When Bose Corp. (Framingham, Mass.) decided to take 1000 square feet of space in New York's new Time Warner Center, it saw a unique opportunity to develop and test a small store concept for its high-end sound and home-entertainment products.
The venture meant developing a new and flexible merchandising approach and a comprehensive communication strategy.
The challenges for Aedifica, the Montreal design firm entrusted with the project, were to develop an approach that would echo the core brand attributes of “innovation,” “technology” and “simplicity;” to develop storage solutions that would not cost Bose functionality in the smaller format; and to address flexibility requirements and wiring issues.
The perimeter fixture program, produced by Trial Design (Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Que.), accommodated the curved walls, the small space and the need to conceal wiring. The prefabricated MDF panels along the wall, assembled on site, could also be removed and replaced, to accept new graphics programs.
Leather tiles bring warm colors and texture, offering a rich backdrop for the crisp Bose styling. Custom metal grommets allow for flexibility. Dividers and shelves can be moved anywhere on the wall. And the back side of the curved wall is accessible from the stockroom.
Client: Bose Corp., Framingham, Mass.
David Moody, project manager, store planning
Lori Hallahan, project manager, new business development
Joe Simanski, project manager, construction
Melissa Christou-Parker, marketing, retail group
Design: Aedifica Inc., Montreal
Michel Dubuc, partner-in-charge
Stephane Bernier, senior designer
Nicolas Cote, senior designer
Marie-Josee Lapierre, project coordinator
Fixtures: Cassina SpA, Milan
Molteni & Co., Giusssano, Italy
Flooring, Resin Ceiling Panels: Armstrong World Industries Inc., Lancaster, Pa.
Fabrics: Knoll Textiles, Greenville, Pa.
Lighting: Lightolier, Fall River, Mass.
LSI, Cincinnati
iGuzzini, Recanati, Italy
Hera Lighting LP, Norcross, Ga.
Signage: Image National, Boise, Idaho
Graphics: Contact Image, Montreal
Laminates: Nevamar Co., Hampton, S.C.
Wallcoverings: Benjamin Moore, Montvale, N.J. (paint)
Black Stock Leather, Bethesda, Ont. (leather wall tiles)
Stonyx Studio, Montreal (limestone exterior)
Photography: Aedifica Inc., Montreal