Retail
San Francisco, CA
Retail
Flagship Store
The Emporio Armani flagship store at 1 Grant Avenue occupies the former Savings Union Bank, a landmark building designed by architects Walter Danforth Bliss and William Baker Faville. Renovated for the new flagship in 2010, the interior pairs the building’s monumental historic character with the streamlined aesthetic of the Emporio Armani brand.
The height and architectural significance of the original banking hall called for a lighting solution that could support the scale and precision of a contemporary retail environment without competing with the historic interior. A custom system of concentric steel arcs was suspended below the high ceiling, bringing the lighting closer to the merchandise while preserving views of the architecture above.
Adjustable accent lights integrated into the steel arcs provide focused illumination for merchandise and displays. The suspended system was reinforced with earthquake cabling, addressing the seismic requirements of its San Francisco location while maintaining the clarity of the design.
The suspended lighting creates a distinct contemporary layer within the landmark interior, complementing streamlined retail fixtures and video displays against the ornate historic backdrop. The result allows the original architecture and the Emporio Armani retail environment to remain visually distinct while working together within the same space.
Custom concentric steel arcs suspend the retail lighting closer to merchandise while preserving the scale and character of the landmark banking hall. Integrated adjustable accent lights provide focused illumination for displays, creating a contemporary lighting layer that complements rather than competes with the historic architecture.
