Monday, April 7, 2008

DEsign and Spaces.

Topic: Design and spaces.

Here's a look at how design and spaces works.
With projects that motivate designers to study and learn.

Location:

Suntec City ,Singapore.

Nature of Design:

Cafe design.

Branding:

Major Cafe chain; Starbucks.

A little background notes:

In design of the Retail space, we have to understand the story behind the services or products that the Client provide.
In all cases, as a designer, we need to follow the Company (Client) direction on their branding.
Thus, they will provide you with the list of what is a 'must-have'.

The Starbucks Brand.

http://www.starbucks.com/

If you ever try to notice, in every Starbucks cafe, there is a few elements that are 'must-have'.
All of the elements make up to what a Starbucks cafe should be. It provide the same Brand and environment to the end-user in every countries. Meaning; every Starbucks cafe appear to be the same.

We need to create the same retail experience that the end-user have when they visit the cafe.

Beside that, we need to answer to the condition of the store/shop site.

Background reading:

http://www.insideretailing.com.au/articles-page.aspx?articleType=ArticleView&articleId=818

Great read for retail design. ( It's good to share.)

Below:
We will look at a few cases that motivate designer to provide design solutions which answer to site condition.

Why?

The only 'mock-up' Fireplace I have seen in shop in Singapore that provide a sense of place.
The same feeling you will get when you live in the country that have winter season.

What is the function of a fireplace?
To gather the family members in that house to the living room to keep warm in the winter.
In addition, the family members get to chat with one another keeping the relationship warm and cozy.

You get to enjoy this in Designed condition in warm Singapore over a cup of coffee with your close friends.

A mock-up Fireplace with sofa seating in the Cafe.

The Design solution of high ceiling condition.

The linear arrangement of store's services kitchen and casher counter in respond to the space.

The above example reflect the skills of the designer for this cafe. Well done.
We have learned a lot from you.

Things we take for granted.
Things we learn from others.