Holocene Boutique and Offices
Created using Revit (Presentation not to scale)
Concept
Client Breif
Holocene is the word used to describe the period of time spanning from the last ice age, until now, where the world has changed immensely due to environmental tragedies such as global warming. Holocene boutiques mission is to bring more awareness to this word and provide ethically made clothing to the people of Nanaimo. It is important that the design also embodies the message of the store, and there for the design of the space and office will be just as environmentally friendly as the products sold within it. The design will mimic nature in hopes to inspire its customers to pursue a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. This will be accomplished with specific materials, shapes, lighting and textures.
Inspiration for the design has been pulled from modern Scandinavian and Nordic architecture, which is typically very simple and showcases natural materials such as wood, hemp, and leather. The familiar curves and flow of nature will be apparent within the design by including many arches and minimal hard corners. The doorways, tables, and racks will all be very fluid to achieve this uncomplicated and natural look. The color scheme will embody the feel of a comforting rainy day on Vancouver Island by using muted and neutral hues such as warm browns, relaxing greys and soothing pastels. The space will be sleek and uncomplicated in its layout, with the cash desk being in the back of the store, and the products being displayed on the east and west walls as well as in the center.
Overall, Holocene boutique will be the first of its kind in downtown Nanaimo and will surprise its citizens in a comforting and educational way. The target demographic will be impressed by its message as well as its design and will feel pleasure while shopping for good quality and ethically made products within an environmentally conscious space.
The Holocene boutique and office space is an environmentally conscious consignment store located on Commercial street of downtown Nanaimo. It is owned by a nomadic woman who hopes to eliminate fast fashion and introduce an affordable and easy way to buy and donate clothing. She grew up on the island where nature is an important part of most citizens daily life, there for she feels as though she has a duty to protect it. In addition to this, she has always had a passion for clothes but has had to live with the guilt of the effect this has had on her surroundings. For years she had dreamed of creating an easier and affordable way to be fashionable and have less of an impact on the environment. Finally, she came up with the idea for Holocene boutique. She resides in Nanaimo for most of the year but enjoys travelling and experiencing nature, there for she spends a lot of her time on the road. Due to this she has an office space above the boutique where her trusted employees run the business when she is not in town. This space is where donations are sorted, marketing is conducted, and other tasks to do with the business are performed. The client was looking for a design which reflected her passion for the environment, while also providing a comfortable space for customers to become inspired. This created the base for Holocene boutiques initial design, and provided insight into the selection of materials, colors, textures and lighting found within the space.
Boutique Floorplan
Boutique RCP
Office Floorplan
Office RCP
Residential Floorplan
Residential RCP
Boutique Elevations
Office and Residential Elevations
Boutique Perspective
Office Perspective
Residential Perspective
The design of the boutique was meant to be simple and as you can see through the floorplan this look was achieved. Concrete can be seen on most floors as well as a small white tile in the washroom. A creamy white paint was used an all walls while a dusty pink color was used as an accent behind the custom cash desk. Tables in the center of the space as well as built in displays on both the north and south walls have been included to display merchandise easily. This floorplan allows for the user to easily socialize and shop within a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing space.
The Holocene boutique Offices are meant to be a space that promotes collaboration and allows the user to work successfully. The layout is extremely open to ensure that each employee is able to socialize easily. Most of the materials that can been seen within the retail floorplan can also be seen here. Terrazzo counter tops add a pop of color within an otherwise neutral space, Windows have also been used along the entire west wall to promote mental wellness and glass curtain walls successfully open up the space.
The residential floorplan which is located on the third floor of this building shows a more traditional design than both of the commercial spaces located underneath it. Dark wood flooring is used throughout as well as a small white tile in both washrooms. Beams can be seen on most of the ceiling. The kitchen is the focal point of the space because it is located almost directly in the center. This floorplan promotes socialization due to the fact that it is so open to the living room and custom dining nook area.
This perspective depicts the cash desk area of the retail space. This gives the reader a better idea of the intended feel of the space as well as the materials, lighting and ceiling details used throughout.
This perspective depicts the open work area in the office space. This shows the curtain walls which are used heavily within the space, and gives the reader an idea of how open the space feels. It also gives a better visual of the work areas and how important collaboration is within this space.
This perspective depicts the custom dining nook in the residential space on the third floor of this building. This shows the materials used as well as the wood beams which stretch across the entire common area. The half wall between the custom dining nook and the living area promotes socialization..
