South Coast Collection - Shopping Experince in Environmentally Friendly Fashion

By Charity Hunter, Keshia Willet

 

The South Coast Collection, or SoCo as it has been nicknamed, is located off the 405 freeway in Costa Mesa, California. It features furniture showrooms, fabric stores, cafes, a wine bar, cheese shop and clothing boutiques. The development’s main goal was to be as environmentally friendly as possible while also being more than just a shopping destination but a place for community. The center features a weekly farmers market and has made huge efforts to redesign the entire foot print of the 300,000 square foot parcel to be efficient and sustainable.

 

The first thing that a visitor of the SoCo center will notice is the landscaping. The developers, Burnham USA, started with the concept to “go green” and use materials and products throughout that were eco-friendly and sustainable. Starting with the landscaping sets the tone for rest of the development. When asked in an interview for Coast Magazine developer Scott Burnham said, “All of our green projects include a landscape design that incorporates drought tolerant plant materials. Succulents, grasses, olive trees, and other comparable plant material generally are a common theme in our landscape design” In addition to incorporating draught tolerant plants the developers also worked with the Paul Mitchell School and created a “state-of the-art water reclamation system/water tower that treats up to 2,000 gallons of daily water usage from the School and diverts it to be reused for other onsite purposes, including SoCo irrigation water”.  The center also features a Zen Garden with high reaching bamboo plants as a visual reminder of the commitment to sustainability. It’s no surprise that bamboo is one of the materials used at the OC Mart Mix since they are promoting green design and bamboo is initially the first sustainable material most of us think of. Bamboo has many qualities making it green but the most significant is its rapid growth and durability. The OC Mart Mix uses bamboo as partitions to seclude seating arrangements in the outside courtyard.

The large buildings of the SoCo center are also made of sustainable materials. Starting with the natural concrete used to form the buildings. Concrete is a wonderfully versatile material that can offer many different applications and a variety of aesthetics. The fire pit is a favorite of visitors because of the unique concrete spheres that contain the fire.

 

The main feature of the SoCo center is the OC Mart Mix an urban, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance design concept. Of course reclaimed wood from redwoods to ipe wood would be used throughout the project. Used structurally and decoratively the distressed wood is absolutely everywhere. The salvaged planks structurally frame all the shops with glass walls which add to the open space concept yet still stay true to sustainable design. Applied to shelving in various stores and used for the hanging signs displaying the store name the OC Mart Mix now uses it in a decorative sense.  

The contrast between the warm tones of reclaimed wood and the cool modern sense of metal and concrete is seen in many of the OC Mart Mix outdoor and indoor furniture. Patio tables throughout the courtyard have a metal base and leg, with an inlay of wood for the table top. In the Portola Coffee Lab their seating also incorporates the same idea with metal legs, backs and wood seats. Benching placed throughout the space use large unfinished timber on top two concrete blocks. All are great pieces that continue the cohesiveness of contemporary yet sustainable design.

Several types of sand, gravel, and dirt are used as a way to section off seating areas in the courtyard with concrete sidewalks or pathways. At first one might think sand and dirt for a shopping center courtyard wouldn’t be the best material to source but the OC Mart Mix pulls it off in the most smart and fresh way. It’s smart design because it helps with irrigation and is low maintenance. It’s an innovative design because it unites the use of concrete that is smooth and sleek with sand and gravel that is rustic and natural.

Read more »

Eat Chow, Newport Beach

By Catherine Hood

I don’t know if I am about to coin a new phrase but I have never heard it before, I call it “cozy industrial.” A new restaurant has sprung up in west Newport Beach, CA called “Eat Chow” the décor is straight forward just like the name and the food.  The exterior of the building is a combination of stacked slate, moss green cement plaster and bronze warehouse lighting (insert photo 1 Eat Chow; photograph by Catherine Hood). The combination of colors and materials give the impression of an old school water front warehouse with new school modern ques.

