Retail buildings aren't required to be the same strip mall layout and
different height facades of stone base and plaster foam trim. In fact,
nothing prevents them from actually being architecture and creating an
exciting building and element to their surroundings.
Enter Lotus. This organic retail building stems from the
unraveling petals of the lotus flower. A simple and symbolic element
that would stand distinctively amongst a pool of standard buildings. The
petals, or planes of the building, unfurl from the prominent corner and
give way to an interior courtyard – the center of the flower - shielded
from the street traffic and creating a semi-private space for the
building and its customers. The simplicity of material choice;
integrally colored plaster, painted steel elements, and storefront
glazing all aid in keeping the 8,000 square foot building within the
owner’s limited budget but also create a sustainable and elegant
architecture.