OMA completes flagship store for maison ullens in paris

OMA completes flagship store for maison ullens in paris
photo by kevin mak
all images © OMA

paris’ first maison ullens store has opened its doors to the public, timed to coincide with the city’s couture fashion week. completed by internationally acclaimed architecture office OMA, the intimate design offers a distinct sense of individuality, often found lacking in luxury boutiques. the interiors are lined with an ivory white onyx wall which divides the shop between public browsing areas and more private experiential zones. the brightly lit open volumes showcase the brand’s latest designs, while a series of secluded cocoons help establish a warm and relaxed retail environment.

photo by kevin mak

the warm and luxurious materials incorporated within the project reflect those chosen by masion ullens in their clothing. marble, leather, brass and terrazzo serve as a reminder of french history and craftsmanship. porous wooden curtains, found in the façade’s windows, have been custom designed by the artist elisa strozyk, while bespoke furniture is used throughout the store.

photo by kevin mak

‘the meticulous spatial articulation, the choice of materials and the injection of art and bespoke furniture create moments of surprises in maison ullens, enhancing a luxurious personalized shopping experience’, commented OMA partner david gianotten, the lead designer of the project.

project architect inge goudsmit continued, ‘the shop creates a distinction between the public and private shopping experiences through the use of the onyx wall. our close communications with maison ullens have enabled us to translate the design brief into a space that elaborates the brand’s identity.’

photo by kevin mak

floor plan detailing customer circulation routes

project info:

project: maison ullens paris
completed: january, 2014
client: maison ullens
location: paris, france
site: 4 rue de marignan, 75008 paris
program: flagship store
partner in charge: david gianotten
project architect: inge goudsmit
team: miranda lee, yannis chan, saul smeding with: max bergman, hin cheung, grace cho, lingxiu chong, von xiao chua, vincent kersten, jedidiah lau, kevin mak