Contrasting Thoughts – Boutique Runway

Added : 15 Nov 2010 | Visits : 2033 | Average votes : %

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Boutique Runway designed by CLS Architetti in Ho Chi Minh City is a luxury good showroom based on the concept of contrasts and opposites.

What could possibly connect the idea of luxury goods with the theme of life and rebirth? Probably the contrast between the two has what has led the architecture design firm of CLS Architteti to use the metaphor as its concept for Boutique Runway in Ho Chi Minh City. The interiors of the store create an experience in contrast right from its ambience to the use of material in this space which exceeds 1000sqm. For the hot tropical area of the region, cold is luxury. The space is designed like an ice cove where people can experience a path which is used a metaphor of life and rebirth.

3D digital model, where space is generated by subtraction, has been used to build the cove. The walls are built as 298 sections, each of them with a different morphology. Each lamella is hand cut and then tied together. This process creates a bright white and ‘glacial’ space containing thousands of lamellas arranged in lines, inside which the exhibition pieces are displayed. The digital technology here counters the local construction that deals with the Vietnamese craftsmanship.

The focus of the main space is a cocoon-like structure that sparkles on the outside but is warm and cozy inside. The exterior surface is cladded with more than 12000 mirror-polished stainless steel scales which reflect the ice cove. The scales are represent the mermaid and symbolise the female sensuality.The interior of this organic form is soft both in terms of the materials used and the ambience it creates. Added to this is a dome covered with thousands of plaster roses giving a feminine touch to the place. This, special and unexpected place, houses the VIP room: home of the Queen of ice. Architects have interpreted this as a space where time and life are like suspended. Contrasting with this tailored piece of work are the more natural material taking the form of stone tables and chairs, of mountain-inspired couches and more.The idea of contrasts is applied even to the lighting of the boutique. It is used to effectively enhance the glacial atmosphere outside while creating a feeling of warmth inside the cocoon.

In this luxury store, CLS Architteti have successfully balanced the old and contemporary Vietnam through technology and tradition within the project at different levels.

Text Compilation: Hina Nitesh

Photographs: courtesy the architects

Architects website : http://www.clsarchitetti.com/