Storefront Gallery Pin-Up Submissions

On February 25th a design pin-up was held to share ideas about redesigning the new BRIDGE Storefront gallery on Main Street.

One of the common themes included concepts of flexible and transformable space. By using adaptable equipment and well-concealed storage space, students could easily transform BRIDGE from gallery to workspace. Adaptable equipment also could allow for a variety of exhibition types and installations, which could be easily modified to suit the needs of students or the nature of the exhibition. Design-build collaborations to allow students to fabricate equipment themselves were also discussed. A design-build method would permit students to adapt equipment in the future depending on changing program or needs.

A second emerging theme is the idea that the primary renovation of the space can provide a solid, well designed base, with details that create zones of activity within the long narrow space. Of particular importance are the entrance to the gallery, including both signage and some indication of a presence on Main Street, a reception space, and the provision of storage for the gallery. Additionally, the lighting of the space will also be incredibly important, as well as the provision of resources like stacking chairs and digital projectors.

This discussion was just the beginning of a collaborative process to develop the BRIDGE Storefront gallery space. Unlike a competition, no winner was chosen. The design and some of the construction of the space will continue to be developed with the input of any interested students at UWSA.

Thanks to all participants, both those who were able to be part of the discussion at school, and those who sent in proposals from afar! If you would still like to get involved, or if you have any other design suggestions moving forward, please let us know at bridge@waterlooarchitecture.com.

Proposal Excerpts:

Proposal by Tim Wat, Samantha Oswald and Taehyung Kim