| | This project is a locally owned retail business which sells outdoor gear, active lifestyle clothing, and accessories. The project is new retail in an existing retail space. The client’s goals are to develop a new image for the business after being in New Haven for 15 years in two different locations. This fit-out brings the opportunity for the client to create an aesthetic and value-based dialogue with their customer. The character of the store is to be high energy and inviting to the customer.
The architect responses were to use reclaimed and sustainably harvested materials where new materials are required, and reuse as much of the existing material to reduce or eliminate waste. To this end, the design solution kept as much of the existing systems and infrastructure as possible. Also, glass bottles were gathered from local bars to be used for the “tile” of the cash wrap, and bamboo materials were purchased from a sustainably managed hacienda in Mexico where the business creates jobs for the local community. Design attention was focused on creating an energy-filled core, using shapes and colors to create momentum and flow for a successful second floor retail layout. Existing column enclosures were redesigned to minimize their visual restriction in the space. |