New adidas Flagship Store in Lagos by Oshinowo Studio

WORDS Michaela Stehr PHOTOS Tolu Sanusi

Renowned Lagos-based architecture firm Oshinowo Studio, formerly known as cmDesign Atelier, has brought to life adidas‘s inaugural West African flagship store, nestled in the vibrant heart of Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis.

Situated in the highly sought-after Victoria Island neighbourhood, Oshinowo Studio clinched this remarkable project through a design competition organised by ONL Estates. Their mandate was to seamlessly blend the rich tapestry of Nigerian art, culture, and aesthetics with the globally recognised style and personality of adidas.

Drawing inspiration from the dynamic spirit of Lagos, Nigeria’s urban culture epicentre and a global hub of creativity, Oshinowo Studio undertook the transformation of a two-story, 380-square-meter space within a 1970s building. Their vision was to combine sleek architectural lines with a facade that exudes a layered texture, mirroring the city’s ethos of upcycling, reusing, and regenerating.

The facade itself is a remarkable feat, constructed using a fusion of solid and perforated corrugated aluminium sheets, materials traditionally employed in Lagos’ mass housing projects. The facade further dazzles with LED linear lighting that graces its ridged surface, creating an intriguing optical illusion. As a result, the transparency of the facade fluctuates with the viewer’s distance, allowing for a visible shop window and ensuring an abundance of natural sunlight while preventing overheating inside.

Beyond the facade, Oshinowo Studio’s approach encompassed a steel frame and glass extension, a sustainable solar power system, a sewage treatment plant with the capability to recycle wastewater for irrigation, and a state-of-the-art air conditioning system. Notably, the project preserves existing 25-year-old Roystonea regia trees and introduces new amenities like a basketball half-court and an entertainment stage, offering versatile spaces for customer events and activations.

This project isn’t just about the architecture; it also serves as an exciting collaboration opportunity. adidas, responsible for both the interior design and fit-out of the store, partnered with contemporary Nigerian artists such as Chinelo Ezewudo, Osa Okunkpolor, Dennis Osadebe, and Ayoola Gbolahan to infuse the space with a unique artistic vibrancy.

Tosin Oshinowo, the founder of Oshinowo Studio, expressed their passion for creating a design that harmoniously merges their love for Lagos and Nigerian contemporary culture with a global perspective. Their design embodies the city’s indomitable spirit, adaptability, and can-do attitude, creating a space where sports and culture converge.

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