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challenge
Create a memorable identity
solution
To expose the tall volume of this ground floor space, we removed
everything not original to it. In a gesture to the human figure,
our studio incorporated curved forms throughout the design, including a
circular sales counter and a handsome vaulted ceiling excavated from
under a false ceiling. We exposed the raw nature of the plaster walls
but warmed them with insets of wood against which the store's clothing
is displayed. Underfoot at the entrance lies a whimsical "frozen sandbox" impressed by tiny hand and footprints.
We celebrated the dressing room as handmade art—the store's
focal point—instead of diminishing its presence by pushing it
against a back wall. It is functional iconography, a luminous, suspended
cylinder that lights up the space and captures the attention of moms and
kids visiting the store as well as passersby. Inspired by a line of
lampshades designed by Principal Richard Parker, AIA, this backlit drape
of stainless steel mesh quilt is faced with colorful toys and recycled
plastic objects. Inside, the handicapped-accessible dressing room is
finished in a soft, beautiful poplar.
"Approving mothers lined up around the block on opening
day," wrote journalist Zahid Sardar in a review of the
award-winning design.
challenge
Be smart and resourceful under significant time and budget constraints
solution
While needing a fast turnaround on a small budget, the owners gave
450 architects considerable design leeway in the 1,200 s.f. space.
Our freestanding dressing room does its job beautifully, in less space
than a traditional changing room, and also serves as an artful icon for
Japanese Weekend. Our studio also chose to use environmentally conscious
and inexpensive recycled materials. In addition to the visual delights
in the dressing room drape, we incorporated other materials with tactile
qualities and interesting shapes and colors. This was cost-effective and
also holds enormous appeal for
children—it's "architecture as babysitter."
Because the owners had franchises in mind, we advised them that our
various design elements could easily become a kit of parts to be mixed
and matched in other locations.
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Japanese Weekend
I.D. Magazine, Design Distinction Award in Environments, 1994
Industrial Fabrics Association International, Design Award, 1993
American Institute of Architects, San Francisco Chapter,
Award of Honor, 1992-94
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