Project Description:
Each student picks their own type of store that they wish to create (either women's/men's accessories, skin care/makeup, home-goods, etc.). From there, they are given a pre-existing 3 story building to design the store in. The building has one main floor that leads up to a mezzanine level, and a basement underneath. The basement level leads out to the river behind the building, so there can be circulation through this space. The main challenge of this project is to connect all three levels into one cohesive space. There was also required an interactive space that pairs with the product they are selling (food/drink space, arts/crafts, etc.).
Inspiration:
The product chosen for this design was women's shoes. Since the area around the building mostly young professionals either in school or just starting their careers, the shoes should be more affordable and casual, but also fashionable and versatile. Most of the creative inspiration comes from the urban landscape of a modern city and the energy that comes from nightlife in it.
Concept:
Inspired by an urban landscape’s night life and artistry, this women’s shoe store was designed to reflect the energy and forms found in a city in an abstract way through layering, angles, and lighting. The design was based around a central trapezoidal floor cut out on the main floor to connect all the spaces and allow a large light fixture to be viewed from each level. The interactive space became a cafe on the lower level with seating and wall space for local artists to display their work. The shoe display on the lower level is also for local designers and artists to collaborate with the shoe store to make their own limited edition of shoes that are to be sold only on that level. There is also a clear glass partition walls near this display where people from the community can sign when they make a purchase of these custom made shoes.
Light Study:
A light study was done on the space to see how natural light would enter all three levels and also where the most important spots where for lighting. The trapezoidal and triangle floor cut outs on the main floor allows natural light from the front to get to the lower level. In shoe stores, it is most important that the product display is lit up, so the main focus of light is towards where the shoe shelves and displays would be.
Color/Material/Furniture:
Inspired by an urban streetscape, the color palette is monochromatic, using cool, neutral tones to reflect the architectural landscape found on a typical city block. Visual energy and excitement is achieved through the use of vibrant hues of pink and green, reminiscent of graffiti street art. Another accent of iridescent pearl color will be brought in through tinted LED lighting at shoe displays, indicative of the bright, neon lighting that brings the urban oasis to life after dark. The materials are mostly flat and hard, but they vary in texture and reflectivity which goes along with the feeling of a modern city. The furniture selection was kept simple and modern to let the materials shine through.
Floor Plans/RCP
Sections
Elevations
Perspectives
