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MRDK creates a “journey through nature” at Attitude boutique in Montreal
CategoriesInterior Design

MRDK creates a “journey through nature” at Attitude boutique in Montreal

By Zarkon Group,

Blocks of granite among planted beds are used to display plastic-free beauty products at this Montreal store, designed by local architecture firm MRDK.

MRDK, also known as Ménard Dworkind, designed the interiors of the Attitude boutique to reflect the sustainable focus of the cosmetics for sale.

Planted beds surrounded by raised ceramic floor
Planted beds are surrounded by a raised ceramic floor at the Attitude store

“From the moment you step inside, the design of the space reflects their commitment to sustainability and a connection to nature,” said the studio.

Located on Saint Denis Street in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhood, the 1,000-square-foot (93-square-metre) shop is laid out to evoke a “journey through nature” according to MRDK.

Sinks carved out of a granite block
A large granite block at the centre has two sinks carved into its top

Planted beds in the store window and around the space overspill with greenery, and a raised ceramic floor creates the impression of traversing a boardwalk between them.

“This subtle elevation change immediately transports you into a new space, a forest floor full of life and colour,” MRDK said.

Oak shelves display products
The brand’s plastic-free beauty products are display on oak shelves that emerge from the greenery

Chunks of granite are used as pedestals for displaying products in the window, while a much larger block in the centre has a pair of sinks carved into its flat top.

“The boulder-like shape and texture of the island suggest a natural element, as if it has been carved by the forces of nature over time,” said MRDK.

“This centerpiece perfectly complements the natural theme of the space, giving customers the sense of being in a nature surrounded by rock formations.”

The majority of Attitude’s products are presented on white oak shelves that emerge from the plant beds on both sides of the store.

Granite plinth surrounded by plants
The raised floor is designed to create a boardwalk between the planted beds

Suspended on white poles and backed by fritted glass, these shelves match the rectangular cashier’s desk at the back, into which the brand’s name is hewn.

There’s also a refill station that customers can use to replenish the aluminium bottles, further promoting sustainability.

Attitude storefront on Saint Denis Street
Smaller blocks of granite are used as plinths to showcase the products in the storefront

MRDK was founded by partners Guillaume Ménard and David Dworkind in 2010, and has completed a wide variety of projects in and around Montreal.

These include a 1970s-themes pizza restaurant, a colossal Chinese brasserie and a wine bar that takes cues from bottle labels, as well as a renovated 1980s home and a cedar-clad hideaway.

The photography is by David Dworkind.

Project credits:

Architecture: MRDK
Team: David Dworkind, Benjamin Lavoie Laroche
Contractor: Groupe STLC



Reference

A Journey of Movement and Form: Inner Mongolia’s Sculpture Research Center
CategoriesArchitecture

A Journey of Movement and Form: Inner Mongolia’s Sculpture Research Center

By Zarkon Group,

 

Inner Mongolia Normal University Sculpture Research Center – The project, which covers an area of 6,000 square meters, mainly functions as a sculpture workshop for research and development and production of various types of sculptures (stone, wood, copper, iron, plastic, leather, jade and pottery). It also has the functions of teaching, communication, exhibition and negotiation, and trading, etc. The creativity of the design is to establish the relationship between space and feeling.

Architizer chatted with Zhang Pengju at INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO., LTD. to learn more about this project.

Architizer: What inspired the initial concept for your design?

Zhang Pengju: The initial design concept came from the moving line of users entering the site, the organization structure guided by which established a series of overall orders in terms of form, space and structure, including: a movement line order that conforms to the relationship of the site, a form order that conforms to the functional needs, a structure order that conforms to the logic of construction, and a time order that conforms to the feeling of site. At the same time, it also further guides the selection of materials in line with the spatial temperament and the lighting strategy in line with the physical logic.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

This project won in the 10th Annual A+Awards! What do you believe are the standout components that made your project win?

At the core are construction, materials, low cost, light, and their interrelation. In the design, light steel was selected as the main structure and recycled concrete blocks served as the wall enclosure space. As both the structure and finishing, the block material expresses the sense of authenticity, achieves durability, and at the same time costs less. The design introduces sky light into the interior, maximizing the expression of the rough and natural block material and the hard and frank steel structure, reinforcing the feeling of a constant and natural site.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

What was the greatest design challenge you faced during the project, and how did you navigate it?

The greatest design challenge was to create an artistic and infectious spatial character. The design laid the foundation of the spatial character by means of spatial staging and enclosure, such as the staging of the space with axial guidance and dynamic variations; the enclosure was completed with the enclosing form of the entrance and the interior light environment; the design also strengthened this spatial character with the attributes of authenticity and purity, such as the authenticity of the materials and the construction. At the same time, the materials, construction, light and shadow also strive to express purity.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

Inner Mongolia Normal University Sculpture Research Center Gallery

Reference