New StoreNew Store

Frank Verkade, designer and curator explores the meaning of our constructed bodies, drawing on the biological and socio-cultural building blocks that collectively shape our human appearance. Verkade is the curator of New Order of Fashion, responsible for their sustainable fashion programme. As an exhibition consultant, he was asked to create a spatial narrative where all the different New Store elements come together.

Many of the interior elements of the New Store were designed using the Open Structures (OS) design methodology, initiated by Thomas Lommée in 2007. The Open Structures Network of the same name explores the potential of a modular construction model where everyone designs everything based on a common geometric grid, thereby designing and producing interchangeable parts, flexible objects and a built environment that can adapt and scale over time. It envisions a new standard for sustainable design that facilitates reuse and encourages a more circular use of materials, components and objects. Jeroen Wand, part of the Open Structures network and a designer and materials expert in his own right, co-designed the New Store with Thomas Lommée, helping to guide the search for a sustainable museum shop.

Falsework's Violette Schönenberger and Tim Peeters imagine meaningful futures through spatial design, starting from a careful analysis of the present. At the New Store, their Rotterdam Garment District Furniture presents the results of their ongoing research into the design and manufacture of a sustainable, modular furniture system for the fashion industry. The system encourages creative and unpredictable uses, while ensuring that each object remains a recognisable part of an ever-growing whole. The furniture shown here was created in collaboration with Bert Jan van den Bosch and Bovrie.

Cengiz Mengüç is a graphic designer and multidisciplinary artist based in Rotterdam. His current practice includes commissioned and independent work, with a strong focus on artistic research and self-publishing. He designs campaigns, visual identities, signage, publications and various digital and printed materials for a wide range of cultural and commercial clients and institutions.