DDi - January 2012 - (Page 22)

22 | Design Snapshot Money in motion The International Currency Exchange brings sleek style to money transactions By Caitlin Sheridan C | urrency exchange has gone chic. Breaking out of traditional locations like airports, the International Currency Exchange (ICE) opened at the Market Mall in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with a space-age design concept. ICE collaborated with Montreal-based GHA design studios to bring a fresh face to swapping dollars for francs. January 2012 The Exchange’s sleek, modern design is at the forefront of piquing passerby interest. Styled like a boutique, the 600-sq.-ft. space features a futuristic, “money in motion” theme, evoking an atmosphere of frantic financial activity. Lighting for the ICE is interspersed between the overhead structures, giving the ceiling a space-age canopy tone. The design “focused on creating a dynamic experience by challenging conventions of what one would expect from a currency exchange,” says Debbie Kalisky, director of retail development, GHA design. “The concept is bold in its futuristic sculptural forms and elicits curiosity from passersby.” Using lighting, reflective surfaces and graphics, the exchange center is meant to be as visually compelling as its neighboring boutiques and shops. In addition to the new design, the ICE strove to break down the impersonal barriers between customer-staff relationships and create an environment where clients feel relaxed and comfortable. ICE wanted to convey that it is not just another financial institution, but a one-on-one, customerfriendly federal exchange service provider. An angled, white-Corian counter is the only major furniture element in the small space. Blue LED lighting in the front of the counter’s gently sloping front is meant to evoke more of a bar or lounge aesthetic, rather than a financial transaction surface. Integrated LCD screens keep customers updated with up-to-the-minute exchange rates, while large, dark, polished porcelain tiles allow the shapes and numbers from the screens and the custom-designed wall graphics to reflect across the floor. White sculptural fins run along the walls and ceiling to give contrast to the overall dark surroundings. Keeping in line with color tones from the ICE brand, blue cushions made of durable metallic vinyl sit at the jutted-out base of the fins, creating a comfortable waiting area. The ICE has turned monetary exchange into a trendy, streamlined experience, making any patron want to say, “cha-ching!” www.ddionline.com Photos: John Bilodeau, Calgary, Alberta, Canada http://www.ddionline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDi - January 2012

DDi - January 2012
Table of Contents
From the Editor
From the Show Director
Newsworthy
Shopper Insights
Editor’s Choice
Design Snapshot ICE
Design Snapshot Boxpark and Cashel Mall
Habitat Antique
51 East
Channel Focus: Financial Air Bank
Retail Around the World
GlobalShop Show Preview
Right Light
Product Spotlight
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Think Tank

DDi - January 2012

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