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!! 

Presenting the retail brand - Anthrolopologie!!

After a long hard think about which retail brand I am going to use within my honours project - I finally have decided upon 'Anthrolopologie'!

Anthrolopologie is a multi-channel lifestyle brand, that sells women's clothing, accessories, gifts and home decor.

Owned by Urban Outfitters, Inc who also operated Urban outfitters, Freepeople and Terrain. The store was  founded by Richard Hayne and was first opened in Wayne, Pennsylvania in 1992.

The brand is a known world wide with over 180 stores throughout both America and Europe, with  3 of the stores located within in the UK (2 in London and 1 in Edinburgh).

The store is famed for its highly imaginative in store fixtures and elaborate window displays, who are created by a team of in-house visual merchandisers and display artists.

I was intrigued as I had often seen these elaborate windows advertised throughout the creative industry via Pinterest and Style guide amongst others.  Recycled materials are a key feature within the displays and beautiful objects / displays are often produced from the most mundane of things. 

Recycled Cork display in collaboration with  Cork Forest Conservation Alliance for Earth Day

Green bottles

Recycled 'teabags'

I began to divulge further into Anthrolopologie and to see how I could link this retail brand with my own honours project. Upon researching the word 'Anthrolopogie' I discovered that this means the following:-

'The word anthropologist means someone who studies human cultures. They investigate all aspects of human growth and cultural interaction, development levels, and regional differences to better understand how we relate to each other and what the future holds for us. To do this job, it helps to have some curiosity, and a high level of patience.'

I felt that this was such a good idea to use this brand within my project as my theme for it is Cancer cells and their behvaiour.

So onwards I must go to dig deeper and research further …..