A MODERN TOUR OF STORES

More commonly known as window shopping, or just shopping in general... a tour of stores is a technique retailers use to keep themselves current. To them, it's also known as competitive shopping. This technique is also a means of inspiration for designers - whether it be for tablescapes, color combinations, textures and finishes, space planning or to be inspired by a theme, furnishings or fixtures - a tour of stores can be a three dimensional source for creativity...

arango

Modern Home Furnishings

Dadeland Mall

Miami

Macy's Home Store

West End - Dadeland Mall

Miami

Even apparel stores can be a source

of inspiration for interiors...

clean lines and order

Michael Kors

Dadeland Mall

Miami

Miami doesn't have the best designed city plan (like the grid in NYC). Although it does have some neighborhoods conducive to urbanism, in most cases, a drive is necessary - and most shopping is done in malls (which is actually a blessing, considering Miami's HEAT). It's nice to go into some that have been updated to Miami's modern style of architecture...

Deconstructivist architecture was applied

when they built the addition of the Limited stores and their courtyard

in South Miami's Dadeland Mall...

The gray grid pattern in the floor, relates back to the grid pattern in the ceiling, while the black grid leads customers into the stores - which may seem to be low and constrained from outside...

But totally opens to volume in the space...