Solid Design Studio Create a Fluid and Dynamic Retail Space

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a warm and tactile retail design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Solid Design Studio.

Solid Design Studio was assigned to redesign the Curtain Library retail space with a focus on creating an immersive, interactive customer experience. The project transforms a previously linear layout into a fluid, multifunctional environment using curved elements and flexible zoning. A custom curved curtain track serves as both a functional and visual centerpiece, dividing the space while maintaining openness. Key features include interactive material displays, seasonal showcases, and dedicated zones for informal and formal consultations. The design reflects the brand’s identity while enhancing customer engagement, offering a warm, tactile, and visually compelling retail destination.

What was the client’s brief?

The main brief in redesigning the Curtain Library retail space was to reimagine its layout, transitioning from a straightforward linear walkway to a more fluid and dynamic design. Our central concept was to create an environment that encourages interaction and exploration, where curved elements symbolize movement and flexibility, inviting customers to engage with the space in a more dynamic way. At the heart of the design, the curved curtain display track serves as a centrepiece, subtly dividing the floor into distinct zones while maintaining an open and airy atmosphere. This approach not only improves circulation and enhances the overall customer journey but also emphasizes adaptability, allowing the space to function seamlessly for casual conversations, immersive browsing, or even private events to reflecting our commitment to both customer satisfaction and innovative design.

What inspired the design of the project?

The Curtain Library redefines retail through a fluid layout inspired by movement and exploration. Curves form the foundation of the design, introducing flexibility and a sense of flow that guides customers through the space. The central curtain track anchors the concept, balancing visual impact with adaptability for both display and private consultation. Drawing from the tactile qualities of fabric, layered textures and curated seasonal showcases enrich the experience, while distinct zones foster meaningful interaction. The result is a retail environment that seamlessly blends form and function, elevating both brand identity and customer engagement.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle was aligning communication between all parties, from translating drawings into real customer experiences, to ensuring the final design was both eye-catching and true to the concept. On top of that, working within a renowned mall in Bangsar meant adhering to strict timelines and overnight work. Completing the entire scope within just one month was a challenge, but it pushed our team to be precise, adaptive, and highly collaborative throughout the process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The real highlight for our team was the collaboration behind the project. Despite the tight one-month timeline and overnight work, every member from designers to contractors all came together with a shared vision. Seeing that teamwork translates into a space where customers could truly engage and connect was incredibly rewarding. It reminded us that great design isn’t just about the outcome, but the people who bring it to life.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards is one of the most reputable competitions in the industry, and entering felt like the right platform to showcase our work on an international stage. For us, it’s not just about gaining recognition, but also celebrating our team’s creativity and dedication. Being part of the awards is already a form of validation, and it allows us to share our design journey and honour the effort that went into bringing this project to life.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist has been both an honour and a source of motivation for our team. It’s a proud moment that validates the creativity and dedication we poured into the project, while also giving our studio recognition on a larger stage. For us, it’s not only about business growth, but also about the encouragement to keep challenging ourselves and creating designs that truly make a difference.

Questions answered by Wilson Tan, Managing Director of Solid Design Studio.