As a commercial site along the chaotic clusters of signs and advertisements on the retail spine of Garden Grove Boulevard that is often an unfortunate depiction of deteriorating scenes in Southern California, the Garden Grove Retail Center becomes as opportunity to create a landmark which represents architecture that is designed in consideration of how it affects the community and environment. As an alternative solution to issues of arbitrary development and sign pollution, this small commercial project has become a model for new construction.
The Garden Grove Retail Center consists of two longitudinal buildings, one with three stores along the east side and the other with six stores along the west side of the property. A perforated metallic gateway structure is the significant feature that marks this commercial complex as a unique landmark adjacent to the major street. The monumental structure defines the transition from the urban turmoil into a defined outdoor space, resembling a city street flanked by an orchestrated compilation of buildings. The contemporary expression of practical materials creates a magnetic appeal between stationary businesses and mobile customers as a minimalist contrast to pandemonium.
The linear passage perpendicular to Garden Grove Boulevard creates an opportunity for businesses to make visual connections with people inside vehicles passing through the site to the parking in the north side. Following along the elevation of store front, one will be able to recognize the beginning of one store and the end of another through a variety of colors, forms, and materials which allow each business to develop an individual identity within the harmony of the site. Furthermore, the defined hardscape between the two buildings allow for businesses to extend their advertising territory into a common space with special sales, booths, and events so that customers will experience another transition into the territory of sales.
The flexible interior of the space allows for businesses to express their identity and display their services. Mezzanine structures in the back allow for either an extended sales floor or an architecturally defined private seclusion. Signs for each store are allocated to an exterior shelf where letters can sit above the entrance of the store and shading devices can protect the interior from the heat of the sun as a natural solution to reduce dependency on HVAC systems.
The Garden Grove Retail Center became an opportunity for architectural solutions to current issues in major retail corridors in the suburbs of Los Angeles. With interest of the client and the collaboration of the City of Garden Grove, it was possible to bring a contemporary language into a disorganized environment.
