Tiffany & Co. Store in Stuttgart | Gionata Xerra StudioTiffany & Co. has unveiled its newly redesigned store faade in Stuttgarts Dorotheen Quartier, a project crafted by the Dutch architecture firm MVRDV. The faade, adorned with iridescent ceramic diamonds, reflects Tiffanys iconic elegance and innovation. Positioned in one of Stuttgarts most vibrant retail districts, this project exemplifies the seamless fusion of branding and architectural artistry, transforming a retail storefront into a striking urban statement.Tiffany & Co. Store Technical InformationArchitects1-5: MVRDVLocation: Stuttgart, GermanyClient: Tiffany & Co.Area: 165 m2 | 1,760 Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2022 2024Photographs: Gionata Xerra StudioIn our faade design for the Stuttgart store, we tried to capture the sense of wonder and enchantment that has characterised the world of Tiffany & Co. ever since its inception. Jacob van Rijs, MVRDV founding partnerTiffany & Co. Store Photographs Gionata Xerra Studio Gionata Xerra Studio Gionata Xerra Studio Gionata Xerra Studio Gionata Xerra StudioTiffany & Co. Store Design PrinciplesThe brands rich heritage deeply inspired MVRDVs design principles for the Tiffany faade. The designers reimagined Tiffanys penchant for material innovation by incorporating hand-crafted ceramic diamonds, echoing the patented Favrile Glass developed by Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1894. This historic connection underscores the interplay between timelessness and modernity.Central to the design is the three-dimensionality of the faade. The diamond-shaped ceramic elements embody the precision and tactility of Tiffanys jewelry, while their iridescent sheen captures the brilliance of a cut gemstone. These principles culminate in a faade that is visually captivating and rich narrative, drawing on the refined geometry of diamond cuts and the transformative nature of light.The dynamic aesthetic of the faade is a defining feature. The iridescent glaze applied to the ceramic diamonds shifts with lighting conditions and viewing angles, creating a sense of movement and vibrancy. This quality mirrors the multifaceted brilliance of Tiffanys jewelry, inviting viewers to experience the store as a living, evolving showcase.Execution: Craftsmanship and TechniquesThe execution of the Stuttgart faade showcases MVRDVs commitment to precision and innovation. Comprising 2,829 hand-crafted ceramic diamonds, the faade employs a gradient of Tiffanys signature robins-egg blue transitioning to pristine white. This careful color transition captures the eye while harmonizing with the subdued tones of the Dorotheen Quartier.Each diamond was created using a slip-casting method, a meticulous process by Koninklijke Tichelaar, the Netherlands oldest ceramics manufacturer. The iridescent glaze, developed collaboratively with MVRDV, incorporates intentional variations in mineral composition and glazing temperatures. This technique produces a naturalistic sheen reminiscent of Favrile Glass, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of Tiffanys material legacy.Structural ingenuity is another hallmark of this design. The ceramic diamonds are mounted directly onto a glass storefront using custom steel fixings, creating the illusion of floating elements. This interplay of transparency and opacity enhances the faades aesthetic and serves functional purposes, providing visibility into the store while maintaining privacy in strategic areas. The dissolving density of the diamonds at corners and around displays further enriches the viewers experience.A Jewel in Stuttgarts Urban FabricMVRDVs faade for Tiffany & Co. is more than a visual spectacle; it is an architectural statement harmonizing with its urban context. The faades gradient coloring and meticulous detailing integrate seamlessly with the neutral tones of Dorotheen Quartier, ensuring that the design stands out without overwhelming its surroundings.From an architectural perspective, the faade exemplifies how branding can inform design without overshadowing it. The interplay of iridescent ceramics and light captures Tiffanys legacy while celebrating the craft of architecture. This project exemplifies the potential of material innovation in retail architecture, presenting a tactile narrative that resonates with both the brands ethos and the architectural language of the 21st century.Handcrafted ceramics and dynamic glazing techniques elevate the faade beyond mere aesthetics. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can create a sensory experience. Moreover, the project contributes to broader architectural discourse by exploring how traditional craftsmanship can coexist with cutting-edge design.Tiffany & Co. Store Image GalleryAbout Jacob van RijsJacob van Rijs, a founding partner of MVRDV, is a celebrated Dutch architect known for his innovative and experimental approach to design. Educated at Delft University of Technology, van Rijs co-founded MVRDV in 1993 alongside Winy Maas and Nathalie de Vries. His work is characterized by its bold aesthetics, sustainability, and integration of technology, often challenging traditional architectural norms. With projects ranging from urban planning to iconic retail designs, van Rijs contributions to architecture have garnered international acclaim, cementing his reputation as a visionary in contemporary design.Notes & Additional CreditsFounding Partner in Charge: Jacob van RijsDesign Team: Aser Gimnez Ortega, Elien Deceuninck, Monica Di Salvo, Simone Costa, Natalia Lipczuk, Basak Gunalp, Tatiana GurduzaCeramics Partner: Koninklijke Tichelaar MakkumContractor: SOMEC Mestieri GroupLighting Design: METIS Lighting