alain carle plants three birch trees into aesop westmount in montreal

canadian firm alain carle architecte has taken a narrative approach in their take of the retail interiors belonging to aesop westmount in montréal where the resulting space derives from the concept of water; a key component to its location. the notion of nature is continued and explored through the three birch trees that goes straight through the ceiling and stands at the heart of the space as a visual focus.

‘a figurative narrative in architecture always leads somehow to folkloric citation, leaving very little space for freedom of interpretation and contemplation. we believe architecture should be interpretative, not dictating.’

all images © adrien williams

the element of water brings to mind a sense of contemplation, fluidity and its changing states. an abstracted vision of water is translated within alain carle’s aesop interior where differing materials have been used as metaphors to demonstrate the versatility of the liquid. a wall of black glass representing frozen water becomes a mirror and duplicates the space, like an optical illusion and gives depth to the physical boundaries of the scheme. meanwhile the flooring features a log-like pattern running perpendicular to the space in order to mimic these wooden platforms floating above the dark waters of the inlands.

like every aesop store in the world, the wash basin is the key element of the layout and this has been established at the store front as a cantilevering block. the striking sink instills a floating effect that perpetuates the sensation of being close to water and is finished completely in gold, complementing the pay counter at the rear.

the sink in gold cantilevers from the storefront into the space

the black glass, as a metaphor of frozen water, adds depth to the store

a video installation, designed by artist pascal grandmaison plays at the entry of the space

no matter the location of the aesop store, each interior applies a singular sales philosophy

floor plan

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