The Bally shops in Basel and throughout the world

The new shop concept - which remains the same anywhere in the world - for the long-established Bally group (shoes and clothing) transmits a consistent atmosphere, from the appearance of the front of the building up to the presentation of the products. The dark brown smoked glass with the classic white Bally logo and the window displays enhance the luxury quality of the products. Thanks to the natural colours and materials used, Bally shop interiors radiate calm and warmth. Footwear, clothing and accessories are placed in simple display cabinets and therefore become the centre of attention.

The lighting concept for the exclusive shops was devised by iGuzzini. Contact first occurred in August 2006, relating to the matter of the renovation of the first shop in Basel. iGuzzini lighting designers and consultants won over the individuals commissioning the work by exploring even the smallest of details when it came to the problems presented by the premises, and by offering high quality products in terms of lighting fixtures as well as the adjustment system used. After the Basel shop was officially opened at the end of January 2007 iGuzzini was entrusted with the task of providing the lighting for all branches throughout the world.

The Mach architectural studio in Zurich, responsible for the design and implementation of the renovation work, had devised a complicated system of ducts into which the lighting fixtures (using two different lamps) were integrated. Other limitations affecting the choice of fixtures were dictated by the enormous height of a room in one of the main areas of the shop. A special version of the Metro projector was used here, in bundles of three. For the lowest room, the Frame projector was selected, while the wall-fitted Astra fixture was used in the corridor.

All fixtures are part of the lighting design which makes it possible to create different atmospheres. During the shop opening hours, maximum lighting guarantees optimal product presentation; at night, only the windows are lit in a discreet manner. The ambient lighting enhances the depth of the sales area, transforming the interior decoration scheme of the exclusive shop into a window display. The light is dimmed substantially during the events which take place there on a regular basis, so that it can be focussed effectively on individual items.

The concept by iGuzzini Switzerland has now been adopted in the renovation of Bally shops all over the world. Seven projects are currently in the implementation phase, while many others are still being planned.