Toelichting/Description Barde + vanVoltt - The idea was to maintain the community driven store with its status as hangout, even though everything had to change. The future of retail is all about inspiring people and setting their senses alight.
We asked ourselves; how are sneakers made? This question marked the starting point for Barde + vanVoltt in their design mission for Sneaker District Amsterdam. We rekindled our inspiration for Antwerp and mixed it up with Amsterdam’s pioneering spirit offering a savvy design solution for a whole lotta sneakers in a relatively limited space.
Upper level
Sneaker District Amsterdam is a split-level space featuring one considerably high ceiling upon entering the store. Making good use of this height was a challenge however, height also meant that a lot (A. LOT.) of shoes could be displayed against the walls. Question remained: how could sneaker fans access them all?
Wait u’r turn
Leave it to the Dutch to design a unique sneaker carrousel so that each model is accessible during one’s visit. In collaboration with the Technical University of Delft and Stalen Gasten, the interactive carrousels was further developed. Visitors literally can wait their turn until the one comes within reach. The carrousels are set against a concrete wall and flanked by LED lighting that can be adjusted to any color. They’re also a smart offline equivalent of scrolling online in search of the next pair.
Stairway to heaven
The door to the storage room – located above the store – is plated with hot-rolled steel to give it a vault-like vibe and can be accessed by authorised personnel only. The perforated steel banisters are powder coated in a rusty-reddish tone, referring to the weathering of steel and to the wear and tear of your favourite pair. Of course the colour also matches the city’s distinct ‘Amsterdammertjes’ which are there to protect pedestrians.
Lower level
In contrast with the more industrial look of the entrance is the stylish and cosy basement which forms the beating heart of the store. By placing wooden scantlings against all walls Barde + vanVoltt create warmth and depth and refer to a halfpipe thanks to the round ceilings. Super slim steel shelving pops out of the wooden scantlings creating more or less floating displays that catches the light perfectly, resulting in a gallery like presentation.
Hangout
The old chesterfield sofas have been replaced by a velvet one, ‘Plumy’ from Ligne Roset and invites all friends and visitors to chill out and have a drink. The counter, or bar, depends on which way you look at it, is made out of recycled marble and refers to Nike’s famous ‘elephant print’ as in Antwerp and takes the shape of an abstract sneaker protruding the floor.
Smoked glass cabinets with mirrored plinths are designed to give clothing a float like impression.
The back-wall is covered with Kaufmann Keramik tiles extending the line-play all the way to the back. Neon signage #sneakerdistrict is a link to the company’s huge social following.
From rich fabrics to raw materials, the store is an ode to Sneaker Design and celebrating Sneaker Culture.
