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Tunnel Duty-Free

Project Info

Project Description

JP Thomson was tasked with reinventing architectural character of the Tunnel Duty Free Shop located adjacent to the Windsor entrance to the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. The original building had an office building look, motivating the new design strategy to create an enticing façade which evokes the spirit of a high-end retail store feel. The original design was angular and disjointed, prompting the new design to focus on creating continuity on the building’s façade. The new curving perforated aluminum screen is cleverly separated from the original building. The screen uses parametric design to create a layer of shadows on the existing façade which move and shift based on the sun’s path. The perforated screen also ensures that natural light still flows into the second storey windows of the existing building while maintaining views from the second floor offices. The central tower is clad with spider-clipped glass panels to further accentuate the glamour of the products within. The tower’s focal point is a 17′ x 26′ LED screen which offers automated control of messaging and advertising. Included in the work, was the renovation of the main retail floor interior. JPTA implemented barrier-free and elevator lift work to facilitate the interior design prepared by Ideation Studio of Chicago, Illinois.

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