Google’s First Physical Retail Space in NYC

Google has opened its first physical retail space in New York's Chelsea, designed by architecture studio Reddymade to include cork furniture and recycled materials. Google Store occupies a ground-floor space in the former Port Authority Building – a vast art deco structure that is home to the tech company's NYC headquarters. Architect Suchi Reddy of Reddymade worked with Ivy Ross, VP of design, UX and research for Google Hardware, to create a retail experience based on their collaboration during Milan's Salone del Mobile in 2019. Elements of the exhibition, A Space For Being, including the core principles of neuroaesthetics – a branch of science that examines how visual aesthetics can impact our bodies and minds – informed the design of the store. At the entrance, tubes of extruded glass are suspended between the floors and ceiling to form the Imagination Space, where visitors are invited to interact with Google products and technologies via a series of screens. Warm and tactile materials like wood panelling, and cork furniture by Daniel Michalik, were chosen to create an inviting mood in the main area. Casual seating in the form of benches, poufs and stools can be used by shoppers and those seeking product advice or assistance. Many of the materials across the Google Store were selected for their sustainable credentials, enabling the project to achieve LEED Platinum certification.   Among these are flooring made from 100 per cent recycled factory waste by Swedish company Bolon, and acoustic panels with a felt-like finish made from 100 per cent PET plastic, and containing at least 60 per cent post-consumer content, by US manufacturer Kirei. In the windows, illuminated "discovery boxes" showcase Google products and allow passersby to interact with them using augmented reality technology. "Reddymade's design puts the visitor at ease, welcoming those seeking help alongside those pursuing their curiosity. The intention is to "re-awaken visitors to the childlike wonder found in the technology and digital innovation on display,”said designers.