Crabtree& Evelyn, RIBA Windows, UK

It is our responsibility to add value, whatever the industry sector. Michael Grubb Studio collaborated with architectural practice, London Atelier to deliver the Crabtree & Evelyn interactive display.

This formed part of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) 2015 Regent Street Windows Project. The project ran for three weeks, coinciding with the London Design Festival and London Fashion Week.

The RIBA Regent Street Windows Project connects noted RIBA architects with flagship retailers to create captivating architectural installations within their shop windows.

The annual project creates a huge public architecture exhibition seen by more than one million people each week and considerable media coverage.

English botanist, John Evelyn became the source of influence with his motto, ‘Omnia explorate, meliora retinete,’ meaning, ‘Explore everything, keep the best’.

The design captures a memory of the tradition of English Still rooms. Their copper and brass utensils, wooden surfaces, colourful plants, remedies, potions and soaps provided a rich material pallet.

The display is a choreographed ensemble of herbs, plants and flowers preserved in panes of soap within a brass grid lit by an LED matrix.

The scheme was lit using 77 linear runs of LED lights to create a subtle, organically animated and surprising lighting effect. The lighting matrix responded to the movements of passers-by and translated them into disturbances and ripples into general pattern.

An ‘engaging and delightful installation’ was described for the project and received a Special Commendation.

“The Crabtree & Evelyn project was a collaboration in the true sense of the word.” Commented Pouya Zamanpour, Director of London Atelier.

“We knew there would be an element of lighting but didn’t know what it would be and how it might work, until we started working with Michael Grubb Studio.”

Being part of a team is important for every project Michael Grubb Studio is part of.