Apple Store Shinsaibashi

In renovating an existing office building in this visually active and busy shopping district for their second Japanese retail store, Apple Computer decided to establish a strong presence, through the use of a simple form, uniform, clean lines and an elegant material palette. The store facade uses bead-blasted stainless steel panels. A corner entrance allowing a glimpse of the unique circular glass stair from the street, a stainless steel interior lobby, and an automated frameless slot display window further accentuate this unique store design.

The glass staircase attracts visitors into the store and to the second floor by enticing one's tactile curiosity to experience 'walking on air'. A first of its kind, the circular glass staircase is prominently featured near the store entry. Suspended from 1/2-inch stainless steel rods, and designed as a continuous arcing glass beam spanning between floors, the stair is a breathtaking engineering feat of structural ingenuity and sculptural beauty. The top of the treads are diamond-plate fritted for safety and etched for modesty.

On the second level, a sophisticated demonstration theater with luxurious fixed seating, the dynamic 'Genius bar', combine with the rooftop public meeting room to expand the definition of retail by providing performance, seminar, and educational components. The 'Genius bar', display tables, and seating throughout the store are custom, simply detailed solid maple that balance the cool, technical character of the space with familiar warmth.

Functional aspects of the store such as heating/cooling, lighting, security and acoustics are integrated into the design of the ceiling system. Supply and return vents for heating/cooling, sprinkler heads, light boxes and cameras are aligned in the aluminium troughs of the custom ceiling system. Speakers and extensive data cabling are hidden above the crisp white stretched fabric ceiling panel system.

Throughout the space rigorous attention to detail has created a "static-free" environment. Distracting elements have been edited out of the visual field, and in this serene yet stimulating world the products gracefully assume center stage. Simple, honest materials and thoughtfully resolved details echo qualities of the sophisticated, elegant computers and software on display. The resulting environment is one that is memorable and stimulating while carefully framing and organizing a space where the products gracefully assume center stage.