Friday, December 5, 2008

final presentation.

Hello, my name is Ruby Reeves and I have created soiree green, an eco-friendly party supply boutique.



Inspiration for soiree green stemmed from a collage created to represent the desired mood or atmosphere for the boutique. Considering party supplies are being sold, vibrancy and excitement had to be present, so I searched for images that would come together to best represent those qualities.



The concept for the boutique is impressions and more specifically where permanent, temporary, and non-existent impressions meet. Permanent impressions are those that remain as memories in the mind, perhaps initially obtained as a first impression of soiree green, or as the memories gained by a party hosted. Temporary impressions are expressed through the design of display fixtures and other elements of the actual boutique. When one force pushes or presses against another, it tends to leave an impression. The non-existent impressions are those not created in the form of ecological footprints since soiree green has been created with sustainable design as a tenet.



In order to better develop ideas for designing with the concept of impressions, I researched existing structures that appear to have impressions left in them. The indentations varied from very curvy and organic to structured and geometric.



These are some initial drawings of intended features for soiree green. The top image is a perspective that depicts the bright and fun atmosphere soiree green needed to exhibit. The image to the far left is of a basic display for a birthday party package and the on the bottom right is an idea I had for an eco-friendly alternative to balloons, they would be colorful structures formed from 3form and bamboo that would stand at different heights. I also imagined plants and lanterns acting as sustainable alternatives.



These are some more drawings that were produced in order to begin delineating space. The idea for a centralized seating area for consultation resembling an traditional Indian tea party came to light.



Designing finalized fixtures that were derived from the concept of impressions was the next challenge in creating soiree green. Allowing the form of one display to outline the design of an opposing one was a key technique.



In order to better develop fixture and display ideas, I used recycled materials to create some models. I worked with the idea of letting one fixture act as two displays: one on either side.



This is a key plan highlighting the location of soiree green within biomech mills. The boutique is one of the stores with both a glass storefront and storeback.



This is the floor plan for soiree green. The layout features a center unit that acts as a barrier of sorts encouraging the customer flow to be directed throughout the store so that all displays can be seen.



This is a perspective of the store“back” from the exterior looking in. The closed window display facing shoppers walking by would act as a trend area, featuring party packages relevant to the time of year.



Here you are able to see the storefront with another closed window display next to the entrance that would act as a trend area. The scheme and dressing of each display would correspond with the occasion for the party it represents.



This is the view as you enter the store. You’re able to immediately take note of the logo seen on the overhead structure that can actually be viewed from the exterior of the store as well. Behind the recycled aluminum sliding doors in the center unit would be other stock, and prepping materials. Also, the series off displays would act as a sight line that wraps around the boutique.



This image is showing you a birthday display with props acting as actual features of the party package such as the lanterns or other accent lighting. I’ve decided to use text as a graphic to identify each display throughout the store.



This drawing highlights one focal point of soiree green, the mid-floor fixture that doesn’t display actual merchandise, but instead catalogues. The recessed lighting in the overhead structure provides subtle ambient lighting.



Here’s the elevated consultation area where clients can sit with party planners to customize their party packages as well as just look through catalogues of party packages not on display in soiree green.



Exiting the center unit you head towards the front of the store where another consultation area meeting ADA requirements is found.



Both of these sections allow you to view the structure of the elevated center unit and the structure above that appears to have left the impression in the unit below. Section a – a prime demonstrates how the display units also appear as though displays on one side of the room have left an impression creating displays on the other side of the room… and each fixture acts as two displays.



After much exploration of different store names and branding ideas, I concluded with “soiree green” due to its simple yet sophisticated charm. Also, since it is a boutique, it seemed fitting to use the French word for party, “soiree.”



Each visitor of soiree green receives a party favor made of recycled aluminum and paper, containing a business card and a piece of candy.



Materials used include reclaimed wood, low voc paint and recycled aluminum. The tables and chairs would also be made of recycled aluminum. The tabletop I choose actually has subtle impressions included in the design. Many of the displays would feature light boxes in addition to other accent lighting. I choose recessed lighting due to the fact it seems as though it was the result of an impression.

Friday, November 7, 2008

charrette two: delineating space.

The following are several initial sketches produced in an attempt to portray some of my ideas for the green party supply store.

- first perspective drawn to communicate mood/feel of the space



- early entrance idea: walkway divides two sunken seating areas used for consultation.



- concept of impressions begins to actualize in retail space by allowing the walls to cave in and act as pockets for display purposes.



- impression in floor acts as cushioned seating area for consultation and customizing party packages with clients. Seating area also acts as display of picnic style tea party.



