• This project's concept development can be found below the following images in type format.

Mission:

Develop an exhibit for 3form that showcases their product’s versatility and usefulness.

• Exhibit must be a double decker.
• Custom structure.
• Must contain one touchpoint that showcases various 3form materials/products.
• Must contain seating for 4 groups of 2.
• Must contain one larger semi-private meeting area.
• Must contain a bar that seats at least three.

Like finding your dream house, finding the right architectural materials can be a grueling experience, especially in the ever-changing world of Contemporary architecture. Beyond searching for the right materials, it’s too often that manufacturer’s practices negatively affect the planet. This makes the search for forward-looking materials even more painstaking and ethically challenging.

Much like ethics in construction, contemporary architecture is deceivingly complicated. Without the proper accents and visual interests, it can be incredibly boring. To add to its complexity, the ability to showcase its sleek and clean forms is easily muddled by overuse of sharp and noisy patterns, clashing of pseudo-similar accents, and outdated modern trends presented under the guise of forward-thinking design.

3form helps to solve these problems by doing new and radical things with form, texture, and light so creators can realize their dreams in a way that’s ethical and sustainable. In 2019, 3form launched Flek, a translucent material made of 75% recycled material, and has since continued to make strides towards zero-waste manufacturing. They devote themselves to severely reducing carbon and water usage, and have dedication to programs that make sure their products don’t end up in landfills.

3form balances the complexities of contemporary architecture to provide progressive designs that preserve the planet.

Theme:

Progressive Designs for a Better Tomorrow

Contemporary

Contemporary design style is crisp and clean. It is not to be confused with Modern style (which refers to a specific style from the 20th century). Contemporary style is rooted in the now, and is forward-looking.

Clearly defined lines, curves, use of space, and the arrangement of planes are the focuses of this style. Because of the focus on line and space, It tends to be high-contrast, and often practices bold differentiation in values. 

As previously mentioned, colors typically found in Contemporary spaces are high-contrast. Black, white, and charcoal are a mainstay. Neutrals are also commonly found in these spaces. Taupe, mushroom, etc.  Confident use of bold color (typically for a “pop”) is encouraged in this style as well.

Sculptural shapes, interesting lighting, strong vases, and other adornments are welcome so long as they don’t clutter the breathing space. Less is more in Contemporary style. Open Space, Confident use of Color are key elements in its success.

To match the forward-thinking style of the company, I’ve designed the architecture in a flowing contemporary form, including both rigid planes and organic curved angles. For high contrast and ease of legibility, the underlying structure is white, with 3form brand orange and black accents. Plants are scattered throughout the exhibit as a deliberate color pop while drawing attention to 3form’s passion for eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

On the outmost side of the second floor, a channel lit orange 3form sign sits at the edge of the balcony, drawing in exhibitgoers from its direction. The exhibit sports 2 black, halo-lit logo signs above its stairways. There is another color-changing 3form sign located above the host desk. This sign protrudes outwards from a large sculptural LED wall which plays videos that aid in drawing your eyes downwards while showcasing various 3form materials in a sleek fashion. Lastly, both decks of the exhibit display 3form “flag” hangings from their ceilings, adding even more dimensional interest.

There are two desks on the ground floor. One of these will serve as a host desk, and will help groups that have scheduled meetings access the second floor. I’ll go into more detail on the second floor in a moment, but note that these meetings can take place on the ground floor to account for those with disabilities. The other desk, located under the second-floor balcony, will serve as a VIP guide through the bottom floor of the experience, suggesting materials, exchanging information, and offering general guidance.

The upper deck is contained in a barrier of 3form Varia resin, displaying an in-person example of its versatility. This deck contains 4 tables that sit 2 people, and one semi-private meeting area with seating for 4-6 (depending on chosen furniture), as well as a monitor for presentations.

To add drama to the space, I’ve included floor lighting aiming upwards towards the ceiling of lower floor. Magnetized to the columns of this floor are various samples of 3form materials. This includes Varia resins, 3form Glasses, 3form Wood Paneling and more. Each of these magnetic samples has an RFID chip in them, and when they’re placed on their respective RFID reader (which is clearly labelled above the samples), a video with real-life examples of that material in use is played on loop. This gives exhibitgoers the ability to touch and feel the materials as well as visually internalize inspiration for their future projects.

The open space on the bottom floor can be used as a plaza for demonstrations, presentations, and guest speakers. On these occasions, the sample video monitors temporarily stop looping videos, and would be controllable by the speaker and/or demonstrator.

There is also a tablet bar on the bottom floor. These tablets allow exhibitgoers to browse through even more materials, read about 3form’s philosophy and company information, schedule future meetings, and place orders. 3form would collect contact information for future engagement with potential clients here.

Under the right staircase, exhibitgoers will find a trash and recycling receptacle. Above it, they will find a brief explanation of 3form’s “Align” directive, which 3form uses to consistently challenge and improve their sustainability practices. A closet lies below the other staircase, and can be used for general storage and AV.

Pre/Post Show Engagement:

Prior to the event, 3form will send out emails to exhibitgoers. This email will challenge exhibitgoers to experience their sustainable offerings through the exhibit’s material sampling and demonstrations, and will include a schedule of its guest speakers.

Following the event, emails will be sent out to exhibitgoers who submitted their virtual information for later contact. This email will thank those who participated, and will include savings opportunities and a virtual questionnaire.

Those who opted in for mailing will also receive a small package which includes a thank you letter personally signed by the 3form team, a packet of non-invasive flower seeds, and a letter stating that 3form hopes to be a leader in architectural sustainability practices. It explains that the seeds are symbolic of ethical architectural decisions, and that with the help of its customers, they can help to preserve the beauty of the planet.

Ed arrives early to his scheduled meeting. As he waits for his meeting, he peruses the bottom of the exhibit, feeling materials, and internalizing 3form’s sustainability practices. He’s particularly impressed with the quality of the materials, especially for being recycled. After his meeting, he revisits the bar for a coffee and decides that 3form is definitely something his partners should hear about.

Amy visits the 3form booth after receiving a pre-show engagement email. As she’s looking for inspiration, and loves new ways to play with light, 3form is a natural stop for her. She sees the way the light refracts through the barrier on the second floor and is immediately interested. She stops in the booth for a demonstration, and eventually finds herself touching different materials, looking for the right translucent resin for her next project.

Tia is on the hunt for new translucent exterior-safe materials. She reads the preshow engagement email, and finds herself asking what quality she could expect of a 75% recycled exterior-safe resin. This piques her attention, and draws her in to browse the complete library of 3form materials, recycled or not. As she’s looking through different Xterior materials, she’s greeted by an exhibit worker, who walks her through the exhibit, and helps her find the right material for her.