Monday, August 31, 2009

Throughout the semester you will embark on a number of case study investigations. The purpose of these exercises is to heighten your observation of details in the retail environment, thereby increasing your body of knowledge for future projects. For each case study you must write a succinct 500-word analysis. The analysis should be complimented by a series of quality annotated/captioned sketches and photographs (if allowed by the store : be sure to ask permission!) that expand upon your written investigation. Each case study is to be presented on your blog with appropriate links and citations prior to the beginning of class on its due date.

Your first case study assignment, due Monday, August 31, is to review the material components of five retail stores.  How do these materials express the store’s brand?  What are key elements?  Are the surfaces smooth? Textured? Rough? Reflective?  How does the lighting work to highlight particular aspects? Do the materials change throughout the store or stay constant?  Be careful in your selection of stores to choose ones with interesting qualities/features as these will be the most helpful to your design development. You can choose to study stores in a variety of locations (malls, downtowns, retail parks, etc.) as well as those found in books, magazines and online (eek...did I just say this?) as long as they meet this criteria. Make sure, however, that you visit at least 3 of the sites in life. Not finding what you're looking for here in Greensboro? Try a little road trip.

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