francis kéré sets camper pop-up store inside buckminster fuller’s VITRA dome
photography by eduardo perez
in conjunction with the vitra design museum’s ‘making africa’ exhibition, a pop-up shoe store designed by diébédo francis kéré has opened on the famed campus. developed as a joint venture between VITRA and footwear company camper, the three month project explores experimental ideas for new retail concepts.
the store has been installed buckminster fuller’s dome at the VITRA campus
kéré has conceived the scheme as a forum where a variety of stories can be told. the first is the ethical fashion initiative: a united nations program that promotes the work of artisans in countries such as ethiopia and haiti by facilitating collaboration with renowned designers and brands. in addition, the craft of creating footwear is demonstrated with a professional shoemaker who produces wearable products live on-site. highlights from the current london design museum exhibition ‘life on foot’ are also displayed alongside a selection of camper’s fall/winter 2015-16 collection.
highlights from the current london design museum exhibition ‘life on foot’ are displayed
visitors to the dome are able to access digital information about the specific models along with background details on their design. another element of the interior is a scanner that takes precise measurements, with the resulting data used to allow visitors to order a customized insole based on their individual foot shape. the scanned information can then be used for subsequent online purchases.
a fitting area is housed at the center of the plan
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the ethical fashion initiative promotes the work of artisans in countries such as ethiopia and haiti
a scanner takes precise measurements with the resulting data used to allow visitors to order a customized insole
distinctive VITRA products feature inside the pop-up store
a selection of camper’s fall/winter 2015-16 collection is also presented
footwear is demonstrated with a professional shoemaker who produces shoes live on-site




francis kéré was a speaker at the 2015 WHAT DESIGN CAN DO! conference — an international platform about the power of design, promoting design as a catalyst of change and renewal and a way of addressing the societal questions of our time. formed in 2011 by a group of designers from various fields, it aims at showcasing best practices and visions, raising discussions and facilitating collaboration between disciplines, raising awareness among the public for the potential of creativity. at the same time, WHAT DESIGN CAN DO! calls on designers to take responsibility and consider how their work can impact the wider society.