'Maggies' comes to Liverpool.

As I have been researching into interiors and structure design for my honours project, I came across 'Maggies'.

“Our Centres are here for anyone with any type of cancer and their families and friends, offering the practical, emotional and social support that people with cancer need”

Laura Lee, Maggie's Chief Executive

https://www.maggiescentres.org

Maggies is a custom built centre that provides support to cancer patients and their families. I am was intrigued by this and decided to divulge into this charity further.

The further I began to dig the more information unfolded, I was most struck with the narrate behind the building of 'Maggies-Highlands'

The design of the building is based upon the division (mitosis) of cells, within a heathy environment. Just before the cells divide they form a vesta shape (similar to an oval) and this has inspired the shape of the building. This shape is continued right throughout the building and interiors.

http://confessionsofadesigngeek.com/maggies-highlands/#comment-136659

There area  variety of 'Maggies' around the country, and at the moment there is a 'Maggie' being built in Liverpool.

A 11m-long, glass-panelled called "The London Dresser was commissioned by the Mayor of London as part of the Wonder  Installations series for the 2012 Games. 

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/pavilion-commissioned-london-olympics-moved-6790573

Interim building in process of being built.

Model making has started!

Carrying on from my post entitled…square, square and more squares', I have started to mock up using textured card and acetate the layout of my retail store.

By mocking up the layouts this way it allows me to see how my store will eventually look and also me to evaluate the layout of  different fixtures and fittings. I have decided already on some of my mock ups that I want to have less fixtures in and I want to move them around already.

Below is images taken of my mock up layouts so far. I have also tried to take the images as close to eye level as possible.

As close to eye level as possible

Overhead view

Squares, squares and more squares = Store layouts!

Using the measurements given in the honours brief (15mx15x5m) , my task is to create 10 initial store layouts and identify the one exterior shape that I feel would work best for this project.

First stop I thought was to to research into how Anthrolopogie plan their store layouts, and how their customers are lead around the store. I found a very interesting website http://www.pompeiad.com/work/anthropologie

Pompei A.D were commissioned in 1992,  by Anthropologie to develop their concepts for instore environments. I found this very interesting as Anthropologie use the store to create small sections / enviroments to not only entice their customers but also to enhance further sales.

 I am very intrigued by this and feel that could work really well with my theme of cancer cells. Below is a series of inspiring images which have been placed within my interiors sketchbook.

I have also taken into the account during the design process of the store layout. I have figured that if the layout of my store is very complicated, my ideas of introducing small interactive areas may not work as well. I have not completely dismissed the use of an unusual store layout shape but I feel the simpler the better.

Above are examples of store plan layouts. A colour and symbol key indicates were certain features will be within the store and I have also added a piece of acetate over the top of the layout to indicate customer circulation and how they will interact with the features within the store to.

I also thought about two storey store designs too. I could expand the features within the store over two floors - again I have used a colour and symbol key to indicate features such as window displays, in store displays, and also cash and wrap desks. A circulation plan has also been added to .

So now the task of deciding which layout I feel will best work for my brand - 'Anthrolopogie' and I will then develop this further via paper mock ups and in both google sketch up and AutoCAD.

Exciting times ahead!!