Archinect - News

MVRDV delivers 'diamond'-encrusted facade for Tiffany’s newest Shanghai location

2024-07-08T14:09:00-04:00

MVRDV has shared details of its latest design, the new Tiffany & Co. location in Shanghai’s Taikoo Li Qiantan retail development, featuring a glittering imitation of a diamond-encrusted facade.

Image © Wen Studio

The firm’s newest project for the jeweler follows last year's coral-inspired 3D design at the Singapore Changi Airport and utilizes a screen made from 6,988 handcrafted glass 'diamonds' to produce an effect that offers many variances depending on the time of day.

Image © Wen Studio

Behind the screen, an in-store café and accompanying balcony separate the showroom areas and private salons that are included on every floor. The 3.3-pound glass jewels are suspended from steel cables and given a mirrored steel finish to complete the effect, held together finally by specially designed steel fixtures positioned to prevent them from moving or spinning on their supports.

Image © Wen Studio

The facade component is completely dismantleable and will have its parts reused or recycled afte...

OMA completes renovation of Tiffany & Co. Manhattan flagship with rooftop extension

2023-05-19T17:02:00-04:00

OMA has completed its transformation of Tiffany & Co.’s 5th Avenue flagship in New York City. The updated store now features a three-story rooftop addition designed by OMA and interiors by Peter Marino.

Image credit: floto+warner

The project marks the first significant renovation of the store since its opening in 1940. Now known as ‘The Landmark,’ the store “invites visitors to discover the history and range of Tiffany & Co. goods in a redefined flagship environment of displays and shared experiences,” according to OMA.

Image credit: floto+warner

The interior of the existing limestone building sees a central core reorganized to create a clear elevator lobby and improved visitor flow. Atop the building, a new three-story volume houses a dedicated gallery, exhibition, and event space.

Image credit: floto+warner

The first two floors of the volume are stacked into a clear box for exhibitions and events, with a double-height, column-free s...

OMA to bring double-skinned glass addition to Tiffany& Co. flagship store in Manhattan

2020-08-25T15:56:00-04:00

A substantial renovation and expansion of the Tiffany & Co. flagship retail and office tower in Manhattan is currently under construction by OMA New York. The project, which broke ground earlier this year, will bring a new two-story addition to the 10-story building's uppermost levels, replacing an earlier addition made to the structure in the 1980s.

Originally built in 1940 by neoclassical architects Cross & Cross, the building renovation is set to include new exhibition, event, and "clienteling" spaces to help the building keep pace with "the growing and diverse program needs of the brand," according to a press release. According to project text, OMA Partner Shohei Shigematsu and OMA Associate Jake Forster are the main designers for the project at OMA New York.

The project will lend a clearly defined circulation plan to the building as well as new energy efficient amenity and retail spaces along upper levels. The two-story addition is set to include a double-skinned glass facade ...

Frank Gehry's Tiffany Chess Set Is a Miniature Architectural Marvel

2012-05-02T15:42:00-04:00

... instead of drawing his inspiration from buildings in his portfolio, Gehry designed the various pieces of this chess set based on their role in the game. So the soft curves of the queen contrast the sharp angles of the king, while the pawns have all been equipped with cannons atop them. Unfortunately the set, which is made from fine bone-china, is only available from Tiffany & Co. as a special order for a staggering $25,000. A check-mate to the bank account for most of us.