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.