Apple Store, New York City, USA

Apple opened its latest store on Fifth Avenue, New York City in May 2006. The store is five stories high, featuring 4,000 ft2 of retail space. The store is itself all underground except for the entrance – a 32 foot glass cube.

The architect’s challenge was to create a recognised and appealing iconic landmark on one of Manhattan’s most popular streets, in line with Apple’s reputation as a modern and technological leader, whilst also enhancing New York City’s process of rejuvenation to reshape the city.

The result was the creation of a magnificent glass cube entrance to the store, made of Pilkington Optiwhite™, low-iron glass. The cube consisted of numerous laminated Pilkington Optiwhite™, panels, each approximately 1,000 cm high and 48 cm wide.

The panels were assembled by a special technique developed and patented by specialist glass processors Bischoff Glastechnik (BGT). Ten horizontal glass beams were used to support the roof panes, with 24 vertical fins connecting the glass façade panels.

On entering the stunning glass cube entrance, a set of spiral glass stairs leads customers to the underground store levels.

With the incredible entrance, Apple has created what is expected to become a New York landmark located at a very prominent location in Manhattan.