Where Art Meets Community: A New Vision for Photography Retail

The Genesis of a Community-Centric Photo Lab in Chinatown

Design-build studio Protean Practice and the camera brand Manual have partnered to establish Manual Photo Lab, the brand's inaugural retail space and photo development facility. Situated in New York's vibrant Chinatown, the establishment is characterized by its distinctive interior, featuring custom plywood seating, sleek metallic finishes, and striking baby-pink details.

A Visionary Space for Aspiring Photographers

Malcolm Dia, the visionary behind Manual, shared that the core objective of the design was to forge a central gathering point for the next wave of photographers. He envisioned a dynamic environment where individuals could initiate their photographic journey, develop their film, and engage with a like-minded community, likening its ethos to that of a skate shop.

From Pop-Up Beginnings to a Permanent Creative Home

Established in 2017, Manual is renowned for its compact, translucent digital camera, Holo, alongside its range of disposable cameras and film. The brand's journey began with a series of temporary retail installations before culminating in the recent opening of its permanent Chinatown location.

Innovative Design and Architectural Heritage

Manual Photo Lab represents the brand's first enduring physical presence, functioning as both a retail outlet and a film processing center. Occupying a former point-of-sale supply store on Allen Street, the space seamlessly integrates a retail section at the front with a pink curtain artfully concealing the operational areas at the rear.

Facade: A Blend of Modernity and History

The store's exterior boasts a floor-to-ceiling glass facade, complemented by a translucent polycarbonate upper section that subtly reveals the original 19th-century brickwork from previous storefronts. The brand's name is prominently displayed in a minimalist black typeface.

Polycarbonate: A Nod to Manual's Signature Camera

Saji Abu-Gold, co-founder of Protean Practice, explained that the selection of polycarbonate for both the building's facade and the interior ceiling was inspired by the translucent casing of Manual's Holo camera, which openly showcases its internal components, such as the battery.

Revitalizing Historic Signage

The design team opted to preserve and integrate elements of the original signage rather than undertaking a complete overhaul. They carefully removed the outer layers, retaining the underlying structural framework, which was then revitalized with polycarbonate sheathing. An existing fluorescent light fixture behind the original bulkhead was also restored.

Refraction and Illumination: An Unintended Success

Abu-Gold noted that during the installation, the refurbished bulkhead produced a captivating refraction effect, reminiscent of light passing through the Holo camera's plastic shell, resulting in an unexpectedly harmonious design element.

Interactive Seating for Community Engagement

To encourage social interaction and prolonged stays, a substantial, multi-tiered Baltic birch seating unit dominates a significant portion of the store's left side. This area is adorned with photographic prints curated by Silvertooth Agency and a commissioned artwork by artist Leon Xu.

Drawing Inspiration from Design Icons

Abu-Gold revealed that the seating unit's design was influenced by the works of esteemed American designers Ward Bennett and Joe D'Urso. The lower platform is designed for comfortable lounging, while the upper tiers invite visitors to linger and engage.

Strategic Product Display and Acoustic Elements

The interior features cold-rolled steel wall panels, with a large, backlit steel pegboard, crafted by designer Ian Chapin, integrated near the entrance for product display. Towards the rear, custom aluminum shelving showcases zines and other merchandise, while striking plywood, pink, and steel speakers by Miami-based Lupo studio are strategically placed in the corners.

Facilitating Film Development and Accessibility

A baby-pink curtain separates the retail area from Manual's operational back office, where film can be dropped off for processing. Manual collaborates with a long-standing, family-owned photo lab in Flatbush, ensuring a seamless development process. Dia emphasized that the store aims to be an accessible entry point for new photographers, fostering the growth of the next generation of creatives without competing with established local labs like Sammy Photo Lab and Elize Digital.

Protean Practice: A Commitment to Sustainable Design

Protean Practice, operating across Los Angeles, New York City, and London, was co-founded in 2022 by apparel designer Saji Abu-Gold and photographer Steven Traylor. The studio focuses on residential and retail projects, prioritizing low-emission practices, local material sourcing, and the preservation of existing site conditions.