Excerpt: Monte Carlo Anchor Store by TOD Design Innovations crafts an innovative architectural concept that seamlessly ties together one of the longest retail store fronts in India with a unified theme. The challenge was to breathe new life into the iconic garment factory campus and create a flagship store that redefines the brand, transforming its image into a dynamic, youthful vibe.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Situated along a bustling highway in Ludhiana, the Monte Carlo anchor store boasts an impressive 100-meter-long facade that was begging for a transformation. The challenge was to breathe new life into this iconic garment factory campus and create a flagship store that redefines the brand, shedding its image as “sweaters for older people” and embracing a dynamic, youthful vibe.
The existing structure, a simple 24-year-old column and beam design, served as a flagship store in its heyday but had since lost its luster. The designers were tasked with revamping this underutilized space, all while preserving its original base.
The vision took shape inspired by the brand’s logo, leading them to craft an innovative architectural concept that seamlessly ties together one of the longest retail store fronts in India with a unified theme.
The key element of the design is the 83-meter facade facing the national highway – an unmissable sight that captures attention, yet reveals intricate details upon closer inspection. Linear LED lights are embedded in grooves in the facade, making the facade look marvelous.
To achieve this, the designers introduced a secondary steel structure, marrying it with the existing one to elevate the facade’s height. In pursuit of uniqueness, they combined unconventional materials like z purlins with more conventional choices, meticulously sampling each to achieve the desired effect.
A specially designed rope light installation was integrated into the purlins, creating a mesmerizing display of changing hues. This installation is programmable to adapt to various occasions, allowing the building to interact with its surroundings, celebrating moments like Independence Day and International Women’s Day.
The design doesn’t merely rejuvenate an unused space; it reimagines the possibilities that lie within the fabric of the city itself. In an industrial hub like Ludhiana, where old buildings often fade into the background, projects like this one serve as a beacon of inspiration for the community. They showcase the tremendous potential concealed within every street and structure, reminding all that even forgotten spaces can be transformed into vibrant, dynamic works of art.
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