Upon entering the restaurant you are greeted by a hostess who is standing behind a chest high two toned knotty pine counter top and dangling above are three mid century modern inspired cracked dome glass pendant lights.  The use of the knotty pine normally thought of as the tacky interior of a 1930’s vacation cabin in the Poconos is made fresh by giving it a highly polished finish (insert photo 2 Eat Chow, photograph by Catherine Hood).

The wood is following through by incorporating it into their table tops and adding the occasional detail of an hourglass shaped mahogany wooden dowel bringing a certain continuity to the entire space. The use of stone is brought indoors only this time as flagstone style mosaic walls in warm tones (insert photo 3 Eat Chow).

The interior utilizes a variety of finishes and colors that give an intimate feeling to a decidedly modern interior.  Devoid of any brick-a-brack one of two pieces of art on the walls is an old tin block letter sign with cracked and faded red paint that simply reads “Eat” (insert photo 4 Eat Chow; photograph by Catherine Hood).

The earth toned organic paint choices of pale yellow, taupe and shades grey off set the stark polished industrial looking concrete floors.  The contrast between hard man-made surfaces and soft and natural surfaces continue in the choices of the furniture.  The industrial looking pressed aluminum chairs are balanced by Danish Modern teak chairs woven with natural rattan style cordage and long wooden benches attached to the walls and fronted by the same knotty pine used on the counters and table tops.  The table tops are mostly a no-frills affair save a small five inch real cactus spikes and all set into a four inch round small cement planter.

For pops of color the seating combines faux leather orange, light blue and grey cushions as well as bright orange painted ducting on the ceiling and a red/orange starburst clock on the wall. All carefully edited as to not overwhelm (insert photo 5 Eat Chow, photograph by Catherine Hood).

The lighting starts with plentiful window frontage which allows a nice capture of natural light augmented by carefully placed can lighting through the dining area. 

The bathrooms did not disappoint.  Although straightforward they continued the modern/industrial yet homey feel of the décor.  The concrete floors continued into the bathroom space. A stainless steel framed full length mirror on the wall is surrounded by light grey porcelain tile with a strip of glass mosaic accent tiles in grey and white tones.  A white pedestal porcelain sink was just enough to make sure the bathroom did not appear to be an afterthought but a cohesive part of the overall modern feel. As for the men’s bathroom I cannot comment I can just assume there is a bucket and a mop inside with a half roll of toilet paper on the floor just like there is at my house.

The only problem I had with the design of Eat Chow Restaurant is the lack of seating for waiting customers. A nice long bench would have sufficed instead I found myself milling about the place waiting for one of the three chairs placed in front of the restaurant under a small umbrella which gave the only shade for waiting customers.  For that reason and that reason only and because I was not wearing sunscreen I give the overall designer grade of an A-.

 My overview of Eat Chow is that the designer of this restaurant maximized the benefits of the existing structure which included large window frontage that allowed for plenty of natural light and high ceilings which gave the impression of a much larger space for a restaurant that only allows 58 people per the fire code. Although I usually distain intimate seating arrangements that force you into close proximity to other diners, the combination of design and food quality was enough to win me over. A cleaver combination of small booths, bench seating and small tables made the close proximity of whatever seating that was available along with a well priced mimosa seem more comfortable.

 * No Outside Resources Materials Were Used In This Case Study.

Read more »

The Godiva Home

By Nina Hoang & Tracy Huynh

The Godiva Home was holistically built in Portugal, Europe in the year 2012. This particular home was built by a company called Empty Space Architecture.  Its exterior design is very unique because of its shape. The home basically looks like a white box when look at from afar. “The high energy requirements to which this building is exposed, led by the architect use of new construction technologies, associated with the application of the latest techniques of alternative energy production,” stated by View Pictures.

