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It was clear upon walking into the welcome center that they were aiming for modernization. The lighting was relatively dim, with minimal electrical lighting coming from overhead, and most of the light in the entryway itself being provided by large windows. According to, Toward an Architecture of Enjoyment, lighting is a classic technique to modernize any space. The welcome center was able to do this well by providing adequate light, but also less light in order to make the space less abrasive. Not only is the space not lit with natural light, but the building is also more efficient.
Color is very important when a space is attempting to become more modern. After observing the welcome space’s colors, I noticed it was minimal and eye-catching, but not overwhelming. It was, in essence, a minimalist scheme. The minimalist concept is acceptable as a modern motif in museums, upscale homes, tech empires, and other industries and chic areas wherein a modern appeal is in demand. The bare white and deep red is simple. They do not clash, and allow the eye to wander and assess the area without lingering, but also without being overwhelmed. It is the perfect combination for the size of the space and the objects in the room.
Furniture and placement of objects can help modernize a space, as well. Rather than placing a conventional bookshelf next to a walk, for example, the decorator opted for one in the middle of the room. Instead of placing predictable rows of books next to one another, which would be typical, books are placed with their covers facing out. They are held in place with what appears to be a narrow length of chord. The bookshelf is only waist-high to the average individual; and there are rows of them. It is modern primarily because it is new, but also because it puts a new spin on something that is old and has already been done. Moreover, it is functional, as all of the books contain information about the facility.
The words, “The New Store,” appear several times throughout the space. Once in bold black lettering on unpainted wood. Once more it appears under plate-glass framed photos. Again we saw it in white on a red wall. There are a few reasons this was important to the modernization of the space. Firstly, repeating the same phrase, or in this case, repainting the same phrase, in the same space repeatedly is known as branding. It is important to do when giving a new space a new look because it helps ease occupants into the new look. The welcome space looked more modern. Whatever shabby state it was in before because now it is being branded as, “The New Store,” and it is being branded often. People will begin to know it as such and associate it with the new modern appeal of the welcome center. Moreover, the typeface used to print, “The New Store,” is the same each time. It is bold and simple with straight lines, in all capital letters. This new and simple style is akin the rest of the pieces in the space, and speak to the new modern look that now accommodates the school welcome center. Lastly, the school has integrated technology into navigation and information about the school in the welcome center, complete with, “The New School,” typeface, and simple colors, which is the epitome of modernization.
In sum, the space I observed had used several tools to show a modern look. They utilized light from windows, while decreasing electric light. The color scheme was also changed to something simpler, and less overwhelming. The space was rebranded with a simple typeface that was bold and modern. Technology was also integrated into the space, and furniture was revitalized to be functional, but not as traditional as it once was.
References
Lefebvre, Henry. Toward an Architecture of Enjoyment. 2014. http://muse.jhu.edu/book/34309 (accessed May 25, 2016).
