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Olsson's Books
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport When Olsson's Books made its first foray into high profile retail at Washington National Airport, the challenge was clear: how does a small local business attract the attention of the frazzled air traveler. The solution began with an idea to contrast the light tubular steel frame and glass elements of the concourse with strong simple, planar forms. Formal and functional precedents for the portal were found in Japanese Torii; free standing temple entrance gates which demarcate the boundary between the frenetic, secular world outside and the tranquil spiritual world within. The portal defines a similar boundary between the large, bustling concourse with its high ceilings and crowds, and the peaceful, more intimately scaled space of the bookshop. The intent was to create a calm and contemplative place in which tired passengers could find a moment of repose. The soft curve of the horizontal, thematically related to air travel takes the shape of an inverted airfoil. This "wing" announces the entrance with a luminous surface of curving wood, creating a backdrop for two neon signs which appear to float. Gently tilting outward, the signs acknowledge the path of the concourse; since they can be easily read from both directions, this solution eliminates the need for "blade signs" and greatly simplifies the signage. The pylons serve as both structure and display, allowing passengers to browse as they are drawn into the shop. Although the primary goal was to create a strong presence for the shop in a visually complex environment. The project was also seen as an opportunity to re-evaluate that ubiquitous American typology - the suburban mall store front - and adapt it to this unique setting. |
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