CASE STUDY: Kauffman Center Gift Shop
Objective
To create an aesthetically pleasing and commercially effective design that complements the iconic architecture of its Performing Arts Center environment.
Result
The Kauffman Center Gift Shop pays homage to the design of the Moshe Safdie building itself, an architectural icon in the Kansas City skyline, while bringing together a retail principle that adds to the store’s commercial appeal.
Design Elements
- The unique shape of the Gift Shop echoes the dynamic flow and lines of the exterior; reminiscent of the distinctive overall composition of the building.
- The retail space, defined through a floor-to-ceiling seamless glass curve, seamlessly transforms from a glass “case” to an open-and-welcoming retail space through the large sliding glass panels that provide an open “prow” pass-through environment between the various performing arts centers.
- The space engages a series of touchpoints including a round showcase, two-sided window display fixtures; the shopping-environment on the interior, and the viewing-environment of the exterior.
- Fixtures display integrated LED lighting, materials and finishes drawn from and complementary to the centers finishes, all again inspired by the character and feel of the overall Center.
- The balance of the Gift Shop focuses on classification categories: Facility-related collectables, recorded product, soft goods (which are primarily venue and event related), books and children’s product, are all organized around a series of circular “shops” with the soft goods fixtures echoing that curved case in the front. The more linear elements contrast the curve of the space, while feature cases and fixtures offer a rhythmic and organized series of shopping bays.
- Simple shapes and structures of white Corian, glass, and stainless steel use minimal detailing.
