Electric vehicles (EVs) brand Polestar has launched in Singapore. The Swedish premium electric performance brand, founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding, debuted with a retail location along the Leng Kee automotive belt.
With its 2,260 sq ft art gallery-meets-design studio concept, Polestar Space offers a fresh take on car retail spaces that’s unlike anything else out there. A team of architects based at the headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, is responsible for designing the Polestar headquarters, offices, factories and retail locations worldwide. Ultimately, their job is to ensure the brand’s philosophy is reflected in every interface, be it a building, a space, or even an exhibition stand. Rong Guan, one of the in-house Polestar architects who worked on the project, says, “The inspiration comes from within. Pure, progressive performance covers everything Polestar, not just the cars.”
Polestar Space stands out from the rest of the showrooms because of its monochromatic facade and corner location. Its white symbol contrasts with white Alucobond panels similar to the vehicles, which have body-coloured emblems.
A spacious, light-filled interior welcomes visitors. In keeping with the minimalist approach, the materials are kept simple – glass, stone, concrete, and aluminium. A neutral colour palette lets the cars shine.
Art light boxes and digital screens form the gallery-style backdrop for the main car display area. These light boxes contain backlit frames displaying static product images printed on fabric. Digital screens with similar sizes and formats display moving content synced with the Polestar headquarters.
A display wall runs the length of one side of the showroom. Each drawer, cabinet, and display niche is covered with anodised aluminium, conveying a clean, laboratory aesthetic, and displays material samples, colours, and components from the Polestar 1 and Polestar 2 models.
The atelier table in front of the display wall makes the space feel like a design studio. The rubber surface with the printed grid reminds one of the cutting boards designers use when making models. Featuring a touchscreen car configurator, the atelier table allows customers to browse material and colour options.
Towards the back, a semi-private lounge area and consultation room feature similar design elements. A handover box is intended to enhance the experience of collecting the car by associating it with the ritual of unboxing.
The design drawings are done in-house to ensure a consistent design approach across all projects. Polestar’s architects also work very closely with local architects, designers and contractors from conception to completion, supported by the retail investors.
Nevertheless, as each market and site has its unique requirements, the team tweaks and adapts the designs accordingly. Polestar Space Singapore, for instance, offers more seating so customers and Polestar specialists can converse more freely.
Polestar Space, Singapore is located at 45 Leng Kee Road. Call/Whatsapp 8266-1809 or visit www.polestar.com/sg for more information.