When you step into Aēsop, you don't just smell the fragrance; it's like entering a tranquil world where light, wood grain, and time are suspended. For Aēsop, wood plays an authentic, unadorned role, emanating natural beauty without embellishment. It connects Aēsop with the local cultures of various regions, not only adding depth and texture to products and spaces but also articulating Aēsop's philosophy: "reducing environmental impact, fulfilling social but also articulating Aēsop's philosophy: "reducing environmental impact, fulfilling social commitments, and coexisting with the environment with the principle of giving back more than taking."commitments, and coexisting with the environment with the principle of giving back more than taking."
 

Wood Circulation: Sustainable and Humanistic Design Integration
To designers, wood is an undeniable core element, it echoings Thailand’s natural essence and traditional craftsmanship. At Aēsop's Thonglor store in Bangkok, they repurposed old wood from the original site, combining it with mortise and tenon joinery to re-embody the traditional handicraft skills. From material selection to processing, recycled wood was reused, imbuing the space with a natural ambiance and cleverly integrating local architectural spirit. The wood structures in these store spaces showcase the practice of environmental sustainability and tell the story and value of local culture to visitors, deepening consumers' connection to the brand and bringing them closer to nature.
 

Environmental Care: The Rebuild of Pallets
From a sustainable development perspective, Aēsop recognized that large quantities of pallets are consumed during international goods transportation and thus aimed to repurpose discarded pallets. In 2022, Aēsop collaborated with Smooth Worksite Interior Design to transform discarded wood pallets into simple, aesthetically pleasing, and practical chairs and three-tier storage cabinets, which were then donated to those in need.



In 2023, Aēsop partnered with MATA Product Design to extend this design philosophy to animal welfare, planning devices suited for elderly and mobility-impaired rescue animals. These included: "Old Dog Park," a gazebo providing outdoor resting space for old dogs; a "Nursing Bed" for paralyzed dogs; and "Outdoor Bunkers," shelters designed with local resources to protect dogs from the elements. These were donated to the non-profit organizations "TCASA Taiwan Companion Animal Support Association" and "Bark Gang Stray Dog Home," providing refuge for rescue dogs. Aēsop's efforts in repurposing wood pallets are infused with warmth, going beyond mere material sustainability to deepen its response to the land and life itself.
 

Reborn Old Wood: Localized Design
Even when the Aēsop store in Taipei 101 was a pop-up shop, the potential for future material recycling and reuse was considered, leading to the use of F1-grade eco-friendly plywood for shelves. When it officially moved into its permanent location in 2022, the challenge became how to reuse existing materials. To avoid damaging the wood, the Aēsop team carefully disassembled the original shelves along the wood grain and reassembled them into wall cladding, finished with metallic paint, using existing resources to create a new texture. Additionally, localized design is also a core spirit of Aēsop stores. Inspired by the view from the iconic Taipei 101 building, a custom-painted glass sink area was designed in the center. The surrounding space is framed by meticulously arranged steel corrugated panels, reminiscent of the dense, interwoven architectural language of Xinyi District, outlining the silhouette of Taiwanese "iron sheet" buildings. The overall space, through the interplay of wood and different materials, re-establishes a dialogue between Taipei 101 and the surrounding buildings.
 

Practicing Sustainability: Wood and bestwood
Aēsop once said, "Our goal is not to claim we are sustainable, but to act sustainably." In Aēsop's store designs, wood never loudly declares its presence but quietly co-creates a profound experience with light, scent, and culture. Wood is placed where it can best interact with people and resonate with the space. This humble attitude towards materials is precisely the starting point of sustainability.
This is also bestwood's core value. For us, every decision in choosing wood is a continuation and assumption of responsibility for natural building materials in various settings. We select wood from legal sources that comply with sustainable forestry standards and, through rigorous selection, customized solutions, and professional support, assist designers and architects in practicing respect for the environment we live in with every material choice.
bestwood hopes to participate in every wood selection you make to achieve true sustainable value.
 


Read More
Taiwan Forestry Bureau Collaborates with MUJI: https://www.bestwood.com/article_d.php?lang=en&tb=2&id=1300
Taiwan Red Cypress: https://www.bestwood.com/article_d.php?lang=en&tb=2&id=1360


 
Source :
https://forgemind.net/media/aesop-thonglor-store-sher-maker/
https://www.archdaily.cn/cn/1018947/aesop-thonglor-dian-sher-maker
https://smoothworksite.com/2023/11/27/aesop%E6%A3%A7%E6%9D%BF%E5%82%A2%E4%BF%B1/
https://www.metadesign.com.tw/aesop-pallet-upcycle-2023-animalwelfare.html
https://www.mottimes.com/article/detail/2615
https://www.aesop.com/tw/r/sustainability/
 
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