Les Bains des Docks

OK, so this newly-opened continental pool complex is stretching the boundaries of Experience Fix’s ‘Stay‘ classification, but you could literally stay here for hours. And what better time to feature a Public Bath in this blog than when the ‘i-am’ London studio are sweltering through a mini heat-wave. Les Bains des Docks’ relaxing and cavernous system of halls is a sanctuary of smooth surfaces and rippling expanses of water, offset by bold architectural shapes. Situated in Le Havre and designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the baths are a part of a major rejuvination of one of the oldest docks in France.

The centre offers treatment zones for all-around pampering, but in terms of customer experience, ‘i-am’ are most impressed by the unexpected attention to detail that makes a visit to the baths that extra little bit special – check out the eye-searingly bright flashes of colour and smart mosaic detailing while planning your next trip across the Channel. Click HERE to see a fly-through animation.
Website: www.vert-marine.com/le-havre

Douglas & Gordon

‘i-am’ have been designing striking modern environments and distinctly memorable customer experiences for well-respected estate agents Douglas & Gordon for several years, and across 14 London sites. This summer, ‘i-am’ are pleased to unveil the stunning new branch design at D&G’s Balham office. Situated on Nightingale Lane and boasting sleek blue-tinted glass detailing and a modern take on the traditional hanging sign, this branch offers a environment and brand experience to truly rival its competitors.

And there’s more eye-candy inside…
Originally a chemist, this unique building contains a number of listed features including original Victorian Apothecary shelves, which have been filled with carefully-sourced vintage medical vials and equipment. Retaining these original features and coupling them with modern materials ‘i-am’ have delivered an environment that is as inspiring and surprising as it is welcoming. A trip to the estate agents will never be the same again.

Visit: www.i-amonline.com/estateagents.html for more estate agency transformations from ‘i-am’

Viktor & Rolf

With their surreal and hauntingly beautiful take on fashion design, Dutch duo Viktor & Rolf present this startling 15-year retrospective of their most innovative work. This theatre-like installation is the first time the designers have exhibited in the UK, so as lovers of innovative and surprising experiences, ‘i-am’ really recommend taking a peek into Viktor & Rolf’s darkly glamorous parallel world of couture. Central to the exhibition is a gigantic yet graceful dollshouse (‘The House of Viktor and Rolf’), featuring inhabitants dressed in exact replicas of the designers’ most innovative creations. This utterly compelling collision of high-fashion and Alice in Wonderland theatrics is exhibiting until 21st September, and you’d be as mad as a hatter to miss out. www.barbican.org.uk / www.viktor-rolf.com

DAA

Dublin Airport Authority run a successful retail business across a number of airports, but are now keen to expand and strengthen their offer, so have enlisted ‘i-am’ to work on the restructuring, rebranding and strengthening of the DAA retail brand. As creators of great brand experiences, ‘i-am’ are ideally positioned for this project, and are currently developing a unique, informative and engaging visual language for the brand. Dublin Airport is currently undergoing an exciting transformation and extension, with a new terminal building and a radical overhaul to improve their customer experience. Visit www.dublinairportauthority.com for more news on this airport retail revolution that ‘i-am’ are excited to be a part of. Watch this space for more news on ‘i-am’s work with DAA or e-mail info@i-amonline.com for further information on this project.

Chilango

‘i-am’ are pleased to announce a delicious project currently in development – Chilango is a fast and fresh Mexican chain concept, where customers can build their own gourmet burritos, tacos, salads and other meals from the freshest ingredients. Each meal is individually prepared to your taste, right before your eyes. ‘i-am’ were called upon to generate a new name (‘Chilango’) and to develop the brand’s ‘DNA’ to ensure its personality reflected both the best of modern Mexican cuisine and urban culture with Latino fire and a lust for life. ‘i-am’ also created a new interior concept that captured the true essence of cool urban living, offering customers a choice of either dynamic dining or fast paced takeaway. Watch this space for news on the launch of Chilango… sign up HERE for updates straight to your inbox. For further information on ‘i-am’s work with Chilango, e-mail info@i-amonline.com

