Flagship Microsoft Store London Oxford Circus Interior, Building, UK Architecture Images

Flagship Microsoft Store in London Oxford Circus

New Retail Building Development in England, UK design by Gensler Architects

16 July 2019

Flagship Microsoft Store London Oxford Circus

Design: Gensler Architects

Location: Oxford Circus, central London, UK

World’s Largest Architecture Firm Designs Microsoft Flagship – Gensler

Gensler Designs Flagship Microsoft Store in London to build connections with the local community, customers and businesses

London – Designed to build connections with the local community, customers and businesses, Microsoft’s London flagship clearly represents the mission of Microsoft: to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more.

The store is situated at Oxford Circus, the junction of London’s two busiest shopping streets–Regent Street and Oxford Street–and with 86 million people passing through Oxford Circus every year, it provides Microsoft with prime access to shoppers and visitors alike.

At 22,000 square feet over three floors, the flagship is the second-largest after Microsoft’s New York Fifth Avenue flagship. The aim of the design was to deliver a scheme that preserved the special interest of the Grade II listed building, while also providing a platform for not only selling products and services, but also allowing visitors to partake in learning opportunities, new experiences, and community activities.

“We were thrilled to have partnered with Microsoft on the design of the London flagship, says Lara Marrero, Principal and Retail Practice Leader of the design and architecture practice, Gensler. “The transformation of this historic building—perfectly positioned in the heart of London’s West End—into a destination that serves as a platform into this new digital age enables history and technology to coexist in a never before seen way.”

The design complements and enhances the building’s original features, adding vibrancy to the store and delivering a refresh of the historic building in this iconic context, which was one of few buildings to survive the Blitz during the Second World War. Ceilings and columns were restored and windows preserved, adding historic character to the otherwise modern design.

Critical to the concept was the transformation of the existing structural system to accommodate transparency and visibility, allowing the space to be more agile and flexible while providing opportunities for smart building upgrades to mechanical, lighting, and digital solutions.

The flagship is arranged over three levels, the first of which is home to Microsoft’s first-party devices and experiences. A video wall that wraps the space, product interaction areas, and a McLaren Senna outfitted with simulation technology are key attractions on the ground floor.

A focal point of the design is the spiral staircase that connects the space vertically. Hand crafted of glass and timber with an LED lighting detail, the elegance of the stair feels both at home in the context of this historic building, while serving as a link to the modern aesthetic.

The first floor is home to the Gaming Lounge, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the Microsoft gaming community—both in person and online. Additionally, the floor showcases third-party laptops and accessories, and is home to the Answer Desk for technical support, and the Community Theatre where visitors can participate in educational and training opportunities.

The enterprise area on the second floor is focused on supporting the needs of businesses. This floor is home to meeting rooms and an area for hosting events. The historic building fabric comes to life on this floor through preserved and restored details, continuing to blend the original with the new.

“Microsoft’s London flagship was designed to be more than just a store—it is a place where everyone can feel at home—gamers, educators, students, businesses, shoppers, and visitors—and engage with all that Microsoft has to offer,” says Marrero. “But don’t take my word for it—go and see for yourself.”

Flagship Microsoft Store in London Oxford Circus Building images / information received 160719

Gensler

Address: Oxford Circus, London, England, UK
Phone: 020 7439 5000

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