The New Flagship CAMPUS Design for CHIMI in Stockholm: Where Reduction Becomes an Architectural Philosophy

Introduction: From Chaos to Clarity.. A Design Journey Built on Subtraction
In a commercial interior design landscape often saturated with additions and decorations, the new CHIMI campus in Stockholm offers a dose of architectural serenity. This project, designed by the CAMPUS studio, represents a radical shift in approach; the space is reshaped not by what is added, but by what is removed. It is a design journey that begins with stripping back to reach the essence, balancing aesthetic values with environmental responsibility within a single, coherent framework.

Design Philosophy: Reduction as a Strategic Design Tool
The process of reduction here was not merely an aesthetic choice aimed at simplicity; it was elevated to the level of a strategic design methodology. The process began with a “dissection” of the layers accumulated over time within the site, removing all non-essential elements to reveal the bare, original structure. This process was not destructive but exploratory, allowing the inherent value and structural history of the place to become the foundation upon which contemporary interventions are built. Through this design restraint, a delicate balance was achieved between the material honesty of exposed materials and the environmental commitment to reducing waste and reusing the existing structure.

parabolic structures painted in burgundy stucco outline stockholm flagship for chimi eyewear — Storefront

Pivotal Architectural Elements: Between Solidity and Movement
The interior design revolves around two main elements that shape the space’s visual and functional identity:

· The Central Parabolic Counter: This sculptural element dominates the heart of the space, not as an incidental object but as a primary organizational axis. This comprehensive counter combines the functions of display and service into one cohesive mass, simplifying customer flow and unifying their experience.
· The Staircase and Burgundy Walls: The curved staircase, clad in side walls of burgundy plaster, acts as a strong structural and visual anchor. This element forms an unignorable visual focal point while connecting the different levels of the store. The burgundy color, warm and earthy, adds depth and warmth to the space, creating a visual dialogue with the raw texture of the original structure and the warm metallic finishes of the staircase.

Evolving a Design Language: From New York to Stockholm
The parabolic geometry, first introduced in CHIMI’s flagship New York store, appears here in Stockholm in a more mature and integrated form. It has evolved from a mere aesthetic shape into a key spatial idea that defines the user experience. In this project, the parabolic curve becomes both the display and the server, reflecting an evolution in the brand’s language from formal to functionally grounded.

Lighting as an Active Structural Component
In this project, lighting is no less important than any traditional structural element. It aims not only to illuminate the space but to define and organize it:

· The Circular Light Fixture: With its four-meter diameter, this unit acts as a central light source defining the “living area” within the store.
· The Strip Ceiling Lights: The five-meter-long lighting strip redefines the ceiling plane, creating an illuminated upper layer.
This lighting system’s role extends beyond providing visibility; it also contributes to acoustics, as the lit surfaces help to break up echo and soften the sound atmosphere. The presence of the light forms a layer that contrasts with the concrete floor slab, thereby enhancing the spatial hierarchy without dominating it.

Conclusion: Redefining the Architecture of Retail
The CHIMI store in Stockholm offers an important lesson in the power of architectural restraint. It proves that a deliberate process of reduction and targeted refinement can produce a space of unprecedented clarity and visual and physical coherence. Through this careful balance between reducing material waste and precision in formal execution, the CAMPUS architecture studio redefines retail architecture, framing it not merely as spaces for consumption, but as practices of awareness, environmental consideration, and sensory perception.

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✦ Archup Editorial Insight

The article highlights the “CAMPUS” project for “CHIMI” in Stockholm, which adopts a philosophy of reduction and architectural clarity in designing an eyewear store. From an analytical perspective, it is observed that the focus on removing layers and revealing the original structure may result in an austere aesthetic that might not align with the traditional commercial expectations of stores seeking to capture customer attention. Furthermore, the heavy reliance on fixed, sculptural elements, such as the parabolic counter and staircase, limits the space’s flexibility and its ability to be reconfigured for future display requirements or changing circulation patterns. Despite this, the project is distinguished by the coherence of its design vision, where all elements—structural and luminous—interact within a single, unified system that supports the primary function of the place.