WEEK NINE: Clearing the Path

Image by Juj Winn

Now that you have reflected on the programming of The Social Station, it is time to begin formulating a conceptual framework to guide your design choices.  Use today's studio time to brainstorm the different approaches you can take.  This doesn't always come quickly, so allow yourself time to think---time to simmer.  Speak with your classmates to evaluate what works, what doesn't and begin pushing your best ideas forward.

On Tuesday, March 28, come to class prepared to give a client-worthy schematic design presentation.  Imagine, at this point, you are in practice for yourself, and this is your audition to get an account.  How far along should you be in your design development?  What images/materials will you present to convey your ideas?  What would lead me, your client, to choose your direction over that of a peer?  Your presentation must include, at a minimum, a concept statement and drawings/diagrams that provide clear insight into how it is an organizing force within the space.

Week 10
T 3/28     Initial Schematic Presentation
TH 3/30  Novem Mason Symposium
F 3/31     Novem Mason Symposium

Week 11
T 4/4    
TH 4/6   Intermediate Design Presentation

Week 12
T 4/11
TH 4/13

Week 13
T 4/18   Final Design Presentation

WEEK EIGHT: Let's Get This Party Started

Image by Juj. This artist exemplifies attention to detail---something we can all learn from! Check out the rest of her super-inspiring Instagram feed @picturingjuj

1) For homework, carefully review the 2016 IIDA Student Design Competition: The Social Station prompt, paying special attention to the program requirements.  How can you best address these within the space?  Craft a bubble diagram (11x17), utilizing your best graphic skills, that reveal your thoughts regarding these needs, as well as the resulting hierarchal, spatial and adjacency considerations.  Be thoughtful in all aspects of your presentation.

Also for Thursday, March 23:

2) Publish/refine your blog post outlining your group's store window design.  It should provide a comprehensive look at both your process and the resulting outcome.  Pay attention to spelling, grammar and the quality of your photos---all of these are a reflection on your professionalism as a designer.  Also, are you linking to and thanking the small business for allowing you to work in their space?  There is no better place to express your gratitude.

3) Is your blog a positive reflection of your personal brand?  Are you, as a designer, accurately represented in it's layout, background image, title bar, etc?  Are you providing links to relative social media outlets?  (On this note, are you utilizing social media to the best of your abilities to showcase what an awesome designer you are?)  Take the time to look at the details of this web presence. I can assure that even if you're not, potential employers will.

WEEK SIX: Prep Work

Instagram by Addie Jones of Twine & Twill

Today you will embark on an three-week design project in which you will work directly with Triad Local First and area retailers to create window displays that celebrate the qualities that make each business unique and promotes sales.


Building on what you've learned from Emily-Kate and Christopher's presentation on using design to get 'cash registers to ring', our behind-the scenes look at Anthropologie's creative process and, most recently, your window display case study, you are challenged with utilizing unconventional materials and a small budget of $100 ($25 per group member) to make a big impact.


Today: Working as a team, create a schedule outlining your design process over the next three weeks. When will you meet with your client? What are you intermediate due dates? When will you present your design proposals to your client? When will you do necessary prep work? Try to be very mindful when it comes to budgeting the time you need to make things happen. When will you install the windows? And finally, what are you final deliverables? Bear in mind we have six studio sessions (counting today) between now and spring break. Please email me with this information no later than 7 pm this evening. I will review and provide feedback asap so you can share this information with your clients.


Before class on Thursday: Visit your store location, meet with the owner/store manager to learn more about their business and discuss goals for the store window. As this is a real world project with real clients it is of the utmost importance that you are professional and organized at all times. Remember Holland's advice to 'under-promise and over-deliver.'


Also for the beginning of class Thursday: Within your teams, each individual is to develop a minimum of three store-window concepts/ approaches. You will present these to the group for feedback.


T 2/21

TH 2/23


T 2/28

TH 3/2


T 3/7

TH 3/9

WEEK FIVE : Window Display Case Study

Clothespin Display for Anthropologie by IARc Alumni, Tracey Wright Newsome

Starting next week, you will work directly with local small business owners to transform their stores with fantastic displays on a shoestring budget. Your challenge will be to use your design skills and creativity to move past limited resources in order to get the public talking about your assigned business.

In preparation, use this weekend to complete your second Case Study of the semester: this time focusing on window displays that use unconventional and/or inexpensive materials to make a big impact. Identify a minimum of 8 outstanding (be critical) displays and dissect each to determine materials and cost. In addition to each display's construction, critically analyze the concept, composition and execution. If you were to go about creating the same display yourself, what variables must you keep in mind?  Refer to the chapter on Windows in the Visual Merchandising textbook (p.41-107) for a very relevant list of considerations.

As with you first case study, this assignment should take the form of a succinct analysis, complimented by a series of quality annotated/captioned sketches and photographs that expand upon your written investigation.  This is due on your blog, with appropriate links and citations, at the beginning of class, Tuesday, February 21.

WEEK THREE : Kiosk Design Deliverables

From the Instagram Feed of Maker Monthly 

The owners of Seasons Greetings Town Centre are ready to review your kiosk design proposals for further consideration.  You are now tasked with preparing the following deliverables, due at the end of class Thursday, February 9:

• 1 Physical Model at 1"=1' Scale
• 1 Floor Plan
• 1 Section
• 1 Elevation 
• 2 Perspectives with Entourage
• 1 Reflected Ceiling Plan

All drawings are to be presented on a series of well-designed 11"x17" sheets.  You may use the tools and programs of your choice to complete this work.

WEEK TWO : Making It Work

Drawing by Jim Leggitt

Continue to develop your most successful sketch model into a more refined physical model. Once you've achieved a form you are pleased with, photograph your model from a number of angles (see handout for tips), print these photos and use trace paper to further detail your kiosk, addressing the programmatic requirements as revealed in your narrative exploration and case study findings.

For Tuesday you should have a series of perspective drawings (at least 4) created through this process, which will allow us to see your design in detail. We will meet as a group to review at 9:30 am.

WEEK THREE:
T 1/31 : Square Table Review | Introduce Part One Deliverables
TH 2/2 : Desk Crits | Workday

WEEK FOUR:
T 2/7 : Desk Crits | Workday
TH 2/9 : Part One Due | Introduce Part Two Deliverables

WEEK FIVE:
T 2/14 : Workday
TH 2/16 : Part Two Due for Installation in Lobby

WEEK TWO : Thinking It Through

Illustration by José Louro

Now that you've spent some time getting familiar with your concept and exploring it at a macro level, let's return to human scale and the shopping experience.  For the next phase of your process, spend 45 minutes writing a detailed narrative on your blog visualizing your experience as 1) a customer---approaching, exploring and making a purchase at your kiosk and 2) the daily routine of the shop attendant, from opening the kiosk in the morning to closing at night.

Once you complete your narrative, spend an additional 15 minutes distilling what you've learned from this exploration into a bulleted list of programmatic considerations to guide you moving forward.