- initial drawing of store front to demonstrate transperancy of glass; allowing you to view alluring interior of store from the exterior.



- sustainable alternative to balloons: balloon-like structures formed from 3form and bamboo. Plants and lanterns/lighting will also act as sustainable alternatives.

exploration: impressions in architecture.

Impressions are described as a marks, indentations, or figures produced by pressure. All of the images in the collection above contain a piece of architecture that has allowed impressions to some extent determine it's design.  I can image that each structure at one point had some tool or object apply pressure to it in order to create the form of the building.

Within my green party supply store, I plan on using impressions and the actions used to form them as guidance while designing the structure of the store.

green party supply store: concept.

Dissecting what a party is in actuality left me with thoughts of social gathering: an assemblage of people. What happens when you take this group of people apart when the part is over?... Hopefully they are all left with priceless memories of the time they spent at the party. From this I was able to discover the concept of "impressions." I'll use this concept to capture where permanent, temporary, and non-existent meet.

permanent impressions: of the mind; a strong effect produced on the intellect, feelings, conscience, to form memories.  Permanency would be formed by first impressions of the store, as well as the memories of the party hosted.


non-existent impressions: effect on the earth; since the store if focused around sustainability, there will not be any ecological footprints (impressions) in existence.


temporary impressions: within the store; a mark, indentation, figure produced by pressure. The store will be composed of various forms leaving impressions on surfaces from wall to wall and floor to ceiling.

Friday, October 31, 2008

inspiration: eco-friendly party supply store.

free write.

A line of designer party supplies that is accessible to the everyday Joe or Joanne. The boutique in which shoppers come in to customize their party for whatever occasion will have characteristics that draw the shopper in and motivates them to throw a party even if there is no special occasion. Vibrancy, innovation, excitement, and organization are all qualities I hope to saturate my space with. I imagine a shopper walking in and being offered assistance in selecting or customizing their party from the employees operating the unit located in the center of the space. Then they’re able to circulate through the store and experience the various party supply packages on display. If they do not see a package they’re interested in, they are able to flip through our catalogue and see the other packages offered. The displays will be set up on platforms with visual appeal from floor to ceiling. These displays would include supplies relevant to the occasion or event that the package pertains to. All supplies within these packages would be eco-friendly yet very attractive. Of course balloons are usually featured at most parties; however, I will address the desire for circular floating objects with lanterns and non-inflated balloon-like structures. In keeping with the idea of sustainability, certain pieces of the party packages would be either for sale or just for rent so that they could be re-used (such as the lanterns and other non-disposal decorations.) Throughout the boutique, there would be no more than about 10 parties on display: male birthday, female birthday, boy birthday, girl birthday, which ever holiday is current or upcoming, baby shower, engagement, graduation if towards the end of the school semester, cocktail, anniversary, “just because,” farewell, super bowl, etc. The space as a whole would be very funky, chic, eclectic and fresh with a lot of abstract design features, text (that serves as functional and aesthetically pleasing,) textures and unique lighting. The storefront and the “storeback” are both made of glass so I plan on having some really fun and alluring displays showcased.


Monday, October 27, 2008

case study three.

I realize after researching and selecting an assortment of inspirational images for my green party supply store that I appreciate a variety of different features of existing structures. Whether or not I am going to be able to incorporate all of what I found I am unsure since some features are on opposite sides of the design spectrum, however I would like to attempt to.


The first image I came across that caught my eye was that of these Soco Stores, one of which is actually a costumes rental shop that I thought could relate to my party supply store. I realize you’re only able to see the exterior of the shops but they certainly make a statement alone. Despite their in-your-face bold color and pattern choices which some would surely consider “a bit much,” they achieve their goal by being extremely eye catching and spark your curiosity. The storefronts hint shoppers as to what might be found inside. Bright colors and patterns provoke imagery of festive, energetic moments or events such as parties. I intend to use visual applications in a toned-down, but similar way.

- http://www.smallplanetguide.com


The second site of inspiration is a London store for the Russian fashion brand Emperor Moth. This store is without a doubt an experience. It’s use of color; mirrors and lighting create an extremely dynamic, vibrant space. In fact, their use of mirrors adds another dimension to the store. I would love for my green party supply store to possess a wow-factor as the Emperor Moth boutique does that would encourage consumers to visit so that they can experience the shop as well as obtain the merchandise they desire.


- http://www.dezeen.com


Third is a drawing I did of an image out of Architecture Now! 5. It is actually a museum in Guben, Germany that embodies many of the qualities I hope to incorporate into my shop. I appreciate the use of diverse materials brought together harmoniously in a single space. From the reflective metal found on the ceiling to the glass and wood found within the display cases, this museum makes use of material to create different textures throughout. In addition, I really enjoy how they use large-scale text that serves the purpose of describing displays as well as adds visual appeal.

