Oscar Opticiens: Blurring Boundaries Between Standard and Sunglasses

A Dynamic and Playful Design by Pinkeye

Grenoble-based optician Oscar recently expanded their range of standard glasses with sunglasses and sought the expertise of design firm Pinkeye to create a unique and captivating store design. Inspired by the duality of standard and sunglasses, as well as the old and new parts of the building, Pinkeye embarked on a journey to blur boundaries and create overlapping divisions between the two spaces.

The highlight of the design is a large graphic measuring 3.75 meters tall by 3.10 meters across, entirely shaped by 780 sunglasses affixed in holes in the metal partition wall. This eye-catching image can be altered into any imaginable design, depending on where the sunglasses are placed. It serves as a visual representation of the merging of standard and sunglasses, creating a dynamic and playful atmosphere.

To further enhance the connection between the two spaces, Pinkeye designed a wooden corridor that serves as both a display space for the products and a physical link between the old and new parts of the store. This corridor adds warmth and natural elements to the design, contrasting with the angular colored surfaces that define the space.

The design team faced the challenge of connecting the new part of the store (sunglasses) with the existing wall cabinets of the old part (optical glasses). Their solution was to create a tunnel piece that visually replaces the border between the two parts. This tunnel piece features a diagonal line that runs over the floor, cabinets, and walls, seamlessly integrating the two spaces.

One of the client's requirements was the ability to change the visual appearance of the store over time. Instead of using art panels, Pinkeye proposed a more innovative approach. They created an adaptable sunglasses visual on the wall facing the window. This allows the client to easily change the display by rearranging the sunglasses, attracting the attention of customers and adding an element of surprise.

The realization of the design involved careful attention to detail and the use of specific materials. The large sunglasses wall is made of steel and covered with pairs of holes to match the glasses' ears. Small wooden sticks, painted in the same green as the wall, with magnets on the ends, can be inserted between each pair of holes to create a "nose" for the glasses.

The Oscar Opticiens redesign project started in August 2011 and was completed in February 2012. It has received recognition for its outstanding design and innovation. In 2013, it was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award celebrates designs that demonstrate exceptional expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Oscar Opticiens, with its boundary-blurring design, showcases the creativity and ingenuity of Pinkeye. By seamlessly merging the worlds of standard and sunglasses, they have created a visually stunning and engaging space that captivates customers and highlights the unique offerings of the store.