August 22, 2012

HWKN Designs MenScience’s First Ever Boutique




The blackened steel grid forms a tunnel between the two streets.








The blackened steel grid forms a tunnel between the two streets.


For some men, grooming is a science—

MenScience

. The company’s dermatological-grade skincare products and nutritional products have helped men look and feel better since 2004. But until now, adherents have had to hit up smart spots like Barneys New York and Nordstrom to get their products.

Enter

HWKN (Hollwich Kushner)

. Fresh off their success with Wendy, the 2012

Museum of Modern Art PS1

Pavilion, HWKN designed a masculine, sophisticated MenScience flagship in New York’s SoHo neighborhood.

A grid of blackened steel forms connects the store’s two entrances, providing an ideal frame for product display throughout the 750 square feet. Locally sourced, recycled wood plank surrounds the grid, warming the space.



Product display is easily legible from inside and outside the flagship store.








Product display is easily legible from inside and outside the flagship store.


“The footprint of the store is small,” writes HWKN co-founder and partner Marc Kushner. “But the visual impact of the location is huge. [We installed] a perimeter scheme that treats the floor, walls, and ceiling with a similar material to create a tunnel of product, a MenScience experience, in the space that spans between two streets.”

Highly adaptable, the store “is a place where men can come learn about the products, try them first hand, and get expert advice,” adds MenScience founder Federico Sanchez.


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