The winning design

Press, 15 September 1988, Page 17

The winning design

By

DAVID

BROCHERIE

When they bought the shop next door in 1986, Don and Warren Symon of Symon and Lowther asked me to design a new image department in their store, a section for high fashion, aimed mainly at the under-30 age group. The “other” Symon and Lowther proved an instant success so in 1987 when they lost the lease on their corner shop, I was approached to submit ideas for a total revamp of the remaining areas of their shop, an old fruitery next door, and the first floor, space which had previously been let as commercial offices and storage. Because the shop was physically fragmented by party walls, it was decided that by opening up the shops the layout would be as interconnected departments — with areas for suits and businessware, casual and high fashion. Using the first floor gave excellent potential for space, but as it was

4.2 m above the ground floor, I was concerned that it could become isolated. To solve this problem, the front half of the first floor of one shop was removed and a wide mezzanine landing, approached by a large sweeping stair, was constructed. To invite customers to go up the stairs a large artificially lit skylight bathes this area with light, and large potted plants emphasise the space and openness. An admirer of the ‘ltalian style,” for presentation with simplicity and flair, I set on a black, white and grey colour scheme using a grid design in floors and ceilings together with mirror to create a play of perspective within spaces leading from one area to another. Don and Warren Symon have travelled widely to other fashion centres and appreciate the presentation of clothing in a simple yet enticing way ... which requires wellplaced and effective displays. ______

The introduction of flexible, stylised mannequins added an exciting dimension. The shop fittings have been designed with interchangeable flexibility in mind, so that they can be adapted to changing ideas in style and trends within the fashion industry. Lighting is another area given high priority. I used low voltage halogens in display areas to highlight and enhance colours. The use of continuous fluore-

scent tube gives continuity of line. The shop frontage needed special attention because with its two entrances; I wanted the main entrance to open into the void between the floors so customers would be aware of the first floor retail space. Although both doorways are recessed, the main entrance is dominated by an innovative tile mural-clad column, easily identifiable as one approaches the store. i