New Store Dialogues 3: Value Webs
In the research and development phase of the New Store (2022-2025), the Nieuwe Instituut and IABR are organising a joint series of sessions with designers and industry experts. The third of these New Store Dialogues, which took place on 22 February 2024, was framed through the idea of the value web. The evening was moderated by the Nieuwe Instituut's Ellen Zoete and Klaas Kuitenbrouwer, who presented the recent New Store glossary. Through this set of terminology, guest speakers together with designers, researchers, artists, academics and entrepreneurs, came together to unpack what we might consider regenerative retail to be. With contributions by Yophi Ignacia, Krista Jantowkski and Daniel Aguilar Ruvalcaba (Lumbung Kios), Yolande Sep, and Jennifer Telesca.
29 February 2024
Each guest speaker offered valuable insights into their respective practices, and the rich discussion that took place led to some key take-aways for the future development of the New Store project. Yolande Sep reminded us of the practical realities of designing within (museum) shop assignments , sharing critical reflections on various product developments and the challenges she faced in aiming for an entirely regenerative production process. Yophi Ignacia and her project Love Letter Wall revealed people’s intimate relationships with their most treasured pieces of clothing. This highlighted the importance of genuine social engagement when it comes to visitor research.
Krista Jantowski & Daniel Aguilar Ruvalcaba of Lumbung Kios continued with these ideas of social exchange, foregrounding humor, curiosity, transparency and sharing as core values to their collective. Their work surrounding ideas of the ‘common pot’ and acts of ‘slow trade’ inspired a ‘learn through doing’ approach, which can be carried into further New Store tests. And finally, Jennifer Telesca offered contextual framings within which to position the New Store project. Her contribution served as a moment of reflection, provoking us to think deeper on the terminology being used. Her unpacking of two themes: Political Economy and Environmental Justice suggested the New Store is just as much about the design of systems as it is products.
“ An element that emerged in the discussion was the complexity between ecological and social priorities (even though for a truly regenerative product service or store, both should receive equal attention) ”
An element that emerged in the discussion was the complexity between ecological and social priorities (even though for a truly regenerative product service or store, both should receive equal attention) - and each guest approached this relationship differently. Key questions from the audience included: how do we involve the workers of the store in its design? How can we reframe the psychology of retail desire? And: how can we imagine a store that works with regenerative systems; exchanging experiences, care, attention, knowledge, or skills, rather than objects for money? Importantly, the evening provided an opportunity for the New Store Glossary to be collectively edited, an ongoing process set to continue throughout the New Store project.
About New Store
Imagine a shop where being a consumer helps, rather than harms, the environment. Nieuwe Instituut presents New Store to rethink the concept of the ‘product’ and explore alternative forms of exchange. Within this multi-year project, Nieuwe Instituut is collaborating with the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) and research consultancy The Seeking State. Together, we will explore how retail can make a positive contribution to environmental and social processes in the long term.
