Sonic Boom Pop-up1

Sonic Boom Pop-up Experience

My Role
Designer,
3D Modelling.

Apps Used

Retail Design Concept

Focus

Spatial Design,
Retail Strategy,
Experience Design,
3D Modelling.

SketchUp

Illustrator

Photoshop

Overview

A strategic 3D conceptual design for a Sonic Boom pop-up shop located in Toronto’s historic Distillery District. The project included detailed floor planning, sustainable material selection, and the design of exterior event spaces aimed at strengthening community engagement.

I selected Sonic Boom as the focus of this project because music is a universal medium that brings people together. Sonic Boom, in particular, is renowned for its extensive vinyl collection—a timeless form of physical music that resonates with both collectors and nostalgia-seekers.

Problem

The challenge was to translate the legacy and vibe of the Sonic Boom brand into a temporary physical footprint that felt authentic rather than overly commercial. The space needed to operate as a functional retail environment while also creating an experiential draw that would capture the attention of visitors passing through the Distillery District.

Because pop-up shops continue to be a popular strategy for brand discovery and customer engagement, the design also needed to demonstrate how Sonic Boom could use this format to build community presence, introduce its identity to new audiences, and encourage long-term customer loyalty. By balancing retail practicality with an immersive brand experience, the concept aimed to celebrate Sonic Boom’s cultural roots while inviting visitors to connect with music in a meaningful way.

Our Process

The development of the final 3D mockup began with a deep dive into Sonic Boom’s brand identity, product offerings, and core audience. I also analyzed a range of existing pop-up shop precedents to understand what makes these temporary spaces memorable and impactful. This research helped inform a design approach that balances visual identity, user flow, and experiential elements.

In parallel, I explored sustainable material options and evaluated various location considerations within the Distillery District. This ensured that the pop-up would not only align with Sonic Boom’s brand values, but also seamlessly integrate into its surroundings. By thoughtfully selecting materials and designing a layout suited to the chosen site, the concept aimed to bring the pop-up experience to life in a way that felt both authentic and environmentally conscious.

The Solution

For the final 3D model, I selected Toronto’s Distillery District for its strong architectural alignment with Sonic Boom’s retro–vinyl aesthetic. The area’s historic brick buildings and creative retail culture made it an ideal backdrop for a music-focused pop-up environment. The design features an immersive retail layout constructed with sustainable materials and anchored by an integrated outdoor live-music area, transforming the space from a traditional shop into a cultural destination.

The pop-up structure itself is built using repurposed shipping containers—a popular choice for temporary retail because of their flexibility, durability, and reusability. The Distillery District already incorporates shipping-container stalls within its outdoor spaces, making this approach both contextually appropriate and spatially efficient given the area’s heritage restrictions and limited footprint.