Philosophy
Creating Destinations That Work
Choices. The biggest challenge for destination designers is that people of a multitude of options. Whether we are creating a retail center, resort, entertainment venue or a town square, your potential guests have a wide variety of options. Successful destinations attract a wide variety of people, attract them repeatedly, and give them reasons to stay longer.
GlobalDesign Workshop has for years been involved in the pragmatic study of the way people use spaces. The knowledge gained by that study adds value to every project we design. Further, GDW has learned how to hear the vision of our clients and to translate their vision into reality.
In order to create projects that exceed the expectations of our clients, that improve the quality of life of the cities and regions where they are built, and increase local and national pride, GDW has adopted the following approach to its work:
Destination Master Planning
Great “people places” are richly layered with a variety of spaces and activities; contrasting elements within a unified and harmonious whole. Great places have a strong identity and give the public a gift – sculpture, fountains or an evening water show. Great places appeal to all types of people, encourage extended stays, and compel return visits because nothing attracts people more than other people.
Vocabulary
Architecture that is media rich, multi-layered, metaphorical, expressive and culturally relevant.
Perhaps more importantly, architecture that, seemingly in contrast to the above, is pragmatic – it works, and strategically functions to bring success to our clients. GDW is fascinated with the psychology of spaces, of creating places that move
people (physically, emotionally and spiritually), that gather people, that attract people.
Metaphors
Metaphors (usually referencing a locally well known story or poem) and cultural references create historical and cultural context and relevance. Metaphors enhance a strong and evocative physical context. Conversely, metaphors supply a cultural perspective to a less compelling physical context.
Process
Process is an essential part of how we work. It involves study of the project site and its unique characteristics; analysis of the client’s goals; search for an expressive metaphor or story; research of appropriate precedents; followed by invention of appropriate grand forms and thoughtful concept. Important goals are not restricted to the stated goals; more important are unstated goals that come from the client’s heart.
Precedents
Precedents for our work are, with increasing frequency, past GDW projects. This involves building on a school of thought, a process of continual refinement, and the selection of ideas that work. Every client, however, is unique, and every project is singular. Research, therefore, is central to our work – it gives comfort to our clients and assures the success of our work.
Materials
Materials inspire.
Materials move beyond theory, they are the tactile reality of what GDW does. In order to add light, layers and richness to our architecture, we focus on materials that are translucent, pliable and easily layered, such as metal mesh, textured glass and louver systems.
Media
Integration of media – textured hardware and projected software – is increasingly important to our work. Media is kinetic, current and subtly bold. Integration is key – media is not just a plasma screen bolted to a wall. Instead, with a palette of media, GDW paints and textures surfaces, lights spaces. Media is indistinguishable from
the architecture.
Development
Paramount Pictures
Warner Bros.
Universal Studios
