Opportunity
When adidas set out to redefine the retail experience at their 5th Avenue flagship store, the vision was clear: create a space that seamlessly blends sport, creativity, and consumer engagement. Built by JT Magen and opened in 2016, the design draws inspiration from high school stadiums—complete with a tunnel entrance, locker room–style dressing areas, bleacher-like seating, and even track and turf zones where visitors can test performance products. The immersive environment goes beyond retail, offering fitness consultations with EXOS trainers and an in-store juice bar.
Solution
A key design goal for the project was to highlight unique, unconventional materials that elevate the space. Collaborating with GBA Architectural Products + Services, the team selected Composite Cast Iron Panels—a standout product that captures the timeless look of vintage cast iron while remaining light enough to suspend from the ceiling.
GBA supplied and installed eight 2' x 4' prefabricated composite cast iron and paver panels in the main hallway. Each panel features a hidden support system engineered by JT Magen, finished with a black patina framework and glazed with hundreds of shimmering solid glass prisms. When backlit, the prisms create a striking, luminous effect that enhances the store’s dramatic atmosphere.
Outcome
The result is an award-winning installation that not only honors the bold, stadium-inspired concept but also showcases how architectural materials can transform retail into an experience. Today, the adidas flagship continues to stand as a prime example of innovation in design, having earned 11 industry awards and recognition for its boundary-pushing approach.
