When Hermes opens a new store, one might well expect to see something traditional and wood-panelled. However, the company's new Seoul outlet in Dosan Park bucks these assumptions. Architect Rena Dumas, who designs all the Hermes stores worldwide, created a bold, detached, double glass-membraned block. The exterior is coated with gold stripes - not far from the Hermes house shade of orange - that reflect the surroundings, acting as a screen to those looking in, but allow a view out to the bustling capital.
Any notion that this sculptural exploration in light is coldly unwelcoming is also dismissed once inside the building, which has been cut into to provide walkways, patios and gardens, with a curved staircase that flares up between levels. On the upper levels of the new ten-storey building, above the sales floor, are Hermes offices, workshops and an art exhibition space (pictured below during the inaugural show by French artist Daniel Buren), while in the basement is a cafe and a library.
There's also a museum, designed by long-time Hermes collaborator Hilton McConnico, with luminous white flooring, a mirrored ceiling and leather-clad tree-like columns; inside each of these is either an interactive screen explaining Hermes' historical legacy or a rare item from its archives.
Taking a stroll through this sci-fi forest is one of the highlights of a visit to this 7,745 sq m monster of a concept store. It's also a place to catch your breath after blowing a tidy sum on one of Hermes' highly desirable leather goods.
Contact
630-26 Shinsa-DongKangnam-gu, Seoul Tel: 82.2 542 6622
@Source: http://www.wallpaper.com/
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