Apple Store
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
A leader in innovation today, cutting edge in technology and now also architecture. Apple stores around the world are not only becoming a place to shop but also a tourist attraction, drawing in millions of people through their doors every year. The sleek design of their iMacs, iPhones and iPods are reflected not only on the exterior facades of most of their locations, but also in each stores interior space.
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Project information
Designer: Bohlin, Cywinsky and Jackson
Program type: Retail
Project budget: $200/sq.ft.
Project Address:
103 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
Project analysis
Designed by Bohlin, Cywinsky and Jackson (BCJ), contemporary and smart design is the concept of the Apple retail outlets. BCJ states; “The prototype stores with maple floors, white fixtures and an elegant integrated ceiling system, provide an opportunity for consumers to have an up-close, tactile encounter with Apple products in an environment that supports a corporate identity of elegance and excellent interface design”. Therefore, it is no wonder that excellent design would be integrated into their main architectural design element, the glass staircase. “The glass staircase attracts visitors into the store and to the second floor by enticing one’s tactile curiosity to experience ‘walking on air’” (BCJ). In addition, the glass balustrade allows for clear views around the store as one ascends or descends, and the minimal use of hardware (or at least what is visible) makes its ability to hold the load of all its users seem almost impossible.
Detail analysis
No feat is impossible when it comes to Apple so they hired James O'Callaghan and his team from Eckersley O’Callaghan Structural Designto create the patented glass structure. The challenge was to gracefully put all the parts together, conceal them and allow each tread to appear as if it is almost ‘floating’ in between two glass guardrails. This was accomplished by using various stainless steel fittings which are assembled in between a cap and the multi-layered, laminated, and etched glass tread. It appears as if the only point of support is in a cap and barrel piercing through the balustrade to the tread. However, with close examination of the details we can see that multiple fittings hidden in between these pieces, which slide and screw together to attach firmly to a strong structural base. Eckersley O’Callahan says: “It utilizes the glass balustrade as the main supporting structure to act as a beam, free spanning between ground and the first floors. The balustrade beams are made in three lengths (of structural glass), spliced together to achieve continuity using stainless steel fittings which resist both shear and tension/compression forces”. The stair treads, measuring approximately 1-3/4” comprise of three layers of structural glass and three interlayer which fuse the glass together, creating rigidity.
References
Notes
Student contributions
- Rania Makkas, Spring 2008
External links
Additional resources
- Bohlin, Cywinsky and Jackson
- Eckersley O’Callaghan Structural Design
- ifo Apple Store - Staircase Information
- ifo Apple Store - Storefronts
- structural glass
- stainless steel
