Eye Eye Optical Store Applying Glass Block on Glasses Display

Best Practice Architecture re-designed a local eyewear store Eye Eye in Seattle's Leschi neighborhood. The first store, designed in 2015, applied the function of lenses to the human eye, namely the presence of a mirror wall that refracts light, then focuses it on the retina, and directs visitors to the eye examination room. As for this second store, Best Practice Architect took creative steps to design a unique and fun commercial building by applying a glass block on the glasses display.

"The client gave Best Practice free range to transform the interior with only three requests: include glass blocks, use lit signage, and incorporate design language from the original location without being too repetitive," said the studio to Dezeen.

Glasses display at Eye Eye Optical Store Applying Glass Blocks

The store is divided into a retail area located at the front facing a large window and showcasing products to passers-by in front of the store. Retail spaces are given a signage identity with "E" indicating the brand. Then there is a reception desk that visitors can easily reach in the central area. Behind the reception is a waiting room for visitors waiting for eye examinations in the pre-exam and exam rooms. In addition, the store is also equipped with a large enough storage area for eyewear products that will be on display. 

Signage with the letter "E" as a brand marker

Layout of Eye Eye Optical Store

Glass blocks applied to the retail area divide the store to form a sloping wall with openings featuring mirrors and displays of eyewear products. This arrangement of box-shaped glass blocks with prominent circular motifs provides a motif but seems light with its translucent material properties. There is a table and chairs between the glass blocks that visitors can use as a fitting area to try on glasses.

"Carefully placed to create an interesting circulation flow and contrast with the orthogonal layout, the clever design provides both form and function, welcoming filtered daylight deep into the space while accommodating basic retail needs," said Best Practice Architecture to Dezeen.

Glass blocks in this store divide the space and serve as product displays

The axonometry of Eye Eye Optical Store

Wall layers of glass beams and dichroic glass partitions also distinguish waiting rooms and pre-inspection rooms from retail areas, providing a bit of privacy while visitors wait. Furthermore, when entering the exam room, several oak cabinets welcome visitors with complete eye examination tools with different colors to reduce patient strain when examined.

The waiting area which is more private than the retail area

Exam room with eye examination facilities

The store owner's request to apply bright colors to the Eye Eye Optical Store was implemented by Best Practice Architecture using yellow, purple, pink, and blue. The color palette gives a cheerful impression to commercial buildings. In addition, using colors that match some eyewear products sold with brightly colored designs will attract visitors to come and buy glasses here.

The bright color palette of the shop interior is in line with the eyewear products

Eye Eye Optical Store gives a cheerful impression to visitors