byblos opens with a new retail concept designed by sean dix ...........................................................................................................................................
......................... shop .................. competitions .............. education ................ interviews ................... snapshots ................... history .......... contemporary --- sean dix
byblos opens with a new retail concept designed by sean dix (december 2003) --- byblos inaugurates in moscow its new retail image - ribbons of light, syncopated geometric volumes, elaborately textured surfaces, glowing elements, structure as design, are the elements of this new retail concept. this new space is defined by continuous and decisive changes in rhythm: precise lines bending into curves then shifting rapidly to angles, encounters between reflective and opaque surfaces, the play of light and textured shadow. the interior is framed by a decisive rigorous geometry - a defining architecture of alternately rising and falling beams, tapering columns - which delimits this complex environment. the textured walls are in movement - a surface of three-dimensional waves - created using a special technique which incises geometric patterns into composite in a computerized bas relief. the display cases virtually float: each flaring out in a dramatic arc, balanced on a miniscule base, they propose again the encounter between straight and curved lines, the contrast between curves and sharp edges. their finish is a special rubber coating, a rich, light-absorbing surface which begs to be touched. captured between the central columns of the main walls are glowing bands of shelves, created using special light-conducting plastics. the effect is that of rigorous simplicity. the display tables designed for the space are composed of an infinity of thin swooping ribbons of steel. though the form is defined, there is no volume, and it is possible to see through the object to what lies beyond. two glowing white chandeliers, designed by dix, are located at the entrance of the boutique. hundreds of thin, glowing arcs define the exterior of these hollow forms, creating an optical effect like vibrating bands of light. --- sean dix is an industrial designer, born in kansas, raised in fiji, saipan, and the philippines. he graduated from the art institute of chicago, and have been working since 1993 in europe (he worked for tom dixon, james irvine, ettore sottsass...) before opening his own design studio in 2000. sean dix lives and works in milan. --- see the moschino stores, designed / orchestrated by sean dix --- ------- monthly designboom newsletter ------- ------- ? comments and contact us ? -------	sean dix