OMA to transform tiffany & co.'s flagship fifth avenue store in new york

OMA’s new york office has unveiled plans to transform tiffany & co.’s flagship store on fifth avenue. led by partner shohei shigematsu, the design re-imagines the retail experience while preserving the historic identity of the prominently located original building. positioned atop the existing structure, a new volume will serve as a versatile exhibition, event, and ‘clienteling’ space. construction on the project, which marks the building’s first holistic renovation and preservation, is currently underway in new york and is on track to complete by spring 2022.

all images by bloomimages

OMA and tiffany & co. began the project by examining the structure’s existing condition before deciding on a series of interventions. importantly, a reorganized internal program will ensure clear zoning and a more fluid circulation that leads to the rooftop’s new volume. ‘the new addition is informed by programmatic needs of the evolving brand — a gathering place that acts as a contemporary counterpart to the iconic ground level space and its activities,’ explains shohei shigematsu. ‘the floating volume over an existing terrace provides a clear visual cue to a vertical journey of diverse experiences throughout the building.’

designed by cross & cross, the building, with its limestone façade and bands of continuous vertical windows, dates back to 1940. although a new rooftop structure was added in 1980, it remained closed off to customers and appeared incongruent with the original architecture. OMA’s design seeks to extend the vertical continuity of the existing structure for a gentle transition between the two structures while creating an element of newness. made from slumped glass that takes cues from the corniced parapet of the original building, the top floor resembles a soft curtain that contrasts the façades of its neighbors.

the floors below are more efficient with a column-free, double-height space opening to both sides of the building. programmed for exhibition and events, the volume is recessed resulting in a spacious outdoor terrace with views up fifth avenue towards central park. tiffany & co.’s retail operations will continue in the adjacent 6 east 57th street location until the renovated flagship is complete.

project info:

name: tiffany & co. fifth avenue flagship store
location: new york, NY
architect: OMA new york / shohei shigematsu with jake forster
client: tiffany & co.
images: bloomimages