Conversion of a department store — Nizami Street 76, Baku 1010, Azerbaijan — 5,000 m² — 2014 — Modest MMC
Charming diversity
Azerbaijan, land of contrasts: orient and occident, Caspian Sea and snow-covered mountains, modern cities and placid villages. The vibrant heart: Baku, the city of winds with its UNESCO protected old town.
In the blink of an eye, the oldest centre of the global oil industry has developed into a modern world-class metropolis. The Grandezza Department Store lives up to this amazing change. As the first of its kind in Baku, it unites the world's top brands under one roof. And yet, each of the four sales floors has its very own atmosphere – due to room defining constructions which form the centre of each department. As house-in-house structures that mirror the different floors through structures, shapes and materials. The perfumery on the ground level, for example, is elevated by exclusive materials and high-gloss black. Crowned by an ornamental metal band in shades of gold which emphasizes the high standards of every single brand. From the shopping promenade Nizami Street, passers-by catch a glimpse through the large shopping windows of the department store. And immediately feel enchanted. In general, visual references play a major role. The sales floors moved closer to the windows and are now visible from the outside. As a result, the multifaceted store appears as one entity from outside. At the same time, the charming historical façade is always present.
