lighting has to play in retail, not just in the beautiful ways in which designers and retailers can light their stores and products, but in the use of light itself to create impact through sculptural centrepieces, installations and experiences.
Cinimod Studio is one of the innovators who combine their technological and design skills with their passion to create a variety of sensorial and interactive concepts to delight and surprise. Established in 2007, the London based consultancy was started by Dominic Harris, qualifying as an architect he had a long held interest in interactive design.
For the launch of Ralph Lauren’s Polo Sport collection at their NY flagship, Cinimod Studio created a holographic display to demonstrate the capabilities of the biometric sensors of the PoloTech shirt. The hologram creates a sense of depth in the shallow window bays and stats tracked by the shirts are displayed alongside skipping athletes and sparring boxers. Flawlessly delivered, the display is as effective during the day as it is at night.
Another project for Ralph Lauren, demonstrates another facet of their interactive work. A bespoke table with a embedded leather interface allows customers to play around with leather samples and finishes to create a customised bag. With each new selection they are able to see a digital realtime view of the bag with their personalised choices – a lovely example of getting technology right.
In their surreal concept for Snog, frozen yoghurt bar in London, a multi-coloured canopy of animated lights pulses as if swaying over the grassy lawn below, where a white fallen tree branch provides the main seating – all very Alice in Wonderland!
Other projects may not be strictly retail, but get you thinking about how you could apply their approach to your own retail project to create a very different experience for your customers. Working with Foster and Partners on McLaren’s Thought Leadership Centre, Cinimod Studio integrated lighting, video and audio to create an immersive and sensory environment that could be curated to enhance visitors experience at any event taking place in the space.
Their ‘Walk the Light’ installation in the Exhibition Road entrance to the V&A, tracks visitors as they walk down the tunnel, changing in hue and reacting to the ebb and flow of visitors throughout the day.
One can’t even imagine what their next project might be, though it will definitely push the boundaries.