This is also another reason why the home is a lot different than the typical home due its tremendous use of natural energy savings. Not only it will save homeowners a lot of money on electricity, but it is also sustainable for the environment. Godiva home is unique straight from the exterior all the way down to its interior. The ten materials/products was used for this project in the interior and exterior of this home has an achromatic scheme consist of (1) exterior  white walls, (2) white cabinets in the kitchen, (3) white sofa, (4) black hardwood floors in the living room with a (5) black entertainment center along with (6) white vanities, (7) a black wall in the bathroom, (8) vintage pictures of celebrity legends..i.e. Marilyn Monroe, (9) black tile flooring in bathroom, and (10) a very contemporary used of space, furniture, floor plan and design.  We don’t think this house is very useful although it is very creative in the sense of interior design. The Godiva home looks more like a bachelor’s pad, if not, more like a model home to people that likes a little unique in their life. The home will not be ideal for families or elders. It is very “bland” in terms of lacking a little color and lack of the coziness of a home sweet home. It is definitely not ideal to raise children in this bachelor’s pad. Hence, this home to us is a failed project for a family home, but a complete success for singled men or singled women who’s looking to host parties, and for the purpose of entertainment.

You can visit the links below for more information and pictures related to Godiva Home.

http://www.viewpictures.co.uk/Building.aspx?ID=29354

            http://emptyspace.pt

www.viewpictures.co.uk/Building.aspx?ID=29354

Read more »

Red Table

By Tiffany Huang and Nicole Sandoval

Did you know that there’s a restaurant in the Huntington Harbour Mall that embodies and embraces the community? That’s the Red Table gastropub. Red Table was opened in July of 2011 and was transformed from an old Ralph’s grocery store. The “Red” in Red Table stands for Relax, Eat, and Drink. Red Table is a partnership with three owners, Louie Jocson, Sandy Bauer, and Cozzette Dunlap. The restopub is a combination of sophistication and manliness – “ruggedly handsome”. From talking to one of the owners, Louie, who is also the chef and creator of the entire menu said that one of the main ideas for this restopub was to have a sense of comfort. They wanted customers come in to eat or drink and feel like they were in the comfort a home, not a restaurant, with the materials and products used to create the space. We have collected that not only does this restopub gather the Southern California community, but it gathers the whole world. The origins of the furniture, materials, and menu come from all over the world – from the Hawaii to Tibet – putting it into one setting. The whole concept of Red Table is true to heart from the beginning to the end.

The way that this gastropub embodies the community is centralized on their massive rectangular red table in the center of the space. The color red is warm and inviting, which is comprehensible because the red table seats twelve people. Red Table is about the community coming together in one setting. The red table in the center of the restaurant can seat multiple parties coming together to socialize. There is also a community night every Monday night to give back to an organization that is in the area.

– Red Table

 

 

At both ends of the table, there are branches vertically laid out as a room divider. Not only does it function for aesthetic purposes, but it also functions as a way to break up the interior space. 

 

The Interior Space embodies the direct complementary colors of red and green.  Three of the walls of the interior space are cemented and the color of the accent wall facing the entrance of the gastropub is green.  The color green is also present in the different types of plants that are located around the area. There are trimmings of red along all of the walls that unites the whole space.

 

      Artwork

            The artwork that is placed throughout the restaurant was actually taken by Cozzette Dunlap’s son. He took most of the photos himself and they fit the masculine feminine look which fit perfectly into the look of the restaurant. Although all the pictures are not his own, it is encouraging to see photographs of things you can see everyday make it into a restaurant where everyone can come and see.

           When the restaurant first opened you would enter into the waiting area that consisted of two sofas and two chairs that kept the feeling of being at home alive. In the center of the meeting area, there was an opium bed that was acquired from China that was then converted into a table.

