In the historic center of Padova, on Selciato San Nicolò, Zoi Kids has opened its doors: a multibrand concept store dedicated to fashion for ages 0–16. The project, curated by Architettura Tommasi, takes shape within an 18th-century building, creating a harmonious dialogue between historical memory and contemporary retail language.

Set within an architecturally significant context, the intervention transformed a former shop of approximately 45 square meters into a welcoming and dynamic space, where families, adults and children alike, can enjoy a fun and relaxing shopping experience, turning purchasing into a moment of pleasant sharing.

The restoration respected the volumes, dimensions and traditional elements of the existing premises. At the entrance, the historic wooden door frame was restored and enhanced, becoming the only original element bearing witness to the past.

The interior, laid out on a rectangular plan, revolves around a central volume that incorporates dressing rooms and storage space. Around this core is a custom-made display system consisting of shaped iron structures and parallel tubular wooden and sheet metal structures, which form a modular sequence of shelves and niches. The flexibility of the system allows the layout to be easily adapted to the different display requirements of the goods in the shop, ensuring versatility and visual continuity.

The curved shapes have made it possible to place LED lighting integrated into the metal profiles under the clothes hangers, creating direct, functional lighting that enhances the garments on display. The lighting thus becomes an integral part of the architectural language, emphasising the profiles and making the shop immediately recognisable even from the outside.

The colour palette – yellow, magenta and blue with a powder-coated finish – introduces a lively rhythm that interacts with the interior surfaces, creating a stark contrast with the historic exterior finishes and reinforcing the contemporary identity of the concept.

An interactive touchscreen, developed with dedicated software, allows customers to independently create their own outfits by combining the garments available in-store. This digital tool transforms the visit, making the purchasing process more contemporary and offering an experience similar to online shopping.

Special attention was also given to the design of the fitting rooms, conceived as small experiential spaces: a mirror system allows customers to take photos of themselves with their smartphones while trying on clothes, introducing a contemporary interactive element and turning a functional moment into an opportunity for play and sharing. In these areas as well, soft shapes and coordinated colors help reinforce the overall visual identity.

The intervention also addressed building systems and comfort: the general lighting was redesigned using low-energy solutions, while the technical systems were discreetly integrated to ensure environmental quality and formal clarity. Architettura Tommasi oversaw every phase of the project, from the definition of custom detailing to the color selection and coordination of the artisanal works.

The result is a compact yet strongly distinctive space, capable of standing out within the city’s retail landscape. In this project, Architettura Tommasi succeeded in giving new life to a small space rich in potential: Zoi Kids thus distinguishes itself in the retail scene through its ability to transform practical and commercial needs into a unique architectural language, capable of surprising visitors and leaving a lasting impression.