Project Description
The new showroom for Roche-Bobois, located at 222 West Hubbard Street in Chicago’s River North Furniture District, is an example of the synergy which can be created between architecture, product design and marketing, when each are given equal importance in the design process. A sleek palette of new materials consisting of frame-less glass and polished concrete floors, contrast intentionally with the heavy timber construction and exposed masonry and concrete walls of the space. An angled steel and concrete entry stair draws pedestrians in from the street and up to the main level, while a large opening in the floor provides views of the Jean Paul Gautier designed furniture below. A large floating stair in the center of the store provides access and natural light to the lower level sales floor. Designed specifically for the display of “Sirrus” lights, a double wall of mullion-less glass surrounds the stair with the lights hanging between them, turning what would normally be a simple railing into an experience of light, transparency, shadow and reflection. Glass walls and structural glazed railings are use throughout to provide an open feel to the design. Floating ceilings at various levels relate to furniture settings in both size and color, creating a sense of space and providing for the display of the Roche-Bobois line of wall fabrics. Lighting, signage and graphics have been incorporated into the design to emphasize the Roche-Bobois brand and the furniture lines represented.