“Manhattan is a grid of architectural islands. A rigid chaos of concrete, steel and glass. Each skyscraper is a self-contained universe, presenting a tall, hard façade to the street. In this way, the pedestrian’s experience is vertically enclosed, limited to straight lines and right angles. When one steps into a building, however, an interior world is revealed, opening up nonlinear possibilities previously unimaginable. The design of Aesop Upper East Side performs this transition—from outside to in, from hard to soft, from public to private.
“The façade of stone and glass reflects the surrounding cityscape. At the same time, the warm interior beckons, drawing passersby in. The glossy, geometric posts of the shelving structure recall Manhattan’s characteristic building profiles, which ensure that light and air reach the street below. Each level of the posts’ inset corresponds to a different function: where one might sit, where one’s hands might rest on the basin, for example. In this way, the idea of urban zoning is translated to the scale of the human body.
“As one journeys further into the store, the pleasures of the Aesop realm are discovered. A soft, tucked-away bench offers the weary rambler a place to rest. Obstructing the linear progression through the space, a central stone basin allows customers to wash away the grime of the metropolis. Perseverant visitors will reach a private space where an individual basin is hidden from view. This is the inner core of the Aesop cosmos: a place of intimacy, running water, and unlimited explorations of aromatic and efficacious products.”
About Aesop
Aesop was established in Melbourne in 1987, and has since been formulating products with efficacy foremost in mind—their complex, distinctive aromas are but an incidental treat. The range now spans skin, hair and body care, as well as fragrance and accessories for the self and home. Some of the ingredients used are plant-based; others are laboratory-made; all are ethically sourced and have a proven record of safety. Aesop—a Certified B Corporation™ —does not test its formulations or ingredients on animals. All Aesop products are vegan, Leaping Bunny approved, and included on PETA’s cruelty-free and vegan lists. They are available at aesop.com, in Aesop signature stores and department store counters, and from select like-minded retailers across the globe.
About Alexander Zilberman Architecture (AZA)
Led by founder and principal architect Alexander Zilberman, AIA, NCARB, AZA has served as designer and architect for flagship and rollout works for luxury brands around the world, from Jimmy Choo in Newport Beach and Helmut Lang in Atlanta to Victoria’s Secret in Savannah, Ga. and Michael Kors Collection on Madison Avenue. Other recent works include Q New York, the first-ever U.S. showroom for iconic British automaker Aston Martin located on Park Avenue in New York City, a freestanding flagship and headquarters for luxury timepiece purveyor Precision Watches outside Philadelphia, and new travel retail stores in airports and cruise ships globally. AZA is also noted for high-end hospitality works including Soho House as well as workplaces, headquarters offices and select residential works.
Visit azarchdesign.com for more.
Feature Image Courtesy of: AZA , Aesop
