BLUE ROOM is
an installation proposal that translates and complement the brand’s
juxtaposition of soft silhouette and architectural lines in their work into the
scale of the retail environment. We
began with an idea about the insertion of a translucent lining that would
contrast with the rectilinear envelope of the existing space and act as an
atmospheric veil to separate and define areas for the display of merchandise. To connect the two geometries together, we
devised a series of structural frames for the new surface that would continue
onto the perimeter walls, floor and ceiling and translate into different
elements, including shelving standards,
clothing stands, and lighting. These linear frames act as seams that literally
connect edges and create continuities across disparate surfaces. The materiality of the liner was envisioned
as a stretchy translucent textile that would create atmospheric layers that
allow a sense of discovery in what is essentially a very small space. We chose the fabric colors, a mid-range blue
layered with a lighter blue, to literally convey a sense of atmosphere and to
also recall an exotic environment that could be understood as water or sky,
which might be particularly appropriate for resort wear, which we understand
will be part of the collection on display.
The form of the liner was intended to evoke a sense of an ephemeral
shape or space like a wave or a cloud, and the shape and translucency has the
ability to hold light and give it a volumetric quality. This surface could also be a place for image
projections to convey an animated sense of atmosphere. The clothing display will be comprised of
brushed aluminum standards and reclaimed wood planking that will be routed to
provide a means for both shelving and hanging pieces. The changing room and cashwrap are enveloped
in a second bi-directional wave that also leads back to the VIP room.
We plan to employ a combination of digital
and analog fabrication techniques and a range of material effects to construct
this installation. The structural ribs
for the new surface are to be double-layer laser-cut plywood ribs with staggered joints. The two layers will be used to sandwich the
fabric panels together to comprise the surface. The fabric panels will be constructed from a
translucent nylon-spandex mesh in two contrasting layers. Fluorescent tube lights wrapped with colored
cellophane will be mounted in linear
configurations onto the existing walls, floor and ceiling. The raised floor will be a plywood platform
with slots to house the fluorescent tube fixtures. We will use a CNC mill to create routed
profiles in the shelving to allow for a
variety of presentation options from standard linear arrangements to
separately-spaced featured displays.