Journal

Concept and Organization

The concept behind the project was to focus on the existing flower parade in Zundert which has been held annually since 1936. The abovementioned has positively impacted Zundert by increasing the number of tourists from all around the world.  Furthermore, I have also examined the characteristics of the surrounding area. In my research, I have found that the area is mainly characterized by brick material, pitched roofs and small windows. It is not only in one area, but it extends to the nearby neighbourhood which primarily has the same house characteristics. Consequently, there is enough evidence that there would be a repeated routine through the views of the surrounding area. As I analyse the road and shape of the house, I have found that there are just a series of straight edges which make the patterns repeat throughout the area. Therefore, I think the flower parade in Zundert gives colour to their life once a year. This project takes inspiration from the Zundert Flower Parade and aims to bring the experience into retail stores all around the year. As a consequence, designing more curves both in interiors and exterior are both of my intention to create slower movement as an enjoyment of life, while aesthetically pleasing people.

Iteration

At first, I have not seen the curve structure of a greenhouse in real life and started being a bit concerned about how to connect the curved structure of retail stores and the greenhouse. I've done several iterations like angular shaped greenhouse, the straighter one and i found that there's not really relationship between the forms and retail stores form. Furthermore, one of the challenge is to fit 200 sqm greenhouse with curved structure of retail space. Upon further inspection, I could skillfully distinguish that the geodesic structure can be combined well with the design of retail stores. However since the brief need to be fit greenhouse for 200 sqm, i create three geodesic dome with one dome inward into the retails stores. The geodesic structure forms half of the sphere, which allows new experiences from repeated routines in the neighbourhood. 

I have also attempted different iterations to find the best way to design interior space in order to bring the element of experience into people's life. I have tried offsetting the curve of the plan to create the furniture, but it's not looking successfully engage with the space, i also have tried to use series of different range of circles, however it creates the space looks messy. Finally, i decided to try more iterations. I found that the intersection between planting and round tables can bring different visual experience, by making people walk slowly toward the end of the retail stores. 

Programme

The programme was designed by the brief. For the arrangement of programs, I have put the retail display on the right side, while the left side is used for storage, toilets and the community area. To cover the structure of storage and toilet, I utilised planting and retail surroundings to attract their attention. Planting will be used to create slower movement and provide learning experiences for passersby. For example, people who walk throughout the retail display can see an entirely different flower display while gaining knowledge about the unique facts about flowers in the Netherlands.

The flexible program that also can be happened in the stores are planting workshop such as how to water flowers and plants correctly, and flower design workshop, not only as a medium to promote the stores but as well to increase self awareness of plants and tighten the community surrounding.

Material

The material of the retail stores will be using bricks and glass. Bricks were used as consideration of the surrounding area, and glass is utilised to represent transparency, allowing openness of space and bringing a sense of equality: where all people can enter freely, thus creating a feeling of trust in the community toward the retail stores. The material of the retail display will be dominant, with a white table, laminate, and marble. In addition, the wood table will be placed randomly across the stores to accentuate how people can visually engage with the display, adding to the visual experience. The material of the floor will be wood, considering the white colours and bright ambience from the retail display. 

Change over time

Vegetation can be changed over time, with new plants, as well as the placement of furniture, being extended to allow more spaces for display. The community space inside retail stores also can be extended in order to have an ampler space for flexible activities.