The David Z Shoe Company is long known for its urban discounter look. They asked KOHN ARCHITECTURE to design its new store on 5th Avenue and 36th Street. The store showcases cutting edge design in an area of 5th Avenue known mostly for its `Going out of Business’ signs and souvenir shops. The store window display of bright fluorescent lights that electronic stores often used crowded the electronic stores window.

So Kohn took the crass concept of the entire store window display and cleverly re-adapts it inside the store. Two huge light boxes are in three groups with rows of pivoting aluminum panels that flank you as you walk in. The pivoting panels in front turn into shelves to display shoes. They also soften the glow of the lights. These wonderfully versatile shelves can be configured any number of ways, depending on how they are opened. For instance, they can be setup in a checkerboard pattern, some opened some closed. A wave-like pattern is also possible, as well as stripes and abstract arrangements. Over 11,000 different configurations are possible. Above all, they provide order to the usual chaotic displays often seen in shoe stores.

The front window features a curved and gently sloping wood platform with stainless steel display stands to hold the shoes. The effect is a whimsical parade of shoes marching in cadence with the pedestrians and tourists on the street. Hovering above the special epoxy concrete floor is an ethereal floating ceiling plane. Stainless steel accents and simple wood benches and cash wrap add to the sense of calm and serenity that pervades the space. Lighting also is one of the hallmarks of a Kohn project. Before becoming an architect, Mr. Kohn worked extensively in window and retail showroom display in New York and around the country. His innovative and surrealistic designs often featured wildly creative use of lighting and special effects. Contact Kohn Architecture today for assistance on your retail design project.