Modeling a Revolution

After our group decided to focus on parts and pieces of a loom for inspiration, I took it one step further on my own to focus on the way the cotton flows through the loom and the patterns it makes along the way. Here are two of the sketch models I made to get my point across:

I saw something like this as partitions to separate the vendor spaces. The wooden pieces are actually representing the columns, which puts this piece in perspective a little bit..these partitions are huge. The fabric weaves in and out of itself and around the columns. I imagine customizable signs that would weave into the fabric also, completely changeable to fit the rotation of vendors.

I thought of this model as a gigantic, loom-like gateway, separating the retail space from the food services. Im very pleased with the way this model came out in the end, even though its only a sketch model, and to my surprise, my group is too! Im excited to see how we can incorporate this into what we've already decided for the space. I also hadnt even thought about the neat shadows it would cast until I took the pictures. Maybe theres something there...especially with Jimmy's idea about cutting a huge skylight into the cieling. We shall see!

Going Beyond Interiors

There is an installation in the studio lobby that really peaks my interest. Robert Charest's Commercial Design studio was assigned the task of creating a vestment, or garment, out of one kind of paper, and one kind of fastener. When I was first notified of this, I was intrigued, and after seeing the results, Im very pleased.

Although I know that these designs will make it to buildings eventually, Im envious of the students for getting to step away from interiors for a while. I love designing spaces, but it gets overwhelming at times...especially recently. I enjoyed designing individual units in Retail, but to step even further away, even if just for inspiration, would be a nice change. I sometimes wonder if interior design is the right field for me, but I just cant see myself as a fashion designer or strictly graphic designer, either. I almost gave up on my dream after the fall 2007 semester, but I couldnt pull myself apart from it, especially after all the work, time, and money (god knows) Id already spent. Im at a fork in the road of my career where I dont know which way to go, and it scares me a bit...but interiors is what I signed up for, so Ill stick to it until the end, or until they kick me out.

Weaving in Inspiration

The next phase of our project is to draw inspiration and create images and models representing it. We posted all the pictures that were taken at the mill and created an "inspiration wall" to pull from.


A lot of the images are really neat, and I tried to sketch some ideas from my favorite ones. I wasnt very sucessful, and I wasnt really feeling as inspired as I should be for this phase. After meeting with the Chart Masters, we decided that pulling from images that really had nothing to do with the history of the mill..or even the mill itself, was silly. We decided on a different approach. We would use mechanical drawings of cotton looms (which is what the mill was all about) as inspiration. We would also use parts of the looms in new ways to create an industrial, yet fun invironment. Here are some photos that I found as inspiration:

Answers.com

1911encyclopedia.org

Madehow.com

iranpazirik.com

Arizona.edu

irancarpet

Susans Fiber Shop

Teeksaphoto.org

Arizona.edu

Revo-lationships

The first phase in our Revolution Mill Studios project was to create a visual programming document. My group, the "Chart Masters", decided to create a sysbol matrix, displaying the relationships of each of the spaces included in the design of a retail center. I think our group did a great job displaying the necessary information in an easy to read visual.

Revolution Mill Studios

In 1898, a textile entrepreneur by the name of Moses H. Cone hired his friend and former co-worker, Emanuel Sternberger to be the president of his new company, Revolution Cotton Mills. Built in Greensboro, North Carolina in1899, Revolution Cotton Mills was the first flannel mill in the region. In 1904, construction ended, doubling the size of the original footprint. In 1915, left and right wings were added to the building, again doubling it’s size, and throughout the 1930’s, Revolution Cotton Mills was recognized as the largest flannel production facility. Sternberger remained president of the company until he died in 1942, and the mill was sold in 1982 to be constructed as condominiums. When the space was proved to be unsuited for living quarters, it was sold again to an investor who would rent out the space to tenants for industrial use. Revolution Studios, LLC bought Revolution Cotton Mills in 2003, and it is now known as Revolution Mill Studios. A 5 million dollar renovation project began to convert the mill into office spaces-soon to become a 40 million dollar project. The space is now used as a business park for over 97 businesses including medical offices and labs, manufacturing companies, small business offices, and a business incubator. As of today, less than half of the 600,000 square feet has been renovated. The space is also used to host wedding receptions and community gatherings. Projects that include a greenway and a bicycle path, as well as the rapid expanding of the business park, will soon reinstate Revolution Mill Studios as an economic center in the city of Greensboro.

