OBJECTIVE Pulsinelli’s design for Outpost 2 - Apple Specialist provides an innovative look while conveying the Apple brand identity. The design, tailored to the local community, is a remarkable contrast between ordinary construction materials and cutting-edge technology.
Outpost 2 – Apple Specialist is not only a retailer for Apple devices and accessories but also a service provider. Training sessions, workshops on how to utilize Apple products to their fullest potential and Apple product solutions for businesses are also provided on site. The store layout has been defined based on the above criteria and with the intention of offering a unique, seamless journey to the local consumer.
DESCRIPTION The elegant 200 m2 boutique design is a combination of familiar shapes constructed with unusual materials. The large display tables, with classic sculpted legs, are made of concrete while the wood wall paneling pattern is printed on glass and the warm wood floor is stained in a cool gray/blue.
The store is positioned at an intersection of the mall’s common corridor. To provide the best possible visibility to upcoming traffic from all three directions, the storefront’s glazing has been designed on an angle. This differs from the rest of the typically flat storefronts.
The edge of the glazing, which protrudes into the common area, is aligned with an existing structural column that has been wrapped with brushed, stainless steel and utilized like a street pylon sign holder. The long blade sign, connected to the pylon, penetrates the glass at the intersection of the angled glazing and extends into the common area to maximize the branding surface and visibility.
Consumers have clear visibility of the products from both the outside and the inside of the store. The services provided are advertised using interior wall signage and large TV screens that are framed with a classic wooden profile and stained to match the railroad gray/blue, wood floor.
One of the criteria is the predefined product display hierarchy. When entering the store, the iPad table is the first thing the customer encounters. Behind the table, a clear glass partition with a printed wood wall paneling pattern, separates the Lab area without obstructing the view. The glass divider is pierced by the concrete table, where training takes place. The table cuts through the glass panel to emphasize space continuity and at the same time creates a playful element of visual interest.
On the opposite side and along the right wall are the principal, interactive display tables. Mounted to the right wall is a large, custom printed glass that acts as a background to contrast the concrete. The high-performance concrete used is polished for an ultra smooth, satin finish. Organic fibers have been mixed into the concrete for reinforcement in order to achieve thinner surfaces and lightweight pieces.
Farther along are the cash and service desks separated by a glass panel. Nearby, are the floating accessory wall displays which have been enhanced by blue LED lighting, illuminating both above and below the cabinetry. The blue light supports the muted, graded gray and the blue palette of colour that evokes a sense of serenityand airiness.
RESULTS AND BENEFITS ACHIEVED About 95% of the materials used for the entire project are sustainable and LED lighting is the only artificial source of light used. To save energy, an automatic dimmer and daylight sensor have been installed to control about 40% of the light fixtures positioned in the proximity of the storefront. The sensor responds to the available natural light that filters through large skylights positioned in the common corridor of the mall.
This sustainble design has influenced the life quality and business culture of the staff. Outpost 2 has recieved an exeptional response from the community and in only six months of business, is being considered as one of the top Apple Specialists in Ontario.
Nino Pulsinelli - Principal Creative Sia Mahdieh - Director of Interior Design
