Apple has opened its second largest store in Thailand with a giant tree canopy roof that is attached to floor-to-ceiling glazing to reflect the interior space towards the plaza.

Designed by Foster + Partners, the firm has been collaborating with the giant tech company for years and the firm recently completed a new Apple store in Beijing. 

A new store, named Apple Central World, is nestled in the heart of Ratchaprasong, Bangkok’s iconic intersection, the store provides a completely new and accessible destination within the lively city.

Customers can discover curated products and accessories at the freestanding displays.

Featuring a distinctive architectural approach, the store is brought to life with the first-ever all-glass design, housed under a cantilevered tree canopy roof. 

Upon entering, customers can travel between two levels via a spiral staircase that wraps around a timber core, or riding a unique cylindrical elevator clad in mirror-polished stainless steel. 

Offering a place for the community to gather, large Terminalia trees and benches surround the outdoor plaza.

Guests can enter from the ground or upper level, which provides a direct connection to the Skytrain and the city’s largest shopping center. The outdoor plaza offers a place for the community to gather, with benches and large Terminalia trees surrounding the space.

"We are excited for visitors to discover this truly one-of-a-kind store in Ratchaprasong," said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People in a press release. 

"With our future Today at Apple sessions and a phenomenal team ready to welcome the community with exceptional service and support, we can’t wait for our customers to experience Apple Central World."

Centered around a Video Wall, the Forum will be home to future Today at Apple sessions.

The store’s unique design includes many of Apple’s latest features, including a forum, boardroom, and freestanding displays. Centered around a video wall, the Forum will be home to future today at Apple sessions with some of Bangkok’s greatest artists, musicians, and creatives. 

A spiral staircase wraps around a timber core at Apple Central World in Bangkok, Thailand.

Customers can discover curated products and accessories for a wide range of creative interests at the freestanding displays, located all around the circular store layout on the first floor. 

The Boardroom sits in the lowest level of the store and will provide entrepreneurs, developers, and local business owners a dedicated space to receive personal advice and guidance from the Apple team.

Apple Central World was opened to the public on Friday, July 31 in Bangkok, where more than 130 new team members speaking 17 languages will welcome customers. 

More than 130 new team members speaking 17 languages will welcome visitors to Apple Central World.

Foster + Partners completed Apple's first store Apple Iconsiam in Thailand in 2018. Elevated above the "River of Kings" – Chao Phraya River – in the heart of Bangkok, the design provides a direct visual connection to the river, which has a special significance in Thai culture.

All images © Apple 

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