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.