The mandate was to design the layout of a new 2,900 sq. ft. optometry clinic for the OptoPlus brand. The primary objective was to create a distinctive space to showcase luxury glasses, with a modern, sophisticated, and industrial aesthetic. The owner sought to move away from the usual ambiance of large chains to offer a refined, signature boutique experience.
The goal was to develop a functional and fluid layout that would combine consultation reception with a carefully curated boutique area. The latter would showcase approximately 1,300 glasses while providing future flexibility. The examination rooms meet eye test standards, while ensuring private spaces for professionals and optimal comfort for patients. A bench was installed at the entrance of each room to provide a waiting area separate from the sales areas. Strategically positioned displays, visible from the exterior, were designed to capture the attention of passersby and encourage them to explore the boutique.
While the large windows in the façade benefit from natural light, they posed a challenge for displaying the glasses. The solution was a double-sided stainless-steel cabinet with floating shelves, allowing an unobstructed view while still allowing light to pass through. The design was inspired by noble materials such as stainless steel, walnut wood, marble, and mirrors, bringing lightness and sophistication to the space. The low cabinets, except for those on the perimeter walls, preserve the brightness and visual fluidity. Full-height mirrors allow customers to try on their glasses and create a sense of space. The building's architecture presented an additional challenge: random columns complicated planning. However, the team skillfully integrated these elements to delineate the project's various areas.
The strength of this project lies in the spatial planning and the boutique's fluid and thoughtful layout. Each space was meticulously curated to offer a pleasant and immersive visual experience, allowing users to navigate easily without feeling overwhelmed by the diversity of glasses. This sense of balance is accentuated by the subtle variations in the display furniture, which punctuate the journey and maintain interest throughout the visit. Each passage through the space offers new discoveries, creating an engaging and captivating experience for visitors. The changing light throughout the day creates plays of shadows and shapes in the store, while the furniture near the windows amplifies the interaction with the outdoors.
From the entrance, the furniture was designed to deviate from the standards typically found in optometry clinics. The transaction cabinet, with its subtle interplay of textures and contrasting materials—smooth stainless steel, warm wood, and marble—creates a visually rich and elegant composition. This design quality is reinforced by the careful choice of materials. The project's success is based on the optimal management of functional needs, the layout of the space, and the choice of materials, which bring elegance and refinement.
The organization and presentation of the products contribute to a pleasant and seamless shopping experience, where every detail has been designed to facilitate the selection process. The quality of the products and the harmonious integration of the layout ensure the longevity of this clinic in the Old Montreal district, where it blends successfully and elegantly into its surroundings.
