A Tale of Two Spaces

Two Retail Hardware Stores

My Video for the Architecture and Interior Design Module

For this module I visited two hardware stores.  The funny thing is that at one time both of these stores were owned by the same family and had the same name, yet the experience of visiting both stores was dramatically different.  

The first hardware store is in an older store front in a small village.  From the outside it appears to be a quaint little store, freshly painted in bright, victorian colors.  The store front has large windows in the front which allows for plenty of natural lighting.  The doorway to enter the building has a freshly hand painted sign.  The side walk is wooden and worn.  It looks well used.  Upon entering the store the appearance is much different.  It is not neat and clean as the outside suggests.  It is however vary interesting.  Antiques and memorabilia from days gone by is hung high on the wall.  It makes me think that I may be able to find anything in here even repair parts for my older home.  

Next I notice the floors which are wooden and squeak with each step.  They are worn, wooden and probably original, yet dirty.  Dirt tracked in by do-it-yourselfers, carpenters, electricians and all sorts of hands on workers who could careless as long as they find that need piece of hardware.  The lighting is patched together and old.  The store was built before electricity was available in this farm town.  The large store front windows provide lots of natural lighting which is supplemented by crudely hung electric lights which seem to be an after thought.  This leaves the back areas of the store darker than the front.  What could possibly be hidden in the back?

The store is stocked with all of the fasteners, and pluming and electrical supplies that any do-it- your-selfer or farmer may need.  The isles are close together and it makes me feel as if the owners have tried to use every bit of space possible for merchandise.  

In the front of the store, on that old wood floor is a wooded table and four wooden chairs,  this is a meeting place for some of the locals and place to work.  

The second hardware store I visited was a much different experience.  Modern, and recently built, located on the edge of town on a busier road.   The entryway was different, it was not only more modern but it was steel and glass and the glass on these double doors was the only natural light in the building.

Upon entering the store I first noticed the bright fluorescent lights.  The store was clean and recently rearranged.  In front of the door was a common area for the display of seasonal items, gardening equipment, picnic tables and garden/flower seeds were the first thing I saw and it made me wish it was spring.  The new set up of the store forces customers to walk past the seasonal items, tools and nice to have items before getting to the real hardware at the back of the store.  The isles are wide and the displays are brimming with products.  This store is built for quick shopping and an easy in easy out experience.

The design of these two spaces creates two different shopping experiences.  The first is an old time hardware store that encourages the shopper to slow down, ask questions, have a seat and talk about what is going on in town. The second is built for through put.  Quick in and out shopping with easy to find products and convenient shopping.