 

  opium table

         The massing of the golden framed mirrors and artworks above the mantle gives the space a nice eclectic touch. The intricate details and organic lines of the frames contrast the cemented brick wall; there is a juxtaposition of unlikely elements from femininity to masculinity and also from the Old World to the New World. Even some of the furniture and light fixtures were acquired from the old world and also reused from other furniture. The dark wooden table tops were hand-made from a missionary in a little village located in China. They were then used for the purpose of building running water for the entire village. The benches along the bar and the tables outside were reclaimed from the remains of old barn doors that were destroyed due to tornadoes.

                                          bench/ high table tops

            There are many different types of chandeliers throughout the restaurant, there are very few that are identical to each other. Four of the pendant light fixtures were acquired from Tibet that was used as fishing baskets in the villages of the Eastern countries. The chandelier hanging above the cash registers are made of shells that were made in Hawaii. There are correspondingly two more chandeliers that are hanging over two of the tables when first walking into the restaurant that are made up of shells. Above one of the booths in the back of the restaurant is a gold leaf chandelier that is made of metal, but it has a sophisticated look which is a contribution to both the masculine and feminine entities.

                                                              lighting

            Overall Red Table is an enjoyable restaurant with a feeling of being at home. It is certainly enjoyable coming here and looking at the eclectic style that was brought into this one space. The décor is inspiring considering that some of the materials were reclaimed and eco-friendly, which essentially helped people that are less fortunate. We highly recommend coming and eating at this gatropub and seeing it with your own eyes. It really is a nice place to Relax, Eat, and Drink.

 

Resources:

Picture 1 and 3 – OC Register

Pictures 2, 4 and 5 – Nicole Sandoval

Interview- Louie Jocson

Read more »

Cafeteria for Steelcase in Grand Rapids, Michigan

By Melissa Torres

The Steelcase cafeteria in Grand Rapids, Michigan has been with the same design since 1968 with potted ferns and lights intact. It was said by the anthropologists that are employed by the manufacture that the cafeteria was in serious need for a renovation. The Steelcase design team took this as a time to shine, and not only show their work in their showrooms but also actually have their work displayed somewhere where it is in use. The Design manager Cherie Johnson worked together with Joey Shimoda from Shimodas Design group. They came up with the perfect idea of making the cafeteria not just a place to grab coffee or lunch, but also a place to multi-task work in the café.  

 

(Offices on top connected by the grand staircase to the café below)

 

The facility is 20,000 sq. foot, and it is a café with an office program. The facility consists of 10,000 steel case employees. The offices are at the top and the concierge desk is at the bottom of the offices down the grand staircase and the café is at the bottom grade of the staircase. Lockers and business centers are behind the concierge desk, and is there to stash coats, boots and luggage. Visitors can proceeded to a welcome center space beneath the stairs equipped with video monitors offering updates on corporate events.  Usually colleagues who are waiting migrate to the coffee bar, and get to see the global wall, which gives an overview of company’s happening everywhere from Rosenheim, Germany, to Malaysia. In front of the wall stand are some angular counter-height tables with barstools. The stools are great because it forces people to sit opposite to each other and creates an opportunity for people meet and talk.

 

(Welcome center for visitors with video monitors)

For flooring finishes they made a built staircase made of solid walnut, and it connects to the main lobby and the work café below. Beneath the stairs is nylon carpet tile, which is in the café lounge and coffee bar. Over the stairs there is a beautiful canopy that is light up with LED lighting. The canopy reminds me of a bee’s honeycomb nest and it is very creative and full of color.  In the lounge there is cove lighting that is separated from the coffee lounge. In the server area there is a glass curtain surrounding fluorescent lighting over the custom quartz countertop. I think quartz was a great choice for the salad bar counter top, because quartz is very durable and is not affected with acids.  A lot of the furniture is made from steel case like stools, few built-ins, and seating and tables. Some of their furniture designs are with green seats and chromed legs. Materials used for this commercial facility are definitely great and durable and energy efficient.

