Design firm: Fyra, Helsinki, Finland
The details: In an era when online shopping has become as convenient as it can be headache-inducing, a new concept in Helsinki, Finland simplifies (and seriously dresses up) package pickup. From Finnish postal company Posti, self-service center the Box goes beyond a place to have online orders delivered, resembling “a high-end concept store more than a traditional post office,” says Niina Sihto, partner and designer at local firm Fyra. Along with the Box’s 600 Millennial pink parcel lockers, customers are treated to a slew of amenities, including a recycling center, a showroom for ecommerce companies to display their wares, timber-framed seating where guests can rest with a cup of coffee, and even an events venue.
Working with brand strategy company Motley, the design focuses on making things as intuitive as possible. Color-coded areas make clear the facility’s various functions, one of which is a velvet-curtained area where customers can try on clothing items and send them back on the spot, if necessary. “Our mission was to create a place where digital commerce meets a physical space in the most appealing way,” says Sihto.
This article originally appeared in HD’s February 2020 issue.