Rather than continuing the lot-line storefronts of adjacent buildings,
the architects, Italy's Duccio Grassi Architects, cut back the
entry at an angle to the street. Horizontal wood slats extend
over a display space cut at another angle, returning to the sidewalk.
Inside, the first floor extends back in an "L"-shape
(click here for plan),
exposed wood bow trusses and skylights giving an open feel to
the space. The visitor can walk down concrete stairs to the lower
level, a partially double-height space equally full of light
from the skylights and portions of glass floor.
