The Tiffany façade in Stuttgart represents an ambitious and intricate collaboration between architecture, material innovation, and the legacy of Tiffany & Co. Designed by MVRDV, this storefront exemplifies a unique approach to materiality and form, combining artistry with technical precision. It is a striking addition to the Dorotheen Quartier and a reflection of Tiffany’s enduring allure.

A Vision Rooted in Legacy
MVRDV’s design principles for Tiffany’s facades draw inspiration from the brand’s rich history. By exploring material experimentation and three-dimensional design, the Stuttgart store aims to capture the essence of Tiffany’s jewellery – its tactility, geometric precision, and craftsmanship. The resulting architectural expression is an innovative blend of functionality and artistry, designed to captivate passersby and shoppers alike.

Material Innovation: Ceramic Diamonds
At the heart of this façade are 2,829 ceramic diamonds, each hand-cast using a slip-casting method by Koninklijke Tichelaar, the Netherlands’ oldest ceramics manufacturer. These diamonds, mounted on custom steel fixings, create a “floating” effect that immerses visitors in a dreamlike environment. The iridescent glaze, developed in collaboration with MVRDV, features nine gradient colours transitioning from Tiffany’s iconic robin’s-egg blue to pristine white. This gradient not only enhances the brand’s visual identity but also allows the facade to harmonise with the surrounding neutral tones of the Dorotheen Quartier.

Dynamic Aesthetic and Craftsmanship
The iridescent finish of the ceramic diamonds evokes the qualities of Favrile glass, a coloured and shimmering material patented by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the 1890s. Achieving this effect required careful manipulation of mineral compositions and glazing temperatures, creating a surface that shifts subtly with light, weather, and viewing angles. This dynamic quality reflects Tiffany’s heritage of creating pieces that are as enchanting as they are masterfully crafted.

Functional Design
The placement of the diamonds also balances aesthetics with practicality. Their density adjusts to create varying levels of transparency and opacity across the façade, offering glimpses into the store while maintaining a sense of privacy. Around the window displays and building corners, the diamonds “dissolve” to draw attention to the interiors and provide inviting views for potential customers.

Bringing the Vision to Life
This intricate design was brought to fruition through the expertise of several partners. Koninklijke Tichelaar’s craftsmanship ensured the precise execution of the ceramic components, while SOMEC Mestieri Group oversaw construction, and METIS Lighting contributed to the ambient and accent lighting. Together, these collaborators realised a façade that embodies Tiffany’s essence while pushing the boundaries of architectural materiality.

Jacob van Rijs, founding partner at MVRDV, summarised the project’s ambition: “In our façade design for the Stuttgart store, we tried to capture the sense of wonder and enchantment that has characterised the world of Tiffany & Co. ever since its inception. Being surrounded by seemingly floating diamonds, with their shimmering iridescence, we hope will do justice to this history.”

The Tiffany façade in Stuttgart is not only a testament to the brand’s legacy but also an exemplary case of how material innovation and architectural creativity can come together to produce a visually stunning and functionally effective design.

In 2023, MVRDV designed another Tiffany storefront. You can read more about this here.

Source: MVRDV
Photos: Gionata Xerra Studio