MVRDV‘s latest collaboration with Tiffany & Co. has transformed the Stuttgart store into a dazzling spectacle. The Dutch architecture firm has crafted a mesmerizing façade composed of hand-made ceramic diamonds, each one a testament to Tiffany’s rich history of material innovation. These iridescent gems, seemingly floating on the glass storefront, evoke the spirit of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s iconic Favrile Glass, adding a touch of timeless elegance to the modern retail space.
When crafting a design approach for Tiffany, the team at MVRDV drew upon a wealth of principles rooted in the rich legacy of the Tiffany & Co. brand. These guiding ideas were transformed into extraordinary, meticulously designed architectural features that are sure to captivate the eye. The designers embraced a spirit of experimentation with materials, coupled with a profound appreciation for three-dimensionality, inspired by the tactile nature of Tiffany jewelry and the elegant geometry of diamond cuts.
The Stuttgart store’s façade is a stunning showcase of this vision, adorned with 2,829 ceramic diamonds. These dazzling elements are affixed directly to the glass storefront using custom steel fixings, creating a striking visual effect. By placing diamonds both outside and inside the glass, the design envelops visitors in a surreal atmosphere, as if they are surrounded by a shimmering sea of floating diamonds.
To enhance the experience, the density of the diamonds is thoughtfully adjusted, allowing for varying degrees of transparency and opacity. Around the window displays and at the building’s corners, the diamonds appear to “dissolve,” providing glimpses into the store while maintaining an air of mystery. This clever manipulation of the façade invites curiosity and engagement from passersby.
Each diamond is meticulously crafted by hand through a slip-casting technique, followed by glazing in one of nine enchanting colors. This color palette transitions from Tiffany’s iconic robin’s-egg blue to a pristine white, creating a beautiful gradient that draws the eye. This thoughtful use of color not only captures the attention of shoppers but also ensures that the store harmonizes with the neutral tones of the surrounding Dorotheen Quartier.
The diamonds were crafted by Koninklijke Tichelaar, the Netherlands’ oldest ceramics manufacturer renowned for its expertise in specialized glazes. The façade features a gradient of colors, and the diamonds are adorned with an iridescent sheen that creates a soft, dynamic finish. This finish shifts beautifully with changes in lighting, weather, and the viewer’s perspective. Developed in collaboration with MVRDV, the glaze employs intentional variations in mineral composition and glazing temperature across the diamond surface, resulting in a subtle, naturalistic luster.
This shimmering effect pays homage to Favrile glass, a richly colored, iridescent material patented by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the 1890s. “In our façade design for the Stuttgart store, we aimed to capture the sense of wonder and enchantment that has defined Tiffany & Co. since its inception,” explains MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs. “We hope that being surrounded by these seemingly floating diamonds, with their captivating iridescence, will honor this remarkable history.”
In this way, the design of the Stuttgart store stands as a testament to Tiffany‘s commitment to artistry and innovation. This commitment is evident not only in Stuttgart but also in the brand’s recent ventures, such as the MVRDV-designed stores in Singapore’s Changi Airport and Shanghai. These projects further redefine the luxury shopping experience, blending heritage with contemporary design to create spaces that are both inviting and inspiring.