SUPERMARKET (ARCH552 Institutions Studio)
It would be really sweet if I had the syllabus for this course. Off the top of my head, the studio researched consumer environments in conversation with the term “supermarket” and investigated that on the scales of S, M, L, XL.
GEM SPA (Research and Dissemination)
Gem Spa is a legendary bodega located on the Lower East Side of New York City, known for its iconic egg creams and rich history. Founded in 1920, it has long been a neighborhood staple, offering a variety of snacks, drinks, and other essentials. Gem Spa gained fame for its unique role in the city's counterculture scene, serving as a gathering spot for locals and creatives. Its classic, old-school vibe has made it a beloved spot for both longtime residents and visitors alike.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the legendary owner of Gem Spa, Ray Patel, tragically passed away from causes unrelated to COVID, compounding the establishment's financial struggles due to the city's restrictions.
While producing this project, I connected with Parul Patel, Ray's daughter, on Instagram to share my excitement about discovering Gem Spa and illustrating it digitally. The project gained unexpected momentum, receiving support from Parul, who featured it on their Instagram and included it in an auction to raise funds to help save the beloved bodega.
A stellar article if anyone is interested…
With a rich history in the NYC arts and culture scene, Gem Spa was an iconic institution, famous for its Egg Creams and a beloved hangout spot for the likes of Madonna, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and the New York Dolls. The place's closure is truly a tragedy. The idea to use a stripped-down, newspaper-toned 'album art' aesthetic came naturally after learning how significant Gem Spa was to the NYC arts and music community. The 9-square format, required by the studio assignment, helped guide the composition, though the content and layout were left to the designer's discretion. Choosing a favorite frame is tough, but overall, I’m very pleased with how it turned out.
Exercise in Super Graphics
Winn - Dixie: 15200 Municipal Dr, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Bizarre Context:
During the pandemic, going to the grocery store felt like preparing for battle—donning armor and venturing out on what seemed like a life-threatening mission. It may sound bizarre, but the fear was very real. For this assignment, we were tasked with selecting a grocery store to use as a canvas for simple ‘Super Graphics’ to transform the site and storefront interaction. I reflected on the COVID hysteria because it explains why I became so fixated on this site as an enjoyable subject that brought me such joy during such a weird time. This Winn-Dixie is on Madeira Beach in such an unusual spot—its an older style market situated in a strip mall plaza one block from the Gulf. Close to a bridge connecting the island to the mainland, this location is across the water from a McDonald's with a boat dock for swashbucklers to grab a bite! And this is not even the weirdest part of the site! The restaurant I am about to speak about is no longer there but adjacent to the McDonalds was a building in the shape of a large vessel that had 3 giants masts extending from the roof. Jack Sparrow himself would have loved to steal this ship.
The Site
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