Apple’s first flagship store in India, designed by Foster + Partners, is now open. It is located in the Bandra Kurla Complex, a business and residential district in Mumbai.

Employing many design elements synonymous with Apple stores around the world, Apple BKC attempts to blur the boundaries between inside and outside: A 26-foot-tall glass façade highlights the double-height volume within and the outdoor areas. Greenery is invited into the store, with a row of ficus trees slotted along the inside of the glazing.

The connection between the interior and exterior spaces is further emphasized by a hand-crafted timber ceiling that extends beyond the glass façade to the underside of the exterior canopy. The ceiling is made up of a triangular grid of 450,000 individual timber elements. Each of the 1,000 ceiling tiles is formed using 400 pieces of oak timber (reportedly sustainably sourced) arranged in a lattice woven pattern. This was inspired by the work of cane and rattan weavers in Mumbai. 

Inside, a staircase, made of stainless steel and two 46-foot-long glass balustrades, connects the ground level and the cantilevered mezzanine. On the upper level, visitors are provided views of the ground floor and the landscaped public realm. In addition, two stone walls draw visitors into the space and provide a foil to the glass façade. The stone is sourced from Rajasthan. 

Apple BKC achieved LEED Platinum Certification through its solar array that supplies renewable energy. 

“We are delighted to collaborate with Apple on their first flagship store in India,” said Stefan Behling, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners. “Apple BKC embodies the creative spirit of Mumbai. The design incorporates finely-crafted elements, locally-sourced materials and lush greenery — to stimulate the senses and lift the spirits.”