The objective of this project is to create a flexible, versatile and unobtrusive system for the presentation of diverse clothing collections within a seamless dream-like environment that does not compete with the clothes but rather enables them to float freely within the space.

Gokaldas Images is India’s largest integrated clothing corporation and garment exporter with a franchise of retail outlets in India, their own brand names and six independent product manufacturing divisions. Gokaldas Images has produced garments for Tommy Jeans, Calvin Klein, Polo, DKNY, Galaries Lafayette, Liz Claiborne and Armani. Their New York headquarters serves as a showroom for Gokaldas’ various manufacturing divisions as well as a launch site for their new line of contemporary womenswear, “Ozia”.

The floors, walls, screens and furniture of the showroom are poured in a continuous flow of white epoxy resin in order to create the ultimate sensation of bliss and buoyancy while viewing the garments. Despite the quantity and diversity of garments presented, the purity of this liquid environment allows the clothes to be seen clearly as they float weightless through the space. A simple system of suspended stainless steel rods on sliding tracks allows the display to be easily reconfigured in minutes. The desire for levitation was inspired by the exhilarating views of the city from the showroom’s continuous band of wraparound windows high above Times Square and face to face with some of New York’s greatest skyscrapers.

Photos by Kilian Mattitsch

CINEMONDE is a new genre of movie house for the 21st century. As “An International Film Exhibition Center”, CINEMONDE will provide a unique program of international releases, American independent films, and classics from around the world. The ground floor public space will be available for film release parties, exhibitions, corporate events and VIP opening night ceremonies.

The main architectural feature of the project is a dynamic undulating ceiling that becomes a marquee when it exits the building drawing people from the the street into the lobby where the fantasy world of cinema takes over. The lobby ceiling is transformed by the projection of film, video and light from above and below. The lobby space opens up like a cone of light taking visitors through a sequentially unfolding transition from experiential perception to the heightened sensory phenomena of film. Pivoting exhibition panels separate the café, bookstore and public space from each other as needed.

The lobby culminates in a double story atrium with escalator and elevator access to the theaters below. A cube of colored light serves as a transition space of indeterminate depth to metaphorically honor light as a magic medium. The illusion is enhanced by a water wall at the rear of the atrium.

The escalator is like a praxioscope, a precursor to the film projector, with film loops that pass between the up and down sections.

A series of peep holes in the corridor between theaters permit visitors to watch fragments of films while waiting. The 40,000 square foot basement houses seven state-of -the-art screening rooms. A specially designed dome theater features contemporary works by international film and video artists projected on the ceiling before feature films begin to create a virtual three-dimensional cinematic experience.

CINEMONDE is a place for the exchange of information and ideas through film and digital media. The space is made of light, shadow and projection that change before your eyes.