The Montreal, Canada-based architectural firm Aedifica gave this Beverly Hills, Calif. Sunglass Hut flagship store a charismatic appeal, according to the judges. From its walnut-veneered walls with interchangeable logos to the river stones reflecting against translucent resin panels, the interior space offers a sweet indulgence to the shopper, as if walking through a fanciful candy shop full of sunglass frames. Products are displayed either on blue mica walls with backlit panels or atop floating, sandblasted acrylic panels. Jeffrey Gunning, RTKL vice president, found Aedifica's forest concept and three-dimensional design “compelling,” and viewed the merchandise as true “star” of the space.
Project Name: Sunglass Hut International
Location: Beverly Hills, Calif.
Square Footage: 2,762
Architect: Aedifica, Montreal
Client: Luxottica Retail
Credits
Design Consultants: Permasteelisa Interiors
Flooring: Permasteelisa Interiors
Fixtures: Design Fabricators Genesis Fixtures
Ceiling (resin panels): 3-Form
Laminates: Abet Laminati
Lighting: Sea Gull Lighting Erco Lighting LSI Industries Lightolier
Signage: Triangle Sign
General Contractor: James M. Barb Construction
Graphic Design: Luxottica Retail