Bionic Eye

24
Nestled in the business
core of downtown
Toronto is an optical
store that sets a new
standard for what
is possible in
small spaces.
Harmony in Small Spaces: Stare Eyewear
Stands Out
VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |
By Paddy Kamen
| The subtle scent of a beeswax candle and the soft music of a waterfall imbue the senses as one
walks into Stare Eyewear, a recent design achievement of Modular Design Systems Inc. Rich
materials like marble and wood conspire with bold wall colours to enhance the experience.
Above all, this is a great place to be.
Frank Fumagalli, president and
project coordinator of Modular says that
the small—500 square foot space—
presented quite a challenge. The
concept was to have a friendly and
inviting boutique with a high-end cache
that supports the exclusivity of the
eyewear on display. He achieved all of
that and more with the help of the
ancient Hindu architectural and design
philosophy known as Vastu.
“Vastu incorporates the elements of
water, fire, air and earth to create good
energy. When you use these elements in
the proper combinations you create a
place where people want to spend time.
The sale is a consequence of people
feeling comfortable and well served.”
Modular decided to bring the area
for delivery of prescription eyewear into
the open by creating a small bar with
stools where the proprietor can chat
with customers and offer them a
cappuccino.
Store owner, Andres, is thrilled with
the store’s design. “It’s completely
different than anything I’ve seen before.
The flow within the open concept store
is great, and I love being able to
interact with my customers at the bar.
Behind the cash counter is a custom
board with floating glass shelves where
I display the higher ticket sunwear. And
when I’m in the back in the small
adjustment lab, the design of the etched
glass panel allows me to keep an eye
on what’s happening in the front.”
The custom designed window
display is another security feature that
makes superb use of space. “We
needed a roll gate for security when the
store is closed but we also wanted to
put the eyewear in view of pedestrian
traffic,” explains Andres. “The solution
is a moveable showcase that goes right
up to the window in the daytime but is
moved back at night to allow the gate to
close.”
Stare Eyewear has four patented
Modular Display panels with individual
frame holders, which allows the eyewear
to be seen to best advantage under the
low voltage halogen lights. “The lighting
brings the place to life and because the
frame holders are angled, the lights
allow the gorgeous colours to pop and
the details of the temples to be fully
appreciated.”
Frank Fumagalli says the Stare
Eyewear environment shows what can
be achieved when Modular’s designers
are given the opportunity to put their
20 years of experience designing optical
stores to the test. “A store needs to look
amazing but also be functional. Modular
Designs is able to achieve both form
and function in a very sophisticated
way.” ISI