On the ground floor of Google headquarters in Chelsea, Manhattan, the architecture and interiors of Google’s first physical retail location on 9th Ave. and 15th Street are playful and pragmatic, bringing a unique focus to the interplay of good design with human perception.

Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2021
First Award | Category: Interiors – Retail (Built)

©Paul Warchol

The space re-awakens visitors to the childlike wonder found in the technology and digital innovation on display. Google’s first retail space is warm and calming, novel yet useful. Abounding in soft, tactile surfaces such as cork and wood, the design puts the visitor at ease, welcoming those seeking help alongside those pursuing their curiosity. A gravity- defying metal line twists its way through the room, introducing the intuitive whimsy of unexpected connections and free-form play, while defining spaces for living.

©Paul Warchol

The warm lighting and neutral tones guide the eye to the “Imagination Space,” standing at the entry way to the store. A semi-circular node of extruded glass tubing suspended between the ceiling and the floor refract the light and invite visitors to interact with Google’s products and technologies on an individual level in human scale and experience the possibilities of technology.

A nod to New York’s windowshopping traditions, a series of lit window boxes is installed on 9th Avenue, which captivate observers, displaying Google products while showcasing a special technology that allows an AR interaction with the products on the interior.

©Paul Warchol

The Google Store Chelsea has been designed according to the highest standards of sustainable and renewable practice and has received LEED Platinum certification. Notable materials in the space include cork furniture; flooring made from 100% recyclable material using factory waste in production with chemical free maintenance; low-VOC material wall panels made from 100% PET plastic, containing at least 60% post-consumer content; and, carbon neutral floor coverings verified by the Interface Carbon Neutral Floors Program of Bureau Veritas.