VEJA store opening in Berlin
What: Ethical sneaker brand VEJA continues its global expansion with a new and understated store in Berlin.
Why it is important: VEJA's newest store in its global expansion combines minimalistic design elements and renewable energy to bring its full range of merchandise to Berlin.
Located in the buzzing Mitte district with soft grey exposed concrete walls and ceilings, the store is relatively understated. The 100-square meter space was designed by Berlin-based architecture practice Gonzalez Haase to create a minimalistic style that matches the brand's environmental values. Tiered displays crafted from a mixture of concrete and soil by German artisan Frank Lennart, and elongated timber benches bring full focus to the shoes in the clean, uncluttered and light-filled space. In a separate section, encapsulated by slabs of mirror and mesh metal panelling, sits the sales counter, and right behind it, a workshop and storage space. LED linear lights optically widen the space as they run along the ceiling from the front to the back of the store.
The store's electricity is supplied by Bürgerewerke, a local energy company which only uses renewable energy sources such as sunlight, wind and water.