Architect Archial has unveiled plans for a new facade for the Debenhams flagship department store on Oxford Street, in London

Architect Archial has unveiled plans for a new facade for the Debenhams flagship department store on Oxford Street, in London.

Working in partnership with artist Ned Kahn, the new facade on the British Land building will appear to ripple fluidly in the wind.

The store will continue trading throughout the works, which also include the removal of the existing canopy to increase the height of the shop-front glazing, improving the shopping experience and enhancing the store鈥檚 sense of arrival.

It is the first time in the property鈥檚 41 year history that the exterior has been altered. Works are underway with completion scheduled for February 2014. 

Wates Construction is the contractor.

Chris Littlemore, Archial chief executive said: 鈥漁ur team, led by directors Paul Thrussell and Chris Demetriou, has been working on this project in close collaboration with our client British Land for a long time, and with Ned Kahn, resolving design and technical criteria.

鈥淲hen complete, the building will present a truly iconic and memorable addition to this world famous street. We are very excited about delivering the project on site over the next year.鈥�

Charles Maudsley, head of retail for British Land, said: 鈥淲e are delighted to revitalise one of the most well-known buildings in our retail portfolio and transform it into something truly exceptional.鈥�

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