sources:
Revolution Mill Studios
Industrial Properties Rehabilitation Case Studies
University of South Carolina Library
Wikipedia

Tie the Knot Weddings
Textile History

Concept Driven

Part 2:
Concept- Layered Growth
Product- Decorative Pillows

9.5.2008
Using Danette's idea of changing floor levels, I did some sketches incorporating shelving and storage units.



after looking more closely, the storage area seemed really gaudy, and the shelving wasnt substantial enough. I realized that the topiary shelving unit would only look cool if you were looking directly at the front of the store. I'm still unsure about the front window..I think it could turn out to be really neat.

9.8.2008
I designed a shelving unit that really explains the design Im going for right now. My original intent was to put this against a back wall, but then I thought it might be neat to use it as a center display if I wrapped it around on both sides.



9.10.2008
After the interim review today, I've been rethinking my design altogether. Not exactly the greatest thing to do with the due date so close, but I never had anything solid before, and Im still not sure about this idea, though I really, really like it. Someone mentioned the idea of using the rings in a tree trunk as inspiration, which got my mind rolling. I've designed a shelving unit/couch for display purposes... (horrible sketch, but the image in my mind is beautiful)



I imagine neutral colored pillows at the beginning, slowing changing shades and ending in dark green pillows displayed on the couch. The couch itself would not be separate from the unit, but built in as part of the whole. The trunk and branches would be made from molded plywood like a lot of Eames' products


photo courtesy of Peppermags
The couch would gradually change from plywood to a fabric of the same color, with a print that looks like the branches continue.

I have a feeling if this was actually constructed, it would turn heads from every direction. I'm going to do my best to keep this element a huge part of the design. the difficult part is trying to figure out how to make the rest of the store just as dynamic...

Case Study #1- Windows and Storefronts

There are many different ways to display store content and to draw shoppers inside.
I have taken on this case study a little differently since I was unable to take pictures and/or sketch drawings of stores in either of the malls I visited. Instead, I have sketched out the basic window designs that are common in the retail spaces I visited. Then, I have provided an image for each design idea, showing how each is used.


If people like what they see on the outside, they are more than willing to wander inside.

images provided by (as seen from left to right):

1. V Group International
2. Store Windows No. 15 by Martin M. Pegler (pg.43)
3. http://maiftp3.com/NYC
4. Wear moi
5. Store Windows No. 15 by Martin M. Pegler (pg. 122)
6. Visual Merchandising by Tony Morgan (pg. 92)
7. Guest of a Guest...
8. Visual Merchandising by Tony Morgan (pg. 51)
9. FELT Studio
10. Store Windows No. 15 by Martin M. Pegler (pg. 150)

Anthropologie Visit

Our trip to Charlotte was loads of fun! I had never heard of Anthropologie before, at least, I had never noticed it. The thing that struck me as the coolest thing is the materials they use to create decorations. Books as flowery-type window decorations, straws as icicles, teabags sewn together to make a quilt, potatoes growing in mason jars, parts of mopheads as bows..regular, everyday items used as decoration. I also thought the idea of no set design was great. It gives every individual store leeway to create their own interpretation of what the corporate office sends them for inspiration. Anthropologie seems like a really interesting company to work for, and I am so jealous of Michelle's job!

Other Observations
After Anthropologie, Matt and I wandered around checking out other stores. We walked into a few and talked about what worked (textured walls/colors) and what didnt (really loud music). We also analyzed display windows, storage units, and store layouts. We managed to sketch a little bit for our case study, but security gaurds were on the lookout for students with pencils at the ready. I witnessed a few people snapping pictures, but decided not to risk it. All in all, I had a great time at Northlake. I want to thank Suzanne for bringing us to Anthropologie, one of the coolest stores Ive ever been to (not to mention, I have a new place to shop!).