It's a fact that worldwide retail design has become so big, globally posing a challenge to some of the most creative minds. In this issue, we bring you glimpses of some of the most fascinating retail areas, and a look at the technicalities involved.

Delhi-based spaces architects weave landscaping, artwork and water bodies on the terrace of a home in Shanti Niketan to create a resort-like ambience. It is an intricate study of light and wind orientation.

Dutch designer Renny Ramaker's home in Amsterdam is a spacious, contemporary grey-and-white apartment with fascinating layers of humour beneath its apparent outward simplicity, finds out Eva Martins.

Actor Arjun Rampal's lounge bar LAP in the heart of New Delhi—designed by architect Sandeep Khosla—borrows from the art deco period, and shows glimpses of princely Travancore, says Priya K Rana.

After Evoluzione Design Living comes Evoluzione Design Style, a 'fashion' store in Chennai created by interior designer Vikram Phadke. It's done up predominantly in glass.

Fashion designer Monisha Jaising's store in Pali Hill, Mumbai, conforms to the contours of the slope it sits on. It has a soft display area that's more like an installation, with touches of steel.