(continued)

Along side the curved glass-and-stainless stairs to the spa treatment rooms above, water flows down the natural stone wall. The water glistens like a polish coat over the rough stone, symbolically depicting before and after the beauty treatment above.

The curving catwalk of the central stairway is structured in stainless steel with a glass floor. More water flows down a floor-to-ceiling glass panel.

Directable 'gyroscopic' lighting instruments used throughout can be readily re-aimed and colored to project new moods and tones across white walls, casework, and water, as inspired by product tie-ins and perhaps the seasons of fashion.

The compact totality appears as a rather fetching inner world, brimming with cosmetic possibilities. Some of the retail verve of the original Niketown has been transmuted at Vent Vert into the perfectly groomed 'come hither' looks of Lāncome and Armani.

View of the Vent Vert from the shopping mall. Photo: Marcap Arquitetura Water flows under the glass floor, and product displays resemble sculpture exhibits. Photo: Marcap Arquitetura Glass floors and white shelving highlight the chic esthetic. Photo: Marcap Arquitetura Lower level of the Vent Vert. Image: Marcap Arquitetura Mezzanine level of the Vent Vert. Image: Marcap Arquitetura Water flows down the glass wall to form a glittery, smooth contrast to the rough stone beyond. Photo: Marcap Arquitetura Through material and level changes, the exhibit area is separated from the treatment room above. Photo: Marcap Arquitetura   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.