Ciele athletics – flagship store | MRDK - Ménard Dworkind architecture & design

David Dworkind

Ciele athletics – flagship store

• Arquitectos

Ciele Athletics, the technical headwear and apparel brand made for running opens its first boutique in its hometown of Montreal on Notre-Dame Street west. The new espace | MTL is the B Corp-certifiedbusiness’ flagship store. It's ground zero for clients looking to discover running, its community, and Ciele Athletics products and experiences in a boutique setting.

photo_credit David Dworkind — David Dworkind

As you step inside, you are greeted by a custom tile mosaic adorning the floor. The intricate pattern is inspired by the designs found on the renowned Ciele apparel, setting the tone for the entire space.

An arched wall gracefully separates the more public community area from the rest of the store, creating a sense of intrigue and inviting exploration. This adjoining community space gives anyone with an interest in movement and connection a chance to experience running and the many facets of its dynamic community through regular meet-ups and events.

Passing through the arch into the store the floor treatment changes to a herringbone parquet in white oak. The natural warmth and rich texture enhance the overall aesthetic, providing a beautiful foundation for the store's interior design. The walls, with their bull-nosed edges, offer a seamless and refined backdrop to display the products. They have been meticulously treated with a textured lime plaster finish, adding depth and visual interest. The play of light and shadows on these textured surfaces creates a sense of dynamism, accentuating the uniqueness of the space.

Dominating one section of the store is a magnificent 12-foot-tall library bookshelf. This grand installation serves as a focal point, showcasing a wide array of Ciele hats. The hats are elegantly displayed on cork head forms, creating an artistic and interactive presentation that sparks curiosity and encourages customers to explore the collection.

Adding an element of versatility and adaptability, a large angular central island takes centre stage. The island, fragmented into multiple pieces, can be easily slid around the store to reconfigure the merchandizing allowing for more dynamic spatial arrangements, creating a sense of discovery and surprise for visitors each time they visit the store.

Throughout the entire space, meticulous attention to detail is evident. The thoughtful combination of materials, textures, and colours creates an atmosphere that seamlessly blends modernity with a touch of timeless elegance.