OKIO
This optometry store features large openings on the façade shaped like a pair of cat’s eye glasses. Called OKIO, The store is freestanding in a shopping plaza where the eye-catching façade acts as a giant billboard, allowing customers to see through the storefront, and let in the natural light. Natural tones of wood contrast the cool white of the walls, forest-green millwork, the pastel-green terrazzo tiles and tropical plants from the exterior garden.
This optometry store features large openings on the façade shaped like a pair of cat’s eye glasses.
Called OKIO, The store is freestanding in a shopping plaza where the eye-catching façade acts as a giant billboard, allowing customers to see through the storefront, and let in the natural light.
A large circular ‘oculus’ skylight serves to light to the interior complemented by spotlights focused on the merchandise. A custom display bar and cashier stands underneath the skylight at the center of the space.
The store contains a retail area, exam room, restrooms and storage.
The eyewear is arranged on display system of adjustable white metal shelves attached to floor-to-ceiling wood dowels.
The natural color of the wood contrasts the cool white of the walls, forest-green millwork, the pastel-green terrazzo tiles and tropical plants from the exterior garden.
Mirrors of different shapes and sizes reflect the different shapes in the ceiling and façade, creating a play of geometry throughout the store.
About Taller KEN:
Taller KEN, founded in 2013 by Gregory Melitonov and Ines Guzman, is a New York and Guatemala based architecture practice focused on playful design with social and cultural relevancy. Works of the studio range in scale from mixed-use development, commercial and residential projects, to exhibition and installation design.
The firm recently received the New York, New Practices Award from the AIA, which "recognizes and promotes new, innovative and emerging architecture firms" and was named as a 'firm to watch' by Architecture Record and Architizer.
Gregory and Ines previously worked for Pritzker Prize laureate Renzo Piano as part of the design team for the Whitney Museum of American Art and the headquarters building for the High Line park in New York City.