For this project we were tasked with designing a retail space in the old Pufferbelly restaurant in Kent, Ohio. We had to design a space that would benefit the Kent community in a positive way by providing retail services that are not prominent in the downtown Kent area. I wanted the space to carry both business casual and business professional attire that both students and the residents of Kent would benefit from. We also had the opportunity to visit the site to aid in the design process. The concept used was umbrella which is a device consisting of a circular canopy of cloth on a folding metal frame supported by a central rod. This influenced the design in both the finishes and the floor plan.

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In terms of the finishes they were inspired by the weather

conditions that allow the umbrella to be used. When an umbrella is required it is wet, dark, gray, and gloomy. I did not want to make the space feel dark so I used light gray tones to make the space feel bright and airy. The light gray tones were used on the floors and on the walls. However dark gray tones were used as well in some of the finises on the display cases. By combining light and dark gray tones helps to create a cohesive feeling.

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When designing the floor plan the concept of umbrella is evident in the display cases which showcase purses, shoes, and other accessories and in the checkout counters. By choosing furniture that was curved helped bring back the concept of umbrella.   

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Skills used:

-Revit

-Photoshop