PRINTEMPS’ DYNAMIC NEW ATRIUM!

Located on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris, France, the renowned department store Printemps is undergoing a transformation that will result in the addition of a breathtaking atrium that extends vertically from the lower ground level all the way up to the ninth story… The Printemps department store was the first department store to employ electricity, elevator lifts, and offer sophisticated architectural marvels such as a giant spiral staircase and a dome that was 42 meters high. This distinction was achieved during the course of its lengthy existence. As part of the renovations that are now being carried out at Printemps, the intention was to create a new atrium that would provide guests with the opportunity to see all of the floors. The concept of a vertical dome, also known as a veil, is applied to the atrium as it penetrates the heart of the building by the interdisciplinary research-based architecture studio UUfie, which is responsible for this dynamic feature. This concept is reminiscent of and a tribute to the store’s iconic stained-glass domes, which were first seen in 1894. Although it weighs 24 tons, the veil gives the impression that it is floating in front of the vertical circulation, which is comprised of a glass floor and a mirrored ceiling. It has a height of 25.5 meters and a width of 12.5 meters, and it is made up of white-painted aluminum panels that are perforated with approximately 17,200 petal-shaped openings. These openings reveal a layer of dichroic glass, which has the ability to change colors depending on the angle of view of the observer, giving it an iridescent quality. The floral relief that was produced by the two layers of aluminum surface is an interpretation of pictures that were discovered in the historic stained glass. These images were then transferred into a repeated pattern, which was then randomized to make the explosion of colors on the white surface. Through the use of straightforward curves in both plan and elevation, the geometry of the veil is thought of as a way to unite the four corners of the vacuum. The overall form of the entire veil is created by a mixture of curved panels that are two-dimensional. Having a precise construction made it possible to have complete control over the joints that were between each panel. A one-way mirror wall is located on the other side of the veil, and it is used to hide twelve escalators that have just been constructed. It produces a reflection that completes the symmetry of the veil and provides the impression of a room that is far larger than it really is. A vestibule that is gloomy and leads to the escalators that are located behind the one-way mirror is the entrance that visitors use to enter the room. An unrestricted view of the veil may be obtained via a gap in the one-way mirror wall that is located between the fourth and eighth levels. There are a variety of perspectives and occasions to see the ever-changing play of light and color in the vacuum, and the passage through the spaces provides these opportunities. It is the pillar that supports the main building, and it is responsible for directing the energy to the many retail ideas that are located on each level. Additionally, it transfers a portion of the building’s past into the current day. For the purpose of overcoming the limitations imposed by the existing structure and the stringent fire standards, a space has been created that is both symbolic and expressive of the inventiveness that can be found in architecture and engineering. After just eight months, the whole project was completed, and the shops were able to continue operating normally throughout the entire process. Visit indiaartndesign.com to see the photographs that make up this scenography. Articles that are related to this topic include art, commercial interior design, competition, lighting design, luxury, shop and retail, travel, and commercial architecture. This article should be sent to a friend! Subscribe to have articles like as this one sent directly to your inbox! Get a free subscription right now!