LEVOLOR SHOWROOM
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 2002

As a conversion of a former service corridor in the Merchandise Mart, this long and narrow 850sf showroom posed many challenges. First, products which are naturally displayed in front of windows needed to be exhibited in a space devoid of natural light. Secondly, existing mechanical ducts over the space limited the available ceiling height in most spaces to 7'-6".

Belying its location in the building's core, the entry to the showroom is marked by brightly backlit polycarbonate louvers, reminiscent of the showroom's flagship product.

All photographs by Bang?!, Chicago. General Contractor was W. E. O'Neil.

Entry

The main entry door is flanked by backlit louvers, which cant inward to exaggerate the perspective.

Exhibit Room

A series of backlit rolling shades, graduated by translucency, descend along both side walls. Hovering above, skylight blinds part in the middle to make way for accent lighting and fire sprinklers. A cocoa mat is inset into the otherwise uninterrupted concrete floor.

Workroom

Twenty-four sliding frames, that can be slid in front of a backlit pane to simulate daylighting, accommodate myriad configurations of blinds and hardware options.

Oblique Entry

An oblique view of the entry, focusing on the glass entry door.

Signage, Workroom

A long bench atop file cabinets provides additional storage and staging space.

Plan

The plan of the showroom with the entry shown to the right. A staff and utility room is located on the extreme left hand side of the plan, with double doors exiting into an existing service corridor.