Location: MILAN, Italy 2'000 sqm 2015
Client: Giada SPA
Type: Workspaces

The Jacob Cohen House in Milan occupies 1'500 square meters of the former Richard Ginori factory with the brand’s new showroom and offices. The architectural space is meant to be a multifunctional and dynamic container, satisfying the firm’s needs but also fostering new experimental actions.

Contemporary lifestyle, characterized by multitasking and fluid scenarios, inspired a design deeply oriented to spatial and functional flexibility. Sharp surfaces define rooms and paths, while denim movable partitions transform functions and perspectives.
Architectural flexibility guarantees people operating flexibility. Thus, the showroom can be endlessly fragmented and recomposed: the event room can host either a theatre or a catwalk; lounges in the office area are for informal meetings or relaxation. If the spatial dynamism implies high efficiency, furnishings and functional distribution suggest a relaxed and almost intimate interaction among people. The fluid and non-hierarchical organization of spaces encourages not only a new way of working, but also a new way of managing relationships.
Area-17’s design pays homage to the industrial character of the building, through its essential lines and airy volumes defined by glass, mirror, and concrete surfaces. Precious woods, English tapestry, and denim inserts are instead references to the brand’s values and tradition. The rather classic use of materials is counterbalanced by the creative use of technology supporting the architecture. The showroom has indeed been conceived as a smart environment. A special edition by Baxter for Jacob Cohen dresses upholsteries, celebrating the first collaboration between the two brands.

 

Featured

__
SINGAPORE 90 sqm 2020

A giant octopus animated for few months the ION Orchard shopping centre’s atrium. It belonged to Panerai pop-up store, a nautically-themed universe set up to not only celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Panerai Luminor, but also serving as temporary holding grounds whilst its flagship boutique within the same mall underwent a refurbishment. 

__
SHENZHEN, China 100 sqm 2019

Area-17’s design for the patisserie L’Amour aims to create a place where one can escape from his daily routine, an enchanted universe where the whole senses are stimulated by a seamless correspondence between taste and sight, olfaction and touch. The boutique combines sensoriality and functionality. Thanks to varied configurations of interiors and seating, it is the perfect venue for a relaxing break alone or with friends.

__
HONG KONG, China 240 sqm 2019

Area-17 worked together with Juventus FC team to design the new company’s APAC offices located in the Central district of Hong Kong, one of the most renowned international business hubs. The leading ideas behind this overseas agency are strengthening the brand’s awareness worldwide and fostering a close relationship with global and regional partners.