(Canopy LED Lighting)

 

 (solid walnut staircase and nylon carpet tile)

 

Overall I think the idea was brilliant not just a café but a work café.  This commercial facility used commercial rated materials that are very durable, and energy efficient lighting. Materials have to be commercial rated to meet certain codes and for its durability, and energy efficient lighting is great to save more energy and cut back on electricity bills. The space looks beautiful and functional. Steel case is on their way to marketing their products in a more live -able way rather than just displayed in show rooms. Their ideas are definitely out of the box and unique. The design is not only great to endorse their products but great for the employees to have a different work aspect. My husband works in the medical field and tells me that sometimes he doesn’t have lunch because he has to finish his work, but in a place like the steel case cafeteria he would be able to keep up with his work and enjoy a nice lunch. This idea of a work cafe’ can bounce of to other facilities and require steel case services.

        (Eating and working)

Title of Article:  Eat,Work, Love

Joey Shimoda nourishes the corporate soul with a cafeteria for Steelcase in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Article written by: Deborah Wilk -- Interior Design, 2/1/2012 2:00:00 AM

Photography by: Benny Chan/Fotoworks.

 

PROJECT TEAM:


daniel allen; todd tuntland; david khuong; benjamin grobe; ying-ling sun; andre krause; elizabeth cao: shimoda design group. gary steffy lighting design: lighting consultant. robert darvas associates: struc­tural engineer. progressive ae: mep. christensen fiberglass tooling: fiberglass contractor. owens-ames-kimball co.: general contractor.

Read more »

Welcome to Toc Salon

By Vanessa Cheek and Thuyan Le

Tuong Van, also known as Brian, hired his friend Quoc Anh to design his new “Toc Salon”, which in Vietnamese mean “Hair Salon.” This salon is located in the Little Saigon community in Westminster, CA. Brian started off at his own chair working for another salon and decide to branch out on his own. Taking a risk, he started with little to nothing for a total remodel and was successful with the help of his friend.

 

Quoc Anh did not go to school for design, but to save on costs he did everything himself. He got his inspiration from magazines and his environment. He looked at all things modern and natural including the warm touch of wood.

The design is formal using symmetry and smooth surfaces. Quoc Anh used a lot of large glass windows to enlarge the space and bring in natural lighting while using trees and other plants, inside and out, to bring in that natural feeling he likes. The white walls, green from foliage and natural sunlight keeps the customers looking around and feeling happy. The environment needs to feel comfortable and clean for the customers so they want to come back and get their hair done here again and again.

Before this space was a salon it was a wedding dress boutique. For a smooth modern look, Quoc Anh removed all the old flooring, smoothed the floors, and left the golden-looking concrete with left-over glue on it to have the flooring looking vintage. Another bonus to the concrete floor is easy maintenance and easy to clean. With hair constantly on the floor, easy cleanup is a must. Quoc Anh left the existing dark ceilings and used recessed lighting, two track lightings, and pendants from Lamp Plus to lighten the space. The panels were left to absorb noise and improve the acoustics in the space.

      All the wood used in the space was purchased at Home Depot, hand sanded, coated, and painted. Because the owner and main stylist, Brian, was just starting out in his business his budget was very small, so most accessories were purchased from TJ Max Home goods, South Coast Collection, Ikea, or handmade. The majority of the furniture which is the salon specialty seating was purchased online from a salon furniture site, which is where most of his budget went towards. The color scheme used is neutrals with hints of color, so he purchased black leather salon chairs and armchairs, along with the grey linen sofa. The salon’s artwork is from art.com or hand-crafted. Accessories such as the cute bow soap holders are to hold the shampoo and go along with the décor. For storage, Quoc Anh used open spaces for easy access and the appearance of more space. Hair products are easily displayed for stylist and customers for use and purchase opportunity.

Quoc Anh made sure that the wash area was private by adding a decorative wall made of wood. He made it more like a panel for air circulation. To add interest to the space, Quoc Anh added antique pieces on either side of the sofa. This picture shows the main space of the salon, but behind that wall is the private wash area. There are also other services that are offered at this salon that the private area might make the customers feel more comfortable being in.

