Anna Barrett

Hats Desire - Brief: create concept and design for retail unit of choice - a boutique hat shop in a small unit, 3rd floor of Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre, Dublin.

Site photos - Small unit currently unoccupied; no natural light, floor to ceiling window at shop front; corner location on 3rd floor - reduced footfall; low ceiling; simple rectangle layout.

Inspiration page A

Inspiration page B

Research page A

Research page B

Plan - Simple rectangle. Shop fronts curtained off, pieces on display in window low lit. Enter shop at centre of shop front, double glass door. Natural flow is clockwise around dramatic central display unit containing prize headpiece and matching accessories, highlighted by dripping chandelier. Veering left at entry leads to exhibition wall (elevation B-B), round to mirror wall and dressing room (elevation C-C), and finally to consultation and payment area (elevation D-D).

Elevations 1 - E-E: Glass shopfront door shows branding. Low lights in window create dramatic display. Reference to Victorian shopfront. B-B: Main display wall exhibits hats on singular display units. Mirror behind reflects artful pieces. Light boxes to left and right depict fashion photos of headpieces. Matching accessories in lit display boxes below. D-D: Consulation area. Dressing screen for trying outfits with hairpieces. Consultation area provides customisation space and concealed cash register.

Elevations 2 - C-C: Exhibition space defined by suspended frames. Baroque mirror exudes luxury. Victorian influenced self-lit screen is adjustable. A-A: Reverse shopfront, curtained off with delicate fabric creates boudoir. Potential head-piece materials on display for customisation.

Perspective 1 - Light box above consultation area. Central unit consists of circular stepped display for accessories topped by exquisite headpiece, highlighted by dripping chandelier. Chequered roofing and upside-down chandelier a nod to Alice in Wonderland fairytale atmosphere.

Perspective View 2 - Adjustable Victorian screen acts as mirrored and lit changing area. Consultation area provides seating for customer and retailer to discuss one-off customisaton.

Perspective View 3 - View to exhibition spaces and circulation path within the unit.

Outro