In my senior studio, I got a taste of various sectors of design—retail, healthcare, and corporate in particular.  Partnering with several firms over the course of the semester, I created interesting spaces that met specific project parameters while adhering to a given building shell. I then had the opportunity, at the end of each project, to present my final solution to the firm’s interiors team. 

Inspired by the markets and artisans of Italy, il mercatino — the little market— is a retailer specializing in an eclectic array of well crafted, high quality apparel, shoes, accessories, and home décor. Utilizing authentic materials and an attention to detail, this store becomes its own gathering space for discovery, providing upscale merchandise to young women looking for the perfect treasure to bring home.

The interior of il mercatino could be summarized as Tuscan with a contemporary twist. Large façade windows and skylights fill the store with natural light as the client moves through the entry vestibule into the main retail space. While bright open, and airy, the retailer still feels intimate as particular areas of goods—or vendors—are distinguished through changes in floor pattern and ceiling plane. Tying these spaces together are two sets of seating areas that encourage clients to gather, slow down, and relax.

Utilizing a mix of materials — wood, stone, and metal— give il mercatino a timeless aesthetic while pulling at its historical roots. Overall, the store creates an inviting atmosphere attracting individuals to spend their day discovering and interacting with merchandise as well as one another.

After some initial space planning, I designed a floorplan and exterior elevation in AutoCAD, modeled the space in SketchUp, and developed a color and materials palette before rendering a few interior views with Shaderlight.