An undergraduate (third year) design studio project which investigated retail design. The project was based upon a real client 'Starfish' a sustainable fashion brand located in Wellington, New Zealand. This project focussed strongly on conveying the essence of the retail brand through the design of a retail store. The project is based upon creating a permanent store for the brand and also investigates the ability to transform into a pop up store
The facade to the Starfish store, the patterned centre panel reflects the pattern of the current seasons clothes as Starfish have a signature pattern for each season
The curves of the Starfish façade instinctively guide people in and create an animated threshold for the customer stimulating their desire to enter the store. Reflections generated by the glass blur the boundaries between inside and outside where the exterior conditions are seemingly transferred onto the interior environment. The slightly frosted texture of the door to the store creates the first point of haptic interaction for the customer, the push of the door to transcend the entrance threshold carries weight and forces the customer to be conscious of this movement.
The initial store display
Display for other items; shoes and jewellery
The display of clothing within the store functions on two separate levels; the permanent fixtures and the pop up display. The primary method of display is through the pop up display – these forms sit dynamically within the
permanent fixtures which display the clothing when the pop up is absent from the physical store.
permanent fixtures which display the clothing when the pop up is absent from the physical store.
A large component of the brand's philosophy concerns transformation. This is translated to the store environment through being able to move the fixtures. Potential positions for the large fixtures are denoted by timber panels inlaid into the floor.
Transforming display unit
Longitudinal Section showing the entrance of natural light into the interior
Cross Section showing the changing rooms at the back of the store
Entering the changing rooms, and the purchase area
Plan and Section of Retail Store
Display element to be used on different locations
The crucial element of the retail experience is the pop-up display elements, These provide opportunities for collaboration and unique retail experiences for Starfish outside of their permanent store.
All elements of the permanent store are able to be taken to new locations as they are able to fold down and be carried easily by two people. This display element was also used to produce a series of fabrication drawings for a corresponding construction paper
All elements of the permanent store are able to be taken to new locations as they are able to fold down and be carried easily by two people. This display element was also used to produce a series of fabrication drawings for a corresponding construction paper
