The project consists of a new implementation of the Clean Market at Brookfield Place, in lower Manhattan. The concept prototype was revisited and updated to respond to the unique site conditions. The crux of the design challenge was to create an elevated yet approachable wellness destination within a bustling luxury mall and conduit to the world financial center. The fast-paced commercial corridor could be seen as being at odds with a space for relaxation, replenishment and self-care. On the other hand, the site also was uniquely suited to our biophilic approach to design for Clean Market. Located in a corner suite on the second floor, Clean Market is perched over the Winter Garden atrium at Brookfield Place.
The Winter Garden is a destination in and of itself with us Grove of nature palm trees and a view overlooking the Hudson River. This connection to the natural world in downtown Manhattan is worthy of celebration. Our design of the extensive storefront seeks to emphasize this connection, with the main marble entry threshold shifting off the Mall’s grid to angle toward the river views and natural light. The key to designing this particular location was to carefully utilize the mall’s attributes while also providing creative solutions to their constraints to reinforce that Clean Market is different. This is not a retail-as-usual environment.
The angled storefront required special permission from Brookfield Place and we worked closely with them on another unique feature of the storefront. Within the expansive glass is a large scaled stone frame that cantilevers from one end. The frame showcases retail that aligns with the brand pillars and, as it turns into the space, becomes a Functional Tea + Tonic Bar. The hand troweled limestone finish and bread trim bring an elevated but un-fussy feel to the specialized bar.
Once inside, Clean Market is refreshing, bright and optimistic but also lush and unexpected. A corner retail display is punctuated with a green wall that extends to the full 16′ tall ceiling height. The floating displays are tiered and curved creating a soft, meandering path through the curated product.
While a vast, bright space is perfect for the tonic bar and modern apothecary, it’s in natural opposition to the desired feel for the Nutridrip Lounge. The lounge where IV vitamin drips are administered wants to feel private, quiet, and was required by the mall to be hidden from public view. While we wanted to ensure natural light was maximized by positioning the lounge at the storefront, privacy was created with a custom frosted graphic that fades into clear glass above eye level so that there is only a faint suggestion of activity that can be imagined from the mall side. A custom slatted maple wall turns overhead. The wood pickets are reminiscent of a treehouse and create a separate sense of place from the retail just a few feet away. A curved wood and plaster planter and lattice creates a living, breathing, partition giving the space a private, secret garden feel. Within the lounge, clients sit in womb chairs and the IV drip bags hang from our custom designed drip ‘trees’ made of powder coated steel and oak. Beyond the wood wall is a hidden nurse’s station and VIP rooms for those in need of an even more private experience.
From the retail market, near the wood ceiling that defines the Nutridrip Lounge is a bluestone volume which announces the Thermostat brand. Thru its threshold, two neon signs boldly present its offer to “sweat” or “chill.” The Thermostat lounge allows a quick respite in between, should you choose both. Behind “chill” is a service that delivers on that promise in short order with a full-body cryotherapy chamber. On the opposite end, you can “sweat” it out in one of several private infrared sauna rooms. Each room has a red cedar sauna with chromotherapy that shines from within a deep grey room, a stacked bluestone wall with light cascading down from a cove above creates a modern cave feel.
Before even entering the space, Clean Market distinguishes itself with its custom tailored storefront design. Once you pass thru its threshold Clean Market retail, the Nutridrip lounge and Thermostat each project a clearly defined, yet complimentary aesthetic. The design of the space emphasizes the unique features of mall but also brings each customer into a completely unexpected place. The space transports you from the hustle and bustle of the city, into a serene oasis bringing the customer closer to nature and to self.
Heitler Houstoun Architects 