Talented Sonal Aggarwal, a rising star in interior design, has captivated the design world with her boundary-pushing approach to spatial and sensory design. Her award-winning project, a flagship store that fuses the avant-garde fashion of Yohji Yamamoto with the deconstructivism of Lebbeus Woods and the ethereal qualities of the California Light and Space movement, has garnered the “Emerging Interior Designer of the Year” title at the BLT Built Design Awards 2024. As a New York School of Interior Design graduate and a Lead Designer at Sasaki, Sonal brings a unique vision that challenges conventional design, blending art, culture, and functionality. In this exclusive interview, Sonal shares the story behind her winning project, the challenges of merging contrasting design influences, and her aspirations for the future of design.
1. Could you tell us about the vision behind your project for the BLT Awards? How did you land on the idea of blending Yohji Yamamoto, Lebbeus Woods, and the California Light and Space movement?
The vision for my project was to create a flagship store that encapsulates the philosophy of Yohji Yamamoto while pushing the boundaries of spatial and sensory design. Yohji Yamamoto’s avant-garde fashion inspired me to explore unconventional narratives in architecture. By merging the deconstructivist ethos of Lebbeus Woods with the ethereal qualities of the California Light and Space movement, I aimed to craft a space that challenges perceptions, plays with layers of light, celebrates asymmetry, and pays homage to Yamamoto’s artistry.
2. How did you approach balancing deconstructivism and asymmetry to create a space that feels both avant-garde and inviting to customers?
Balancing deconstructivism with functionality required a focus on human interaction. I deconstructed traditional retail layouts to emphasize an organic flow, using asymmetry to guide movement and create moments of intrigue for the user experience to evoke brand awareness. Inviting textures and ambient lighting softened the bold architectural forms, making the space approachable while retaining its avant-garde essence unique to the location and brand competitors.
3. What drew you towards a monochromatic palette inspired by film noir, and how do you think it enhances the overall experience for art-conscious clients?
The monochromatic palette was a deliberate choice to echo the timeless and dramatic qualities of film noir of YY advertisements. By limiting distractions, this palette amplifies the interplay of shadows, textures, and light, which creates an immersive environment for art-conscious clients. It mirrors Yamamoto’s preference for understated elegance and rebellious silhouette-inspired clothing and allows the merchandise to remain the focal point.
4. Your project integrates elements from both Japanese and Western traditions. What were some of the challenges you encountered in merging these influences?
Integrating Japanese minimalism with Western deconstructivism was an intricate process. Japanese design emphasizes restraint and harmony, while Western deconstructivism celebrates bold, fragmented forms. The challenge was to fuse these seemingly opposing approaches into a cohesive narrative. I used lighting, open space planning, forms, and materials as unifying elements, allowing both traditions to coexist and complement each other. This idea also helped conceptualize the cross-visual relationships within the store.
5. Many of your design references focus on the interaction between space, light, and human perception. What role does this play in your design, and how did you adapt it to Yohji Yamamoto’s brand?
Space, light, and human perception are integral to my design philosophy. For this project, I used these elements to create a dynamic interplay between the tangible and intangible, reflecting Yohji Yamamoto’s exploration of contrasts. Strategically placed light accents evoke fluidity, while the space’s fragmented geometry challenges conventional retail experiences, aligning with Yamamoto’s brand ethos.
6. As a student at the New York School of Interior Design, how did your educational background and experience prepare you for this project?
My education at NYSID provided me with a strong foundation in spatial theory and technical skills. The program’s emphasis on practical learning and conceptual thinking empowered me to approach design holistically. Explorations and design techniques during my time at NYSID sharpened my ability to merge innovation with practicality, which was critical for this project.
7. Congratulations on winning the “Emerging Interior Designer of the Year” at the BLT Awards! How do you envision this recognition impacting your career, and what do you hope to explore next?
Winning this award is an incredible honor and a testament to my commitment to pushing design boundaries. It inspires me to continue creating spaces that resonate emotionally and challenges the norm. Moving forward, I hope to delve deeper into sustainable design practices and explore projects that integrate technology with human-centric design. User experience has always been the center of my design learning and I envision exploring more and pushing the boundaries of built environments and it’s impact on human psychology and environment.
8. How do you plan to continue evolving your style in design? What does the future hold for you?
Design is a journey of constant discovery, and I aim to stay curious and experimental. My goal is to refine my storytelling through spaces, integrating cultural narratives, innovative materials, and cutting-edge technology. I envision a future where my work contributes to both aesthetic and societal progress, bridging art and functionality seamlessly.
