DDi - January/February 2011 - (Page 27)

| 27 Opposite page: The Printemps entrance features a suspended porcelain floral mobile and floor mosaic. Top left: Integrated uplighting in the showcases combined with the polished metal surfaces adds sparkle to the watch displays on the second floor. Top right: The faceted and asymmetrical face of the central POS case in fashion jewelry emulates an uncut jewel. Bottom right: The orderly linear fixtures have cantilevered focal points and are complemented by a mural wrapped column with a playful hand scribble. P rintemps, a department store icon in the Parisian culture, debuted in 1865 due to the efforts of a visionary entrepreneur. “Printemps” is a name synonymous with words such as spring, renewal, freshness and dynamism and, as such, each renovation project demands innovation and modernization. In order to continue this legacy, the Toronto-based design studio of Yabu Pushelberg faced the challenge of maintaining the traditions of this Paris establishment while infusing a fresh, contemporary edge. According to George Yabu, owner and partner of Yabu Pushelberg, and Glenn Pushelberg, coowner and partner, the concept for the Printemps project was to create a space that offers the essence of Paris to international tourists without compromising the high expectations native Parisians have for the luxury shopping experience. The space plan transformed the expectations of traditional department store circulation by removing the central escalators to form a threelevel atrium. “Atriums should be presentations, extravaganzas,” Pushelberg says. “By creating these layers, the experience is fuller. We provide the backdrop for it and the store takes possession of it to create an engaging experience.” While the ground level and first floor offer the framework for the major store brands, the design breaks down the monotony of the individual brands to create a distinct Printemps experience. Meanwhile, the basement level offers a residential approach to the accessories, handbag and sunglass displays. Rooms are interconnected and linked to each other, defined by a series of glass-less storefronts. These “walls without walls” provide a sense of weightlessness and become backdrops to the product. Photos: Richard Powers Black steel, chrome-plated steel and Bianco 1967 (a cream-colored natural stone) are the materials that serve as the foundation for the store. Yabu Pushelberg used this materials palette to create sculptural fixtures that add to the shopping extravaganza. The team’s goal was to take a playful and artistic approach that would still create a lasting and timeless design. The overall lighting strategy complements the fixture design, as it is focused on the merchandise. Together, these elements direct customers to the products. While the handbag section uses an exploded chandelier concept to define the space, all other lighting is functional, rather than ornamental. The effective combination of fixture and lighting design is evident in the watch area on the second floor. A sculptural center casework display adds height to the space and complements the surrounding fixtures. Integrated uplighting in the showcases reflects off of the polished metal to add sparkle to the space. Whether it is the existing mosaic floor with www.ddionline.com http://www.ddionline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDi - January/February 2011

DDi - January/February 2011
Table of Contents
From the Editor
Newsworthy
Shopper Insights
Quick Tips
Greentailing
Editor’s Choice
Swatch Shanghai
Printemps Paris
OPSM’s EyeHub
Sugamo Shinkin Bank
Right Light
Product Spotlight
GlobalShop Preview
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Think Tank

DDi - January/February 2011