NU.DE interpolates crystalline forms on emporio showroom in india
photo by shamnath j patil
all images courtesy of NU.DE architecture

 

 

 

designed by mumbai-based architecture practice NU.DE, ’emporio’ is a luxury sanitary and bath-ware showroom in kannur, india. the building engages the public realm through a tessellated form which wraps the front and side elevations, creating a visual spectacle for visitors and passers-by. this dynamic geometry wraps into the interior spaces, specifically as the receptionist’s desk, which spans across the entirety of the entry area.

nu.de architecture emporio designboom

the crystalline form on the façades serves as a visual beacon, engaging the public realm
photos by shamnath j patil

 

 

 

during the day, the white tessellated form on the façade juxtaposes the dark overall building mass. the scheme utilizes corian, a translucent material (manufactured by dupont), which allows for the crystalline volumes to glow at night via embedded lights. colored LEDs illuminate both the panels and the edges of the triangular geometries, creating a variety of different appearances.

nu.de architecture emporio designboom

the triangulated geometry translates into the interior through a sculptural reception desk
photo by shamnath j patil

nu.de architecture emporio designboom

colored LEDs illuminate the edges of the crystalline form
photo by shamnath j patil

nu.de architecture emporio designboom

photo by shamnath j patil

nu.de architecture emporio designboom

the showroom features bath-ware and sanitation products
photo by shamnath j patil

nu.de architecture emporio designboom

an all white and minimally detailed space presents various sinks and toilets
photo by shamnath j patil

nu.de architecture emporio designboom

photo by shamnath j patil

nu.de architecture emporio designboom

the reception desk can present an inverse illumination for greater variety
photos by shamnath j patil

nu.de architecture emporio designboom

at night the façades illuminate in a variety of different colors
photos by shamnath j patil

 

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project info:

 

project title: emporio
location: kannur, india
dates: 2013 – 2014
client: ABC sales corporation, india
typology: commercial / retail
area: 1800 sqm
NU.DE team: nuru karim (founder & principal), arun tillak (design associate architect), favas mohammad (design associate architect), santosh m (assistant architect)
photography: shamnath j patil