Easton Town Center, located in Columbus, Ohio, wanted a way to install a display or interactive area of some sort that would be for the celebration of their 20th birthday, would give patrons a spot to take pictures, and make the "less-loved" areas more exciting. They wanted an idea that they could pursue as either a permanent or temporary change to their buildings or empty spaces. Easton gave the class a tour of their grounds and pointed out spots that they wanted us to focus on. From all the locations, we each decided to pick 3 of the locations and brainstorm our own ideas.
eASTON tOWN cENTER
i chose these locations + a wall on a coffee shop patio
Quick sketch ideas:
Concept
The next phase of the project was to pair up with others who had similar ideas and pitch the ideas a second time for the leaders of the business and marketing team of Easton. Taking their criticism and ideas from the last session, we shifted some locations, added new features, and refined concepts. Our final presentation at Easton went very well, and several ideas from our ideas are now implemented at the Town Center.
fINAL pRESENTATION
The group ended up deciding on both my frame wall and underwater ideas. We also incorporated a group member's idea to have walls that would respond to touch and allow users to press on the mural and "color in" the spaces.
Portrait Wall
This wall would be covered in frames of all different colors, sizes, and shapes. To resemble a wall of family portraits in a home, each of the frames would have a screen behind it that would feature a photograph. Visitors to Easton could take a picture of themselves in the photo booth and the picture would be uploaded, approved, and featured in one of the frames on the wall. The photographs would be rotated constantly, so patrons may see their photo pop up again at some other point. Bands and speakers who visit the Town Center would also be featured, as well as family portraits, employees, and others, to drive home the idea of everyone at Easton being a family. Some may also move as short videos or GIFs, and some may be permanent.
Underwater Corridor
This space is currently blank white walls with planters in the center featuring large sculptural spheres reminiscent of coral. Using the same idea of a layer of glass above the shoppers casting underwater-like shadows, this corridor has the potential to be transformed. Art on the walls featuring 3D elements and holographic scales on some of the fish would make it more than a mural. The space would also have the capacity for some bubble machines, seaweed-resembling plants climbing up the walls, and an assortment of undersea-themed plants in the planters. This corridor also features restrooms and is flanked by retail stores with nautical themes, so it would fit right in. It also has the potential to feature a "shipwrecked boat" in the way of my original train idea.