Umbra
TORONTO | FLAGSHIP | 6,000 SQ FT
Renowned for their cutting-edge and contemporary homeware, Umbra enlisted the collaboration of Figure3 and Kohn Shnier Architects to bring their first retail flagship to life. Nestled in the heart of Toronto's vibrant Queen West shopping district, the joint effort revitalized an aging structure into a visually striking retail space that perfectly encapsulates Umbra's design-focused ethos.
AWARDS
Canadian Interiors, 2008
Best of Canada
Retail Council of Canada, 2008
Retail Store Design Award
Redefining
Creativity
Adopting the same award-winning approach used for Umbra’s stylish world headquarters, the 1950s building underwent a transformation by pinning vertical translucent fins to the exterior facade, emerging as a luminous two-level retail store, with the third level exclusively dedicated to commercial office space.
Beacon
of Light
Inside the store, an interactive design center beckons customers to witness and engage with industrial designers in the process of creating products. Simultaneously, the gallery-like boutique positions iconic housewares as works of art.
In a clever design twist, Figure3 ingeniously repurposed Umbra table lamps, turning them into oversized chandeliers that serve as prominent features throughout this inspirational retail destination.
