Chameleon: A Technological Marvel in Showroom Design

Ayhan Güneri's Award-Winning Design Transforms Retail Spaces

Chameleon, a project completed in the last quarter of 2012, was designed for a prominent brand in the footwear industry. The design is a complex of showrooms and a lounge, each space reflecting the style of the shoes showcased. The use of different manufacturing methods, technologies, and materials has resulted in spaces that are not just visually appealing but also narrate the story of the styles they house.

The lounge, the heart of the complex, is a celebration of technology. The technologic lines on the ceiling and walls express the technology of the shoes displayed in the showrooms and manufactured in the adjacent factory. The free-form design of the ceiling and walls, created using CAD-CAM technology, is a nod to the high-tech manufacturing methods of the products. The lounge also houses a café unit, designed using the same lines to maintain the continuity of the space.

The realization of Chameleon was a feat of design and technology. The use of Barrisol manufactured in France, MDF lacquer furniture made in Istanbul, and RGB LED systems, all installed using CAD-CAM technology, is a testament to Güneri's innovative approach. The design also faced challenges, such as coordinating manufacturing in construction areas and workshops, staying within budget, and completing the showroom and building simultaneously.

Chameleon is not just a design; it is a research-driven project. The theme of the lounge was chosen based on the high-tech manufacturing methods of the products displayed. The physical condition of the space, product research, and the story of the space were all considered in the design process. The designs were first conceptualized, turned into sketches, and then transferred to CAD for application.

Chameleon's innovative design and seamless integration of technology have not gone unnoticed. It was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2013. This prestigious award recognizes marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology.

In conclusion, Ayhan Güneri's Chameleon is a shining example of how technology and design can come together to transform retail spaces. Its innovative design, seamless integration of technology, and recognition in the form of the Golden A' Design Award make it a standout in the realm of showroom design.