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Photos: Charlie Mayer Photography, Oak Park, Ill.
Top left: The Walnut Creek store is a combination of “Modern Luxury” and “California Cool.”
Top right: The façade’s distinct architecture complements the surrounding landscape.
Grechi of MBH Architects. “The design focuses on the quality of the materials and attention to detail, rather than ornamentation. We wanted to raise the bar on modernist design and create a pure and simplistic structure.” The impact of light and art on the building brings the structure to life. The façade design incorporates colored artisan glass with differ-
ent textures. This element is wrapped by arched roofing and includes 1-in. insulated panels with aluminum mullions. The interplay of light and shadows throughout the day establishes its presence on the street and creates a glowing effect. The “Wind Fins” kinetic sculpture by Ned Kahn—positioned at the center point of the building—adds an element of movement at the
entry. Rows of 30 to 40 fins starting at 25 ft. above the ground extend to the top of the building. Like the Neiman Marcus Mariposa butterfly, these fins provide an elegant movement to the façade and a meaningful moment at the entry. Due to the collaboration between the architectural and interior design team members, the simple elegance of the exterior design easily transitions to
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDi - July 2012