Architecture News Plus (ANP) – Architecture and Design Magazine

Maison Multi-brand Boutique

This is a project by Sybarite and it is located at Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Project's program: Interior design for retail outlet. There are six images for Maison Multi-brand Boutique.

: © Sam Mohan/Yolk Studios

Project details

Project name: Maison Multi-brand Boutique
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Program: Interior design for retail outlet
Area: Project Area: 300 m2
Year: Completion: October 2011
Client: 23 Carat/Prestige Group, India (Sana Rezwan, Rezwan Razack, AM Shameem)
Project by: Sybarite
Team: Design Team: Simon Mitchell, Torquil McIntosh
Others: Local Architect: RC Architecture (Nandan Damle, Suraj Anchan)

Project images

Designer's statement

Inspiration for the design of this multi-brand boutique came from the way Indo-Islamic art and architecture use repetition of geometric forms to achieve intricate decorative patterns. Echoing the famous dome of the Taj Mahal and other landmarks of the Mughal period, a stylised hourglass form is repeated, building a texture and rhythm reminiscent of traditional patterns but made modern in its application, simplicity and materiality. A module based on this simple geometry is the building block from which all of the interior walls emerge, both an architectural feature in their own right as well as the primary means of display.

The modules can be configured in multiple ways: mirrored; inset with video screens; fitted with shelves or hooks; hinged with doors for storage; glazed as vitrines for jewellery and other more precious items. Moulded of translucent natural fibreglass, each unit is internally lit with dimmable, adjustable LED's, allowing VM teams to adjust the intensity of light and easily create zones and themes within the store.

The hourglass shape is repeated in the clusters of freestanding display units, also in natural fibreglass. Fixed into hidden sockets at the intersection of large quartz floor tiles, discreet stainless steel garment rails are placed within a grid angled at 45 degrees from the perimeter walls. This arrangement permits complete flexibility in the positioning of the rails, allowing the customer's journey through the space to be directed.

Like filigreed screens, walls of translucent hourglass blocks flank the glazed, double-height area at the front of the store. Large Barrilux ceiling clouds cast diffuse light, creating a bright, airy space by day and putting the front signage in strong silhouette in the evening. In contrast with the minimalist glazed facade, the front door of curved fibreglass panels repeats the material and translucent finish of the display modules. Subtly applying the Maison identity to the building's existing exterior, the hourglass motif is hinted at once again in the huge Amazonian lily pads floating in the pond at front and in the shape of the aluminium bridge which spans it. The front elevation is clad in wire mesh on which bougainvillea creepers will climb, softening the angles and creating a carpet of greenery to frame the interior.