Week 6: Site Specific - The Irvine Spectrum

Overall Environment
When I first moved to Irvine, I was a bit shocked to find out that a central "Downtown" area did not exist. I was accustomed to this in the college town I grew up in. Instead, it seemed that the only avenue to satisfy the desire of "getting out of the house" was to go to one of the various shopping outlets dispersed between neighborhoods. While visiting The Irvine Spectrum Center, I felt as if it was designed to provide the satisfaction of being somewhere 'special' for a day or night out. This is evident by the amusement park feel of the towering Ferris wheel and the arcade vibe of the diffuse neon lights. The shopping center is designed in a way that allows people to lounge along the walkways. Instead of being forced to keep walking between shops, visitors can sit outside and enjoy a meal or observe the bursts of colorful fog that rises from the sidewalk. I think the designers were successful at accomplishing their goal of creating an atmosphere for people to hang out rather than simply shop. The image captures the colors infused throughout the setting as well as the invitation to slow down and spend some time there.

Unsuccessful Aesthetic
Speaking of a feel-good destination, Dave and Buster's is settled at the heart of the Spectrum Center and draws people in for a good time. Considering the fact that the whole shopping mall is decorated with neon lights, it confused me to see that the actual resident arcade looked so bland. If it were not for the sign that said Dave and Buster's, I would guess that I was walking into a big-box general store. The flat gray brick walls gave no indication of what existed behind them and the entrance did not give much more of a hint. I would have been more excited to watch the colored fog puffs on the side walk than walk into the cinder block box.








Successful Aesthetic

The store, Irene's Story, had a very attractive appearance to me, and it is not even a store I would shop at (unless it was Christmas and I was shopping for my mom). This clothing store conveyed a simple, yet sophisticated appearance from the outside. An instant glance revealed that it was organized. The flat light and brightness inside the store provided a clarity that focused on the merchandise. It seemed to me that a lot of the clothing was earth-toned which contrasted the sterile white walls comfortably. I think this shop displayed a successful design that did not distract from the product, but rather emphasized its style.