They have a restroom that is user friendly. It is up to ADA code with hand rails, 360° turning space for wheelchairs, and modified sink and accessory height. The doorway is 4-feet wide for easier access and no slopes requiring a ramp.

Toc Salon is definitely a unique change in the Little Saigon community in Westminster, CA. Customers will enjoy the modern salon and want to come in and get their hair and other beauty needs done here.

List of Materials/Products:

Floor: existing concrete flooring

Track Lighting: Lamps Plus

Recessed Lighting: Lamps Plus

Pendant Lighting: Lamps Plus

Wood for paneling: Home Depot

Side Tables: TJ Max Home Goods

Planters: Antique shops

Sofa: Grey Linen from South Coast Collection

Arm Chairs: Black Leather from South Coast Collection

Salon Chairs: Black Leather from online salon specialty shop

Shelving/Storage: Ikea

Art: art.com

Read more »

Sushi Tango Restaurant

By Lynda Pham and Janet Frausto

Sushi Tango is a restaurant currently located in Uptown, Minneapolis, Minnesota that serves a wide variety of Japanese sushi and hibachi on their menu. They first moved to this space for a larger area to accommodate more space for customers and a new interior in the summer of 2009. According to Sean Moore Designs, who was contracted to do the interiors, Sushi Tango's concept was a wonderful fusion of contemporary sushi and hibachi restaurant with a warm contemporary urban feel.

Walls

Black Granite Countertops with Metal Vine Sculptures (Photo from Sean Moore Design’s website)

The use of red ceramic tiles in the sushi bar and glass tiles in the entryway was one of the goals of the project from RSP Architect was fairly interesting when they wanted to give "solid and light impressions" This idea actually creates a transition from bright to slow warm which does not give a shock to the eyes of people walking into a dimmed-warm space. The red tiles in the sushi bar makes it pop out as a focal point of the space especially when light is directly above it. The only feature that might seem to be a problem is the lighting that bounces off the walls. It seems that the lighting is a little strong which might be too bright for the customers while they are looking up or watching the chefs make sushi. Maybe making the lighting at the top wall a little dimmer would give a warm feeling that will connect to the space.

Concrete Flooring and Carpets

Lighting Fixtures and Concrete Flooring (Photo from RSP Architect website)

The idea of floor just brings the color grey to our minds, but the used of Stained concrete floors is a different impression. RSP Architect wanted to provide a contemporary, urban-loft like feel which is really effective. From a picture view, it really looks like a granite-like material was used for the flooring or more like a golden marble was used. The golden color it emitted seem to guide customers into the space while blending into the walls which were close to the same color. The concrete flooring then ended with the start of carpets probably meaning that the destination has been reached. The materials used for the carpet was not available, but the designs was exciting because of the zigzags of neutral grey, brown, and copper that zig-zagged around the curved concrete. This created more energy to be pulled into the space.

Counter Tops and Vine Sculptures
Sushi Bar with red ceramic tiles (Photo from RSP Architect website)

Sean Moore Designs used black granite counter on the half curved wall that separated the sushi bar from the main bar in which they placed metal vine sculptures to divide but still keep the place connected through the crystallographic effect. The granite countertop would be very ideal because of the durability of the materials and the maintenance would be low since it rarely should come into contact with acids. The metal vine seems give an urban feel to it, but once light enters the space, the sculptures seems to blend and disappear into the space which really takes out the purpose of dividing. Maybe opting for different material for the sculpture would have made it a little bit better.

Panels

RSP Architects embedded transparent panels made of bamboo and grass for the windows throughout the space. The use of sustainable products in the space is a plus, and letting just enough light in order to light up the space while still keeping it warm with the lighting above in order to create an open and cozy space another plus.

