NLa | Undefeated-I

This sneaker shop located in the middle of Los Angeles was conceived as a tribute to Japanese architecture, Richard Neutra and Los Angeles vernacular. The security fence in the front of the store doubles as a screen to shield the storefront from the intense afternoon sun that hits the front of the building. A cantilevered concrete bench penetrates the storefront turns ninety degrees along the screen and creates a seating place next to a small waterfall. This area was treated as a potential respite from the equally hectic realms of consumerism inside and the roaring traffic of La Brea on the sidewalk. The rear of the store was conceived as a house within the store, with sales counter and additional product display tucked behind a wall of cypress planks. Shelving was handled in a straightforward manner that allowed the shoes to be displayed in a manner analogous to an art gallery.