Ann Demeulemeester Shop by Mass Studies
The Ann Demeulemeester Shop created by Mass Studies Architects is located on the first floor, with a restaurant above and a Multi-Shop in the basement.
This proposal is an attempt to incorporate as much nature as possible into the building within the constraints of a low-elevation, high-density urban environment of limited space (378). The building defines its relationship between natural/artificial and interior/exterior as an amalgamation, rather than a confrontation. Diverse interior spaces designated for its three main programs were made to be perceived and utilized as a part of the outdoors in a variety of ways. This building is not meant to be just another ‘object’ to be experienced externally, but rather as a synthetic organism of nature and artifice.
The parking lot/courtyard is at the center of the site, exposed to the street on the southern end. The entrance to the Ann Demeulemeester Shop is located on the western side of the courtyard, and stairs that lead to the other two programs are located on the eastern side. Landscaping of dense bamboo form a wall along each of the remaining three sides that border neighboring sites. Inside the first floor shop, undulating dark brown exposed concrete forms an organically shaped ceiling.
Round columns on the edges of the space continue the ceiling surface while providing the necessary structural support. This structural system creates arched openings of varying sizes that are open and as exposed as possible to the outside road and the bamboo hedges. This organic formation is not only a dynamic space but a flexible rectangular one (11.2m x 14m). The additional wing on the eastern side contains support functions such as fitting rooms, storage, and a bathroom, efficiently divided and connected at the same time.
The outside building material is primarily a geotextile planted with a herbaceous perennial to form a living facade, while the other three sides that face bamboo borders are clad in steel sheets are finished with propylene resin.
March 14, 2008 - Category: Architecture - Posted by: Chantal - Comments: 3
March 26th, 2008 at 2:10 am
i’m very intrigued with the walls, how did the exterior walls turned into green moss-like walls? waht is it made of?
May 21st, 2008 at 6:35 am
Eat a third and drink a third and leave the remaining third of your stomach empty. Then, when you get angry, there will be sufficient room for your rage.
July 31st, 2008 at 9:05 am
Beautiful fashion show by Anne Demeulemeester. We went there with my closed friend Caroline-Christa Bernard. Kirsten, Anvers (Belgium).