Located in the heart of Paris’ 4th arrondissement, just behind the Centre Pompidou, With Marlow is a small optical store designed by ParisBrooklyn around the dialogue between the existing architecture and a deliberately minimal retail intervention.
The project responds to the character of the Marais and its architectural heritage, preserving the material presence of the existing space while introducing a limited number of new elements for eyewear display and customer service.
A minimal display system against the existing stone
One of the defining elements of the interior is the existing stone wall, preserved as a strong material backdrop for the new retail fixtures. Against its irregular surface, a custom-made blue display system introduces a precise linear geometry for presenting the eyewear collections.
The contrast between the rough texture of the stone and the slender metal structure gives the display a deliberately lightweight presence. Rather than concealing the existing architecture, the new furniture allows it to remain clearly visible and become part of the identity of the store.
Tiles and mosaic define the second retail setting
The material language changes in the other area of the boutique, where tiles and mosaic introduce a more graphic surface treatment. The counter is integrated into this composition, while suspended display elements maintain the restrained approach established throughout the interior.
Existing architecture and new retail elements
With Marlow is defined by the relationship between two distinct languages: the material character of the existing architecture and the controlled geometry of the new display elements.
ParisBrooklyn limits the intervention to a concise palette of materials and custom fixtures, allowing stone, mosaic and the eyewear displays to establish the spatial identity of the boutique. The result is a compact optical store in which the existing fabric of the Marais becomes an active part of the retail design.
Project: With Marlow Eyewear
Location: Paris, France
Design: ParisBrooklyn
Photo credit: Bartosch Salmanski