Hibachi Table
Hibachi Tables and Panels (Photo from RSP Architect website)

A hibachi table is a modern cooking grill used for live grills that usually involve entertaining customers with a show of the cooking routine with amazing tricks. For these tables, it seems that black granite was used for the table around the grill which makes the silver grill and the white-uniformed chef the central focus automatically. Maintenance of the table would be low but the exposure to acid is not limited since food is served on these tables.

Decorating Pieces

Metal Sculpture “School of Fishes” with four red-glazed decor vases on the wall in the back

Sean Moore Designs placed 4 red-glazed vases on the walls to create a connection of the space to the sushi bar as well as create as a little guide to the sushi bar. The vase actually creates a sea-level for the metal fishes that are placed below the vases. In a sense, it kind has created a space of the sea which sushi's main ingredient is from. The fishes seem to bring more movement to the curvy space by going the opposite direction of the main stream.

Lighting Fixtures

The large, round lighting fixture actually seems to bring elegance to the space with the warm lighting that sheers through droplets of crystals, however, the exposed ceiling turns the elegance to another direction which does not give an appealing feel to it. More like a sense of juxtaposition but not quite up to par. If the ceiling was solid then maybe the elegance aura would have spread throughout the space rather than dissipating away.

Overall the space is very vibrant but at the same time is warm and cozy while being intriguing and exciting. The products used in the space were successful with some parts that could actually do better. The part that is very appealing is actually the flooring which looks very much like a golden marble. To me, I think it actually creates a cozy and exciting place to eat except the ceiling part.

Read more »

The Getty Villa

By Heather Orman

       Modeled after the Villa dei Papiri, an ancient Roman house that was originally located in Herculaneum, Italy, The Getty Villa will leave you in amazement of beautiful architecture, landscape, and art.  Driving up the coast of Malibu, The Getty Villa is located right off of Pacific Coast Highway, giving the museum a gorgeous background to its already apparent beauty.  Originally built in 1970 by architects Langdon and Wilson, it was then renovated from 1997-2006 by   Rodolfo Machado and Jorge Silvetti.  These new architects brought to life a more modern feel that still coincided with the Getty historic features.  Because the Villa dei Papiri was covered by Mount Vesuvius, they had to use models from other Roman country homes from that same time period.  Unfortunately I never saw the museum before its renovation, but I will say, the renovation is absolutely breath taking. 

Products

v  Oak

v  Marble flooring, walls, and staircases

v  Terrazzo flooring

v  Bronze lanterns

The attention to detail at the Getty was unbelievable.  From the floor to the ceiling to the dirt walkways, nothing was done unintentionally.  The bronze lanterns were reminiscent of the ancient Roman era that this museum was renovated after.  Even the shrubs and plants outside were those that Roman’s used to pick and eat off of for survival.  The marble flooring was so intricate and diverse from one room to another, there was even a “Hall of Colored Marbles.”

Materials

v  Wood

v  Glass

v  Travertine

v  Pebbles

v  Glass tiles

v  Glass

v  Bronze

v  Wood formed concrete

The materials used throughout the museum were either replicas of original pieces, or shipped over from Italy for the renovation.  Mixed together, even the trained eye would have a hard time telling which was which.  There was a grand marble staircase that had been recently restored and was truly a work of art itself.  There were mosaic tiles used on a water fountain outside in the garden area that were so tiny, from far away it just looked like a design, quite telling of just how much time was put into that one fountain. 

                Just like any J. Paul Getty museum, travertine covers the museum with simplicity and texture.  Mostly used on the outskirts of the museum, travertine can be found from the floor to the ceiling.  Just like its sister museum, it gives off the warm welcoming visitors embrace when entering the buildings. 

                I find myself visiting both the Getty museums not only for the artwork and sculptures, but mostly for the architecture and garden areas; the buildings themselves area work of art.  I could wander around all day lost in my thoughts taking wonderful pictures of the scenery, lounging in the grassy hills, or having a glass of wine by the fountains.  With the changing seasons the gardens change as well throughout the year, making it a perfect excuse to go explore the beauty that is the Getty Villa.

