APPLE
Define the building’s primary materials
- Laminated glass stair
- Anodized aluminum columns
- Sandstone or limestone on the floor
- Oak wood tables
Describe application of materials within space
- Laminated glass stair
The laminated glass staircase is the main attraction of this apple store. It connects the bottom and top floor and is located in the center of the space as you walk in. There are 5 layers of glass (each around a half inch in thickness) that are laminated together, this is for structure and in case of breakage (the glass won’t shatter into a million pieces, instead, it will shatter in its place). There is also a steel connection that holds the the glass in place.
- Oak wood tables
The oak wood tables are used to display the products in the apple store. They are around 7ft long and 3 ft wide (I’m guessing) and they are located on both the top and bottom floors and are all around. There are openings in each of the tables for the products to fit in and be able to charge while being on display. The table also covers most of the wires from the products.
Discuss the space/building’s materiality
Apple’s branding is very refined and clean, and the materials and application of them used within this space reflected that very well. The flooring was made from a sandstone or a limestone which was applied in tiles. However, because there was very little variation in the tiles it made the flooring feel very continuous. Also, the anodized aluminum finish for the column made them feel very continuous and also seemed to reflect their actual products (the silver used on laptops and iPads). These materials are very elemental, reduced, and fine which I believe reflect on the branding and image of Apple.
FEIT
Define the building’s primary materials
- Plywood
- Birch Wood
- Cold worked steel with a finish
- Glass
Describe application of materials within space
- Plywood
One of the uses of plywood in this space is used as a skeletal wall to separate the different spaces where merchandise is being displayed. The wood is built in a way that makes it seem like its what is supposed to be inside an actual solid wall. It is somewhat thin and is located throughout the store. The floor tiles are also made from plywood, and they are in the standard size (4’ x 8’). The plywood on used for the flooring and the walls are different grades.
- Glass
The glass is used as casing for jewelry, and there are two levels. In the higher glass casing, it has an organic shape whereas in the lower one, it is triangular and shows the layers of glass. There are about 3 layers in the lower casing. It is located next to the cashier/salesperson.
Discuss the space/building’s materiality
The abundant use of wood within the space demonstrate the hand made and sustainable vibe that the store is aiming for. The skeletal wall seems like it is very simple, although its application was very precise in order for it to look clean. The birch wood was used for a display table in the center of the store, as well as shelving towards the other areas. It was a much softer color than the plywood. Despite the fact that there are different types of wood, the way they are applied to different uses within the space makes it feel very uniform.
PRADA
Define the building’s primary materials
- Honeycomb plastic (semi transparent) with a layer inside — looks corrugated
- Aluminum mesh
- Steel
- Zebra Wood
- Rubber
- Sheet Aluminum
- Resin
Describe application of materials within space
- Rubber
The rubber was used as seating next to the merchandise. It was shaped as a cube, and could fit one person. I’m guessing it is around 3’x 3’ and has a thickness of 2”. It was an unexpected material to use and made the space seem more playful and interactive.
- Metal
The aluminum mesh was used as a screen for the merchandise, which was elevated by steel framing on the edges connecting it to tracks on the ceiling. These tracks allowed the shelving to move around the space. There were multiple blocks of merchandise covered loosely by the mesh.
Discuss the space/building’s materiality
This space, although being around 20 years old, feels extremely modern. The use of unconventional materials was exciting to see, such as the pink resin used to display the shoes. The pink resin combined with the zebra wood flooring and benches added to this playful vibe. There were projectors and theatrical lighting installed as well. These materials added to the performative functions of the space.
CAMPER
Define the building’s primary materials
- Composite wood with lacquered finish
- MDF wood
- Aluminum
- Paper tube
Describe application of materials within space
- Wood
The composite wood is used for the main table that displays the products. The table is as long as the entire back shelving of the store. It has a lacquered finish in white and red stripes. The MDF wood is used for the chairs for people to try on the products. The chairs are painted red, although do not have the same finish as the table.
- Aluminum
The aluminum is used for a corrugated metal ceiling. The corrugated aspect allows for light to enter through skylights.
Discuss the space/building’s materiality
The wood used for shelving along the back of the space are angled at 45 degrees, This creates an interesting moment as one side of the space spells out the logo whereas the complete other side displays the shoes. Since the wood is painted, we don’t read the grain of the wood so it is not distracting. As well, the way the aluminum was made into panels and place at an angle also offered the same feel, except this allowed light to filter through it.