- "Architecture Now! 5" (Philip Jodidio)


Next are two images of two shops whose clean and simple design speaks to modernity, which I am a huge fan of. I admire designers who are able to be minimalists yet have their creations express an amazing quality. I believe retail stores demand a level of simplicity so that shoppers are able to easily navigate through them and locate what they’re looking for.

- http://www.momoy.info/uploads/interior-design

- http://indigomag.files.wordpress.com


The following is another drawing I did of an image out of Architecture Now! 5. A very important goal of mine is to primarily use recycled materials throughout my green party supply store. This is the Freitag Flagship Store in Switzerland. They have commendably reused shipping containers to create their entire store. In addition, a surprisingly modern interior of the store contrasts the more rugged exterior. An intentional juxtaposition usually adds interest as it has here.

- "Architecture Now! 5" (Philip Jodidio)


Over the years thus far as an Interior Architecture student, I’ve learned the importance of thinking your designs through on a large-scale as well as on a small-scale. I believe I’ve struggled with this in the past but what I’ve found here helps me to realize the endless possibilities. This is a collection of images from a Ben Sherman clothing store that has formulated a brand for itself through the assemblage of multiple small-scale design decisions, which I find very interesting. I particularly enjoy the jeans stashed away on the bookshelf, which adds a humorous element to the space.

- http://www.bensherman.com


Finally, I found an image in Visual Merchandising of the Alexander McQueen store that addresses a method of display within a store that strays from the norm (which I aspire to do with my designs.) The fixtures drip down as an extension from the ceiling and then appear to float above the floor. I believe it’s important for fixtures within a space to not seem as though they’ve just been added on or placed in without much consideration for the rest of the space. I would like for the fixtures within my green party supply store to appear as a part of the structure of the space, as the fixtures in the image do, allowing the merchandise to stand out. I would also like to use lighting within my display fixtures as the designer of the Alexander McQueen store has.

- Visual Merchandising (Tony Morgan)


From here, I intend to pull from and abstract features found within this collection of images in order to continue the process of designing my green party supply store.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

party time.

… So it’s ixnay on the green gift shop. What I had imagined for the shop was not specialized enough and left me uninspired. After speaking with my professor as well as several classmates, I’ve decided to pursue the idea of a “green party supply store.” Regardless of the changing times, throwing parties for various occasions will always remain a constant. The changing times do however have an influence on our lifestyles. The “green revolution,” as I like to call it, is in effect and as a designer, it’s my responsibility to do a service to my clients as well as the environment. When I think of current party supply stores, I visualize tons of paper, plastics and other non-sustainable materials that could definitely use an upgrade. I plan on using recycled materials for display purposes and other sustainable materials throughout the store while still creating a unique and chic atmosphere.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

individual retail proposal.

When I think about "Greensboro" many things come to mind, including our city's need to become more environmentally conscious; after all, it is Greensboro.  If many small steps were taken, they would add up to progress.  One small step that I can take as a designer would be to create with the well-being of the environment in mind.  I have decided to design a gift shop within bio mech mills that only sells eco-friendly/recycled goods that consumers could really appreciate for their function, as well as their contribution to helping our planet.

This gift shop would sell a wide range of green gifts:
- folding bikes w/ carrying case
- picture frames made from recycled materials
- stationary "                                                   "
- organic garden supplies
- organic dried fruit baskets
- organic coffee
- pillows made from recycled materials
- pet beds "                                          "
- coasters "                                           "
- stainless steel water bottles
- books on green living
- subscriptions to green magazines (i.e. plenty)
- national park passes
- rechargeable batteries & battery chargers
- solar chargers for ipods
- tire gauges
- etc...

All of the products listed above were either made from recycled materials, or in some way would influence one to contribute to the "green revolution."

This type of shop would make sense within the Revolution Mill site since the renovation of the site is (or at least should be) all about new beginnings while preserving the past.  Bringing a shop dedicated to helping keep our earth healthy and "preserving it," while inspiring new found appreciation for all things green would fit right in.  The store would appeal to a diverse population with goods that would appeal from the young or young-at-heart- to the more mature crowd.  Prices would also vary, giving everyone who visits the opportunity to indulge in something green.  I'm very excited about the display possibilities of these goods as well.

What could be better than a "green" shop in Greensboro?

biomech mills: group project.

This project entailed joining a pre-existing group who came up with the initial design and working with them to produce a more detailed, polished retail center within a designated space of Revolution Mills.