New York, New York | 2023

Wasted Space was a concept store in Manhattan’s SoHo district where nature appeared to reclaim a forgotten urban interior. Open to the public for six months, the space invited visitors into an immersive environment that blurred the boundaries between technology, art, and the natural world.

Conceived and executed by Untitled Studio, the project was inspired by two local and cultural landmarks: the overgrown charm of the Elizabeth Street Garden and the atmospheric storytelling of the dioramas at the American Museum of Natural History. These references guided the creation of a space that felt both real and surreal, familiar and otherworldly.

Our team handled all aspects of the installation, including conceptual development, programming, physical build, projection mapping, lighting, and environmental effects. The simulated landscape featured time-based projections, day-to-night lighting shifts, wind simulation, AI-generated soundscapes, and scent to create a fully responsive sensory experience. Each blade of grass and cluster of floral material in the ground installation was placed by hand, forming a winding path designed to echo the subtle imperfections of nature.

The store was created to showcase Candamill, a luxury handbag brand founded and designed by Untitled Studio’s co-founders, Cindy and Cristian Candamil. Their sculptural bags were displayed as part of the living environment, integrating product design into a larger narrative about nature, transformation, and space.

Wasted Space challenged traditional retail expectations and was recognized by Wallpaper* Magazine as one of the best-designed fashion stores in the world.

Click here to experience the installation online.