Play Vinyl is a specialist retail store for vinyl records, turntables, and audio equipment, located within River Mall in Kyiv, Ukraine. Designed by Sobchenko Architects, the project draws on the physical and ritual qualities of analogue sound. Rather than treating vinyl as a nostalgic object, the design focuses on how people interact with records: browsing, touching, listening, and taking time.

This approach led to a prioritisation of function over decoration. The interior is defined by clean lines, simple geometry, and material restraint, allowing the products and the act of listening to remain central.

Responding to a high-traffic context

Situated at a key intersection of pedestrian flow inside the mall, the store needed to communicate its purpose immediately. The facade was designed to encourage engagement, allowing passers-by to touch records and understand the nature of the space without fully entering. This tactile accessibility lowers the threshold between public circulation and the retail interior.

The exterior zone adopts a cooler lighting temperature and a monochromatic palette, aligning with the mall environment while remaining understated. This clarity helps the store read as calm and deliberate within a visually dense commercial context.

Interior contrast and spatial transition

Crossing into the interior, visitors experience a shift in atmosphere. Warmer lighting, matte MDF surfaces, and tighter spatial proportions create a more intimate environment. This contrast establishes a transition from the open, public mall to a quieter, focused interior suited to listening and conversation.

The layout follows a logical route. Open browsing areas lead toward a central listening and consultation zone, supporting different levels of engagement without forcing a linear path. This organisation improves usability while reducing the need for signage or visual clutter.

Modular construction and material efficiency

All display units and furniture elements were designed as modular, prefabricated components and assembled on site within a few days. This reduced construction time, limited disruption within the mall, and allowed greater precision in fabrication.

Environmental performance was addressed through pragmatic decisions rather than added systems. The existing interior shell was reused, with no structural intervention or ceiling alterations. Avoiding demolition reduced waste and embodied carbon.

Material use was intentionally minimised, and non-functional decorative elements were avoided. This strategy supports long-term adaptability, allowing the store layout to evolve without requiring full reconstruction.

Durable materials for long-term use

The facade and built-in furniture were produced using MDF and plywood, selected for consistency, availability, and ease of repair. External facade surfaces are finished in aluminium composite panels, chosen for durability, low maintenance requirements, and long service life in a high-traffic commercial environment. The system allows individual elements to be replaced independently, extending the lifespan of the installation.

Commercial-grade, wear-resistant flooring was specified to withstand intensive daily use, reducing the need for early replacement. The existing ceiling structure was retained without additional finishes, lowering material consumption and simplifying maintenance.