Concept design is an early phase of the design process, in which the broad outlines of function and form of a space are set. To reach this, you must take into consideration all of the interactions, experiences and processes expected to take place within the space in question. An understanding of he customers´ needs, and how to meet them through product display, furniture arrangement, lighting and circulation is crucial. Concept design implies an idea, a development approach, a guiding concept and a design intent that can be reached through different means, such as sketches and workshop models.
For this particular project, I chose to start with a moodboard, selecting some cool reference photos and seeking the very specific vibe I wanted to convey. In my design, sunglasses are the protagonists, and the space becomes the means by which the costumers can approach them. I then began to work with a basic sketchup model, inwhich I began to apply different textures and details as my idea quickly began to take shape. The whole store became a blank canvas accentuated with monochromatic details over which the trendy colorful shades were meant to pop.
The furniture is sleek, following straight vertical and horizontal lines. The black cabinets mounted against the wall are meant for storage, but the fact that they are floating with lighting details underneathmakes them feel less invasive. The glasses are carefully placed on delicate glass shelves with white light, complemented with round mirrors in which the costumers can appreciate how the sunglasses suit them.
The back of the store is covered with tall mirrors, to create a sense of amplitude despite the fact that the space is not so big. Subtle white lights circulate along the floor, walls and ceiling to guide the costumers from one corner to another with ease.
The more delicate and unique shades are displayed within tall glass cases with special lighting and back mirrors. The sunglasses within this cases are meant to be treated more carefully, and must be handed to the costumer by a sales assitant.
In the middle section of the store we have two types island displays, each with independent lighting. One model allows the shades to be displayed vertically on small individual shelves, which lets the costumer focus on one isolated item at a time, whilst using space efficiently to display as many shades as possible on both sides. The other model is a low black cabinet over which a few selected items are shown on display, lit from underneath; the purpose of having closed furniture is to exploit storage space in the least clashing way.