Read more »

Whole Foods Market @ The District (Tustin)

By Man Hin Chow and Miriam Horowitz

Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market has become America’s premier natural and organic food retailer. The company’s motto of “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet” sums up the Whole Foods mission of providing healthy food in an atmosphere that promotes sustainability by utilizing architectural and design elements that do not harm the environment.  The mission statement of Whole Foods Market is spelled out in the large art piece in the back of the store. The globe of the world is painted in the same warm earthy colors that are repeated throughout the store. 

Whole FoodsMarket opened a 60,000 square foot outlet four years ago in the District Mall in Tustin.  The color harmony of Whole Foods in Tustin is Shibusa accomplished with the colors of nature, varied textures and the use of granite countertops containing bold veins running through the slabs.  The exposed wood beams add to the overall rustic effect. 

Whole Foods market has an inviting outdoor dining area with bistro tables, a long sectional sofa and several rectangular coffee tables.  The space is surrounded by planters with beautiful greenery and provides a casual conversation area for customers to eat and relax.  There is successful use of rhythm in front of the store next to interior dining area with the placement of a series of potted plants and with the row of pendant lights hanging over the dining tables.  The potted plants also add to the overall Shibusa harmony.

photo by Heinz Chow

A no-wax polished sienna colored concrete floor, divided into 12 foot by 12 foot sections, visually opens up the interior of the store.  The market’s high ceiling also creates a feeling of greater open space.    The exposed ventilation ducts draw the eye upward and also visually opens up the interior space.   The open design concept of the market creates a sense of freedom for the customer and an eagerness to explore the products.

photo by Heinz Chow

The curved lines in the design of the tables, counters, chairs and walls add a softening effect to the store and promote a relaxed atmosphere.  Such an environment is conducive with the “natural” theme of healthy shopping choices.  The layout is inviting and offers the customer a pleasant shopping experience. 

photo by Miriam Horowitz

Presentation materials used in the Whole Foods Market are often sustainable.  Shelves, cabinets and furniture are manufactured using recycled and reclaimed wood.    Earthy tones of non-toxic paint are used throughout the store.   The use of sustainable materials is highly effective and suggests to the customer that the Whole Foods Market is concerned about the environment.  The lighting of the store is energy-efficient and the large front windows allow plenty of natural daylight.  The LED track lighting in the front of the store provides a rhythmic balance of light.   Whole Foods Market’s commitment to the environment and to energy conservation is evident throughout the Tustin store. An environmentally friendly approach to the architecture and décor promotes a healthy place to shop.    

There is a unique open bar located in the middle of the market.  A series of wine bottles arranged along the back wall of the bar creates transition rhythm and flows towards the bar entrance.  Most of the furniture in the bar is black and white except for a carnation-colored sofa which becomes the focal point of the bar.  The furniture is simple but elegant as are the several chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.  The bar area is a relaxing place to have a drink with friends or family.

photo by Heinz Chow

            Whole Foods market is overtly decorated with artwork in unexpected scale and represents food that is sold in different areas of the store.  Above the seafood section there is a huge painting of a ship floating in a harbor and another painting of cattle walking in a pasture identifies the meat section.  Above the produce section is a scene of a farmland with a windmill in the distance.  The same earthy tones are used in the paintings creating a cohesive color harmony.  Whole Foods Market effectively combines the use of warm receding colors and eye direction to draw the customer’s attention to different sections of the store.  This effective execution of design principles and elements adds to the ease of shopping in Whole Foods Market.

Overall Whole Foods Market combines a complete sensory experience---sight, smell, auditory, touch and taste---to reflect the stores’ natural products and philosophy.  In this way the customer is encompassed in a “complete” shopping experience as he or she chooses the food to put on his or her table.

Read more »