Image Credit : Caitlin Mills
Project Overview
A considered insertion into the foyer of the existing Theatres Building provides new point of sale counters and merchandise display units. This new customer interface is forward-thinking, while respecting the existing building’s rich architectural legacy. The POS counters have been designed to allow a 360-degree interface with the public. Faceted brass, referencing the existing interiors, delicately rolls around the counters while a circular brass light acts as a wayfinding device to guide visitors to the customer service staff. A central merchandise display unit anchors the two POS units and provides contrast with its deep red finish which references the synonymous red carpet of the Theatres Building.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Clare Cousins, Brett Wittingslow, Sarah Birthisel
Project Brief
The brief called for a small intervention in one of Melbourne’s most iconic interiors. The existing white melamine information desk was anchored to the corner of the foyer and the brief required a new and innovative way to locate information, point of sale and wayfinding services in the Arts Centre foyer. Additionally, merchandise display and storage would be required for both the general Arts Centre programs and specific merchandise related to the newly created Australian Music Vault gallery space.
Project Innovation/Need
The new POS and merchandise displays reconsider how these programs can operate within a civic space. The counters inform a new way of customer engagement with staff. In contrast to the previous traditional information desk, the pods are designed in curved forms to encourage movement and access to all sides. Centrally located, the pods give clearance to the existing rich interior design while providing much needed wayfinding and customer engagement. The new locations of the pods and merchandise displays reaffirms the foyer's role as a public space. The faceted brass design draws inspiration from the renowned John Trusscott interiors with a nod towards the angular forms of Roy Grounds' spire. The small considerations in design, accessibility, materiality and siting all make for a big impact.
Design Challenge
The project responds to a number of key stakeholders within the Arts Centre with particular focus on innovating what a point of sale counter can be. In moving away from a traditional information desk the requirements of the POS staff needed to be acutely understood. Adaptability for ergonomics was a key consideration with adjustable screen and keyboard heights catering to various staff requirements. Security was paramount in moving away from the traditional model. When not staffed the pods can be locked down while still remaining an elegant and useful wayfinding object within the foyer.
Sustainability
The POS pods and merchandise displays were constructed from robust materials which would withstand the demands of being in a busy foyer. Carefully chosen materials ensure a long lifecycle for the design, in stark contrast to the previous melamine information desk which was showing clear signs of wear and tear.
Interior Design - Public or Institutional
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic presentation. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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