Andee Program

How does space influence our decision making process and impact our opinions?

As human beings we bring endless connotations and varied perspectives to the spaces and environments we inhabit and experience. This includes but is in no way limited to our culture, religion, language, height, weight, nationality, education, and upbringing. Our experience of space is as deeply engrained and uniquely individual as our personalities. Is it possible to create a space that speaks to all peoples? Are there colors, materials, spatial elements, that are accessible and understandable by people of all backgrounds and walks of life? Are the conventionally accepted methods of wayfinding the only way to speak to people from different backgrounds? Is it necessary to articulate a space though a series of paths and nodes in order for it to be understandable and navigable by the user? Are the alternate ways of articulating a space that can be used in place of more conventional “hallways” and “rooms”. By breaking from this mold how can we change peoples perceptions of space? How does one determine the best route from point A to point B, what if they were never given the choice? How can we as designers use the other senses to enhance or strengthen our designs? If I smell food emanating from behind a wall am I more likely to walk around it and enter a restaurant? What does the presence of that wall say about the restaurant? If I see a light in the distance am I more likely to move forward? How does that light make me feel?

How can these spatial concepts and experiences influence the user’s opinion of a space?

As we discussed in Tiffany’s analysis of the Prada store how does space impact brand? What do architectural elements say to the public? How can one balance/exploit certain connotations to make statements with architecture?

In a world where up is up synonymous with better, more, & success, is the apple store making a statement when it places the learning center, genius bar and educational resources ABOVE the conventional retail area? I would hazard to guess that it is a calculated brand statement. Is it a coincidence that the penthouse is usually the top and always the best?

To that end I plan on exploring a program that speaks to people from different cultures, backgrounds, and circumstances and is complex in nature offering many options for routes, paths, and final destinations. Focusing on the exploration of form and its ability to communicate, and influence choice, I plan on exploring a retail environment that speaks of a brand idea and showcases concepts rather than product. In todays world of online shopping, stores must compete by offering an experience rather than choice. I plan to explore this "experience" in terms of architecture and form and its ability to give voice and concept to the retail envronment.

In more specific terms I am exploring the idea of bringing a well known retail destination from another country (most likely europe) to New York.
Allowing me to create a concept store that serves as a retail "experience" as well a shopping destination. As a concept store this space will include multiple programs i.e. store, bar/restaurant, & spa. Affording me the opportunity to explore a reinterpretation of an existing brand that has and will speak to the consumer (from varied backgrounds) using architecture to articulate its niche in New York.