Archinect
MARIAGROUP

MARIAGROUP

Beirut, LB

anchor

Iwan Maktabi Flagship Store

While designing the flagship store, the challenge was to address a new type of shop window experience, revisiting ways of displaying and storing carpets.

On the ground floor, the shop has 4 tall windows facing a main vehicular and pedestrian artery, as well as a corner window. Instead of displaying carpets right behind the 4 windows, the idea was to occupy the space of the shop window, widening it into the depth of the shop: The carpets, fixed on white walls 2m away from the windows, are now visible from inside and outside the store. 

When going through the side door, the visitor is invited to cross the 2m wide space of the shop window, before entering the exhibition area. The hallway doubles as a gallery with large display cabinet occupying the space between the windows, accentuating the rhythm of approach from the door. 

The solemnity of this gallery space is further enhanced by the proportions of the white walls, the tall windows, and the reflective ceiling duplicating the height of the space.

Once inside, the shop reveals itself as an open space divided in two: a display area with white walls on one side, and a working area with the reception desk and a meeting room on the mezzanine level all finished in smoked Oak wood on the other side. 

The display area is outlined with different types of presentation walls: large sliding walls (about 5m high) that allows for 12 rows of carpets, one behind the other; another oblique wall has a pull-down chassis mechanism that carries 3 rows of sliding tracks, and operates electrically for easy hanging and display; a third wall, which separates the entrance from the display area, slides to provide a different connection with the entrance gallery, depending on the itinerary that the curator wishes to set up. 

A central structural column supports ladder like rods that serve as additional hanging for small carpets, textiles and samples.

In the work area, defined in wood, parallel flights of stairs connect the 4 different levels of the shop. Floating steps of solid Oak are framed by wall paneling on one side and metal rods on the other. 
On the mezzanine, a meeting table in Carrara marble contrasts with the rough finish of the oak paneling behind. 

A storage library, extends from the ground floor and to mezzanine level, highlighting the connection between the two levels.

On the basement floor, the contemporary collection of carpets is displayed. With a low ceiling, all ventilation and air conditioning ducts were kept exposed. Existing walls and coffered concrete ceiling were painted black, while white panels are hanged on the walls carrying colorful carpets.

 
Read more

Status: Built
Location: Beirut, LB
Firm Role: Architect - Interior Designer