At first glance, it seems that Apple's strong retail design has derived from consistent design. But since Steve Jobs opened the first Apple Store in 2001, the brand has changed its store and lighting design concept five times. Thereby change appears as a central factor when a brand grows and expands internationally. For each period Apple developed sophisticated details and has strived for the perfect sky in their store - a smart strategy to enhance naturalness and sustainability.

1. How Apple strives for the perfect sky
and revives cities

2. fl
ush mount luminescence

3. Tysons Corner in McLean, 2001

4. Glendale 2001

5. Palo Alto, 2001

6. Ginza, 2003

7. Sunlight underground for natural ambiance

8. Who could have imagined that... the
General Motors Building that brought
mediocrity… to the most elegant part of
New York’s Fifth Avenue would be
redeemed by the Apple Store’s magic
crystal cube on a newly elevated plaza,
turning disaster into triumph?”
Ada Louise Huxtable
On Architecture, 2008

9. Fifth Avenue, New York, 2006

10. New York, 2006

17. Isaac Asimov
New York Times, 1964

18. Manufacturers Hanover Trust

25. Der Scott

26. John Deere HQ, Moline, 1964

31. Paolo Di Trapani

32. Sky reproduction, 2014

46. Welcome local style

47. Curbed, 2016
„We were able to avoid
‘death by replication,’
and we’re quite proud of that.“
Karl Backus

48. Grand Central, New York, 2011

49. Washington, 2019

76. Forbes, 2019
Stefan Behling

77. New York, 2019

79. Ambient >
luminescence
Recessed
luminaires
Functionality
2001
2
Daylight >
Skylight
Naturalness
2006
3
Ambient >
luminescence
Luminous ceiling
Integration
2015
4
Genius loci >
Regional details
Individuality
(2011) 2015
5
Outdoor
Integrated luminaires
Urbanity
2017
Light
Technology
Branding
Apple Stores - Lighting Design Development

80. New York, 2019