Amsterdam-based architecture studio zU-studio architecture has wrapped the interior of a retail shop with two giant piano keyboards, one on each side, represented by 88 keys in Antwerp, Belgium.

Named Imagine Polette, the shop, designed for eye wear brand polette, features creamy tones with a sculptural ceiling and giant piano keyboards distributed on two sides of the shop, aiming to make customers feel as if they are shopping within an instrument.

The project is the second commission of the studio after the studio completed the company's Paris showroom in February 2022. 

The company has collaborated once again with Javier Zubiria, founder of the Amsterdam-based architectural firm zU-Studio, to bring to Antwerp a never-seen-before retail concept. 

"lt all started with a song, released exactly 50 years ago and yet more relevant than ever: Imagine, by John Lennon," said zU-studio. 

"After two years of people being apart from each other, where social interactions were nonexistant and tensions occurred everywhere, Pierre Wizman & Javier Zubiria wanted to build a place of connection and creativity, where people interact with each other."

The studio asked; "And what better way to reconnect than via music?. This is where the story becomes fascinating."

Upon entering this pinnacle piece of architecture, customers are welcomed by two giant piano keyboards that act as shelves for sunglasses.

The white keys are composed of floor to ceiling mirrors, creating a feeling of infinity, while the black keys will serve as shelves to expose polette's optical and sunglasses collections. 

At the center of the shop, people can experience the space while sitting on a giant white squared bench, a nod to John Lennon's two weeks Beds-in far peace protest.

To complete this art-exhibit-like experience, the ceiling welcomes an incredible piano lid shape sculpture, beveled throughout the entire 20 meters deep showroom. According to the studio, "a music instrument within which you can shop." 

Each piano key is actually serving for its function. Thanks to a sensor connection, visitors are invited to collaborate, create or interpret the perfect song. 

A light signal will indicate when to press the designated key so that people, whether alone or in groups, can all play together in perfect harmony. 

"This space is a tribute to peace, love and unity, and it will be the first one in the world where people will be able to play a song using the furniture, that will also act as shelves to display the product," said Javier Zubiria.

"I imagined this place as a temple, a moment in time where, not only you are here to shop but also share an instant," Zubiria added.

Axonometric sketch drawing

Sketch

Plans

Project facts

Concept: Pierre Wizman & Javier Zubiria 

Architecture: zU-studio architecture 

Constructor: Belplus

Furniture Supplier: Nebu

Music system consultancy: Telesonic

All images © polette photography team 

All drawings © zU-studio architecture 

> via zU-studio architecture 

Antwerp shop