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.

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.

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.

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.