Tiffany & Co, the renowned jewelry company, recently unveiled its newest flagship store in the Taikoo Li Sanlitun district of Beijing. The store’s unique facade, designed to imitate a piece of jewelry, is the handiwork of MVRDV, a noted architecture firm.
A Jewel of a Store
Boasting a floor area of 1,000 square meters spread across four levels, the boutique features a 20-meter curved exterior composed of frosted, translucent glass fins. These fins are tinted in Tiffany’s iconic icy blue shade, further enhancing the store’s visual appeal.
The creators at MVRDV have shared that the innovative design of the store was conceptualized to interact with the changing daylight, thereby endowing the building with a surreal, ethereal presence. The key visual reference for this pioneering concept is Tiffany’s signature Bone Cuff.
Jacob van Rijs, a founding director at MVRDV, explained, “The dense glass fins, when viewed from an angle, amplify the light’s effects, accentuating the shape of the facade. As you approach the building, you can catch glimpses of the jewelry inside through the spaces between the fins. The light filtering through and reflecting off the translucent glass creates a delicate, ever-changing interplay.”
An Opulent Interior
Inside the store, visitors are welcomed into a luxurious space adorned with a champagne-gold leaf ceiling and crystal chandeliers. The walls feature handcrafted, gilded treatments that add intricate texture and detail throughout the store.
Moreover, the design of the store was crafted with an emphasis on sustainability. The glass used in the construction is made from recycled materials. Furthermore, the store is fully demountable, which means its fins and brackets can be removed and reused once their life cycle has ended.
Questions & Answers
What was the inspiration behind the design of Tiffany & Co’s new store in Beijing?
The store’s design was inspired by Tiffany’s signature Bone Cuff, and it is intended to interact with changing daylight, giving the building an ethereal presence.
What materials were used to construct the store’s unique facade?
The facade of the store was constructed using translucent, frosted glass fins that were tinted with the brand’s iconic icy blue shade.
How does the store contribute to sustainability?
The store’s design focuses on sustainability by using glass made from recycled materials. Additionally, the store is fully demountable, which allows its components to be repurposed at the end of their lifespan.