Lucha Libre

Since starting work with Chilango (see article above) the ‘i-am’ team have developed a love of all things Mexican… so a trip to see Lucha Libre London at The Roundhouse in Camden was definitely in order. Translating from Spanish as “Free Fight”, Lucha Libre is Mexico’s vibrant, technicolour version of free wrestling. Wearing lurid masks, tights and superhero capes, the best of Mexico’s wrestlers – or Luchadores – have jetted over to this cavernous north London venue for a breathless, action-packed assault on the senses. www.roundhouse.org.uk

Artist’s Playground

As pioneers of compelling brand experiences, ‘i-am’ are always on the look out for new and surprising design and architectural inspiration, and this month’s new Artist’s Playground exhibit does not disappoint. This contemporary mixed-media art affair is taking place in the sprawling grounds of Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire, and features new site-specific work from Tom Dixon, Zaha Hadid and Carsten Höller, as well as a handful of emerging artists.

The exhibition revolves around the theme of ‘Play’ with Kevin Francis Gray’s eerie tree-dweller installation and a mind-bending mirrored labyrinth from Jeppe Hein (pictured) fitting suitably within the semi-ruins of Sudeley. The Artists’ Playground is at Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire (01242 604357) until Oct 31.

Chic and Basic

Reported straight from the ‘i-am’ team in Barcelona, this article on the hotel Chic & Basic caught our eye, because of the brand’s all-encompassing customer experience. Here’s a clipping of the article – visit the ‘i-am’ Barcelona Blog for more…

Chic & Basic is cool and perfect! Cool, in the sense that there’s a nice harmony with the classic architecture of the old building combined with modern architecture and furnishings. Perfect, in the sense that everything – and I mean everything – has been considered here. This is how a brand should work.

It all about YOU when you stay at Chic & Basic. From the staff who are discrete and attentive, cute soap packaging with great copywriting, even lollipops in your welcome pack… Fabulous!

This is a great example of a brand who have considered every stage of their customer journey, carrying the brand values through from interior design and packaging to staff uniforms and training.
Visit: www.chicandbasic.com and ‘i-am’ Barcelona

Visa Swap

Both ethical and exciting, this is the kind of unique shopping experience that ‘i-am’ love.
Is your summer wardrobe craving an update? If so, the imminent opening of the pop-up Visa Swap shop could be the answer to your sartorial prayers. This concept from Visa UK is the UK’s first ever high-fashion swapping event. So how does it work? It’s easy – take your unwanted clothes and accessories (whether they’re designer or high street) to a drop-off spot in London’s Covent Garden. You’ll be rewarded with a Visa Swap card loaded with points which you can then spend on other donated items. Another point worth mentioning is that Visa have teamed up with TRAID, a charity committed to reducing poverty and protecting the environment through the recycling of clothing. This is the kind brand unification that can really make a difference, appealing to fashionistas and eco-warriors alike.

Visa Swap, 21st June – 20th July, Covent Garden. Visit www.visaswap.com for locations and details of Swap Point Values.

The Hoxton Pony

Within stumbling distance of the ‘i-am’ studio, new hotspot The Hoxton Pony has opened. Despite East London’s Hoxton needing another trendy hangout like a hole in the head, the points of difference here include a cocktail list using organic, seasonal British produce, and a bar menu featuring suitably east-end grub (pie ‘n’ mash and jellied eels). The ‘i-am’ team also applaud the owners’ commitment to protecting the environment; you’ll notice several innovations including waterless urinals and no bottled water, making this an innovative aswell as ethical bar experience. Design-wise, we’re talking smoked mirrors alongside stainless steel and high-gloss lacquer surfaces. Nice. Visit www.thehoxtonpony.com