2024-05-15T14:58:14-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/150029461/taller-ken-s-okio-boutique-is-a-giant-billboard-for-eyewear Mackenzie Goldberg 2017-09-20T14:40:00-04:00 >2024-03-15T01:45:58-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f1/f1gcr9l8pfrm609k.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Doubling as a giant billboard and storefront, the OKIO eyewear boutique in Guatemala features an eye-catching fa&ccedil;ade shaped like a pair of cat's eyeglasses.&nbsp;</p> <figure><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f5/f5xbpuuv5vxhwrww.jpg?fit=crop&amp;auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=728"></figure><p>The project was designed by architectural practice <a href="https://archinect.com/tallerken" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taller KEN</a>, <a href="https://archinect.com/features/article/149990254/small-studio-snapshots-taller-ken" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recently featured</a> in our <a href="https://archinect.com/features/tag/845829/small-studio-snapshots" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Small Studio Snapshots series</a>.&nbsp;</p> <figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ey/eyvlpkwxkikl9i7b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=1028" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ey/eyvlpkwxkikl9i7b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=514"></a><figcaption>Photo credits: Byron Marmol, Marcelo Gutierrez</figcaption></figure></figure><p>The giant, circular windows make clear the usage, bring in natural light and allow outsiders to window shop. Throughout the store&mdash;which contains a retail area, exam room, restrooms and storage&mdash;this playful geometry is carried out. A large 'oculus' skylight, brightens up the interior and mirrors of different shapes and sizes&nbsp;reflect the different shapes in the ceiling and fa&ccedil;ade.</p> <figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/qx/qxn4jrwdbvxww0co.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=1028" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/qx/qxn4jrwdbvxww0co.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=514"></a><figcaption>Photo credits: Byron Marmol, Marcelo Gutierrez </figcaption></figure></figure><figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/au/auersmoxf0yc0nzq.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=1028" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/au/auersmoxf0yc0nzq.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Photo credits: Byron Marmol, Marcelo Gutierrez </figcaption></figure><p>Inside,&nbsp;a custom display bar and cashier are positioned underneath the skylight at the center of the space. Interior details are designed with natural wood that contrasts the cool white of the ...</p>