The Whitney Museum of American Art, a bastion of contemporary art in New York City, has recently undergone a significant transformation in its retail space. The museum’s lobby, a vast glass enclosure, now features a revamped bookstore designed by the Brooklyn-based studio, Office of Tangible Space.
Founded by Michael Yarinsky and Kelley Perumbeti, the studio was entrusted with the task of creating a refreshed retail experience that aligns with the museum’s dynamic and modern ethos.
The new design includes versatile shelving units, tables, and chairs, all mounted on wheels for easy reorganization, and rendered in a mix of blond and blackened woods.
These elements, characterized by rounded edges and varying heights, signal a transformative phase for the Whitney shop, enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The innovative design even includes specialized racks for hanging clothing and rotational mechanisms for certain shelf units, akin to closing a jewelry box.
Office of Tangible Space: Innovating Retail Design
Office of Tangible Space, a Brooklyn-based design studio, has made a name for itself with its unique approach to retail design. The studio, founded by Michael Yarinsky and Kelley Perumbeti, focuses on creating spaces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Their work on the Whitney Museum’s bookstore is a testament to their innovative design philosophy.
Design Philosophy and Approach
The design philosophy of Office of Tangible Space revolves around the idea of creating dynamic and flexible spaces.
For the Whitney Museum’s bookstore, they introduced a series of shelving units, tables, and chairs that are all mounted on wheels. This design choice allows for easy reorganization, making the space adaptable to various needs and events.
The use of blond and blackened woods adds a touch of elegance, while the rounded edges of the furniture pieces enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
The Transformation of the Whitney Museum’s Bookstore
The revamped bookstore at the Whitney Museum is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform a space. The new design not only enhances the functionality of the bookstore but also aligns with the museum’s modern and dynamic ethos.
The versatile shelving units, tables, and chairs, along with specialized racks for hanging clothing, make the space more user-friendly and visually appealing.
Versatile and Functional Design
The new design of the Whitney Museum’s bookstore is all about versatility and functionality. The shelving units, tables, and chairs are all mounted on wheels, allowing for easy reorganization.
This makes the space adaptable to various needs, whether it’s for a special event or simply to create a different layout. The use of blond and blackened woods adds a touch of elegance, while the rounded edges of the furniture pieces enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
Specialized Racks and Rotational Mechanisms
One of the standout features of the new design is the inclusion of specialized racks for hanging clothing. These racks are not only functional but also add a unique element to the space.
Additionally, the design includes rotational mechanisms for certain shelf units, allowing them to close like a jewelry box. This innovative feature adds a touch of sophistication and makes the space more versatile.
Enhancing the User Experience
The new design of the Whitney Museum’s bookstore is all about enhancing the user experience. The versatile shelving units, tables, and chairs, along with specialized racks for hanging clothing, make the space more user-friendly and visually appealing.
The inclusion of rotational mechanisms for certain shelf units adds a touch of sophistication and makes the space more versatile.
Conclusion
The transformation of the Whitney Museum’s bookstore by Office of Tangible Space is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can enhance a space.
The versatile and functional design, along with the use of elegant materials and innovative features, makes the bookstore a standout feature of the museum.
This project is a testament to the innovative design philosophy of Office of Tangible Space and their ability to create spaces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
For more details on this exciting transformation, you can read the full article on the Architect’s Newspaper.