Shoe House Blvd.
Shoe house Blvd began as two adjacent addresses located along the avenue of fashion in Detroit. Linked together through program, the combined space represents a collage of layered materials and sensibilities. Our role within the project was to create 3 separate bars + façade, with each component performing a specific functional role such as cash wrap, bar, and juice bar.
The strategy for the project was to develop a coherency between all the components producing a sort of unity within the space. The overall coherency, inevitable was intended to provide for a degree of hierarchy between the chaotic randomness of the existing space and the inserted system of components.
Conceptually the component pieces take the form of bars/boxes dropped into the space. The bars are pushed, pulled, cut and sliced as functionally necessary. The bars respond to context by assimilating material or phenomenal characteristics producing a signified materiality. The bead board panel behind the cash wrap translates into back-lit slotted panels. The bumpy stucco wall texture translates into projected bumpy surface pattern. The ethereal qualities of the massage room translate into variations of plastic and foam surfaces providing tactile qualities at precise moments.