In this technologically advanced tide that we all are a part of, it has been inculcated in us that art is something confined only to the edifices of galleries and to certain other spaces where the sole motive of the art is to be nothing more than just an accentuating object. It is no more an inspiration that runs through the brush or an expression that is unfathomable and unstoppable. IT is no longer a part of the magnanimous structures that bind the facade of your society in one thread of 'modernisation'.

The impact of art and design in commercial space is often underestimated. Splashes of colour in a painting can alter the mood of a dull salon or retail store, as can a piece of unusual artwork can provide a talking point in a bland corporate space. But can artwork have a direct impact on commercial spaces and their functionality? It seems the answer is yes.

The notion that art in a commercial space is merely decorative and does not prove to be of any function has been dispelled by the fact that art in commercial space helps businesses address key challenges such as reducing stress, increasing creativity and encouraging expression of opinions. At a time when people increasingly want to work remotely and individualism is on the rise, art is a way of retaining thoughts, generating new ideas and encouraging the workforce to function efficiently

Art may be perceived as the deliberate attempt to a stray the focus of an individual from a confined motive to a brainstorm of thoughts. Art is the only language that communicates to millions of minds in their own unique terms.

Most designers consciously use art as part of their design element when designing commercial spaces, and organisations are moving away from seeing commercial art as purely an aesthetic choice, a trivial matter or an insignificant add-on. Those organisations that fully appreciate the benefits of displaying art through paintings, prints, photographs or sculpture in their offices – induce a positive impact that art has on their workforce – and give themselves a significant advantage over their competitors.

Current trends in the field of design suggest that art and design in a commercial space is highly under-rated. We at UB Designs, try to imbibe art in every project, making it meaningful by exuberating client’s goal, achievements and ethos through them.

We have enumerated the importance of why organisations and designers should specify more art in a commercial space:

ART MAKES A STATEMENT ABOUT A COMMERCIAL SPACE’S DESIGN –

An intelligently-curated art collection can reflect a company’s history and demonstrate its character, style and spirit to employees, clients, partners and prospects. In receptions, boardrooms and every other area of the workplace, a carefully selected piece of art can send a clear, yet subtle, message to those who see it, expressing and reinforcing brand values if appropriate.

ART ENGAGES STAFF -

Art can offer a highly effective remedy to the problem of engaging staff working in a commercial space. The staff feels more engaged and connected to the organisation and their efficiency can also increase. Offering users, a choice in the art they would like to see in their space is one of the many realistic ways to give them a say in the aesthetics of their workplace environment and show that the management of an organisation cares about and trusts its employees.

ART IMPACTS BUSINESS -

A small increase in the productivity of workers due to art and design has a cascading effect bringing prosperity and productivity. This in turn brings huge financial benefits to an organisation as a whole. Employees and users thrive in a positive and optimistic environment, and research suggests that having art in commercial spaces increases creativity, efficiency and even productivity.

DISPLAYING A SPECTACULAR ART COLLECTION TRASCENDS BEYOND COMMERCIAL VALUES

Many companies baulk at the idea of art in the workplace since the word itself conjures up images of a huge expense coming their way that would cost them a fortune, on the other hand a better design and tastefully selected art pieces in a commercial space would enhance the functionality and overall experience of the space, transcending beyond their commercial value.

Any architectural space is in the end dedicated towards the actions of, by and for the users of the space. Commercial spaces too, thus, have the consolidated need of rendering their surroundings in such a manner so as to enhance the activities of its users and art plays a significant role in making any space naturally humane. It successfully adds to the liveability quotient and hence results in creating an environment which in true essence is 'work-friendly'.

Retail Design is visceral in nature. Apart from creating a good-looking store with aesthetically pleasing displays, retail store design is a well-thought-out strategy to set up a store in a way to optimize space and sales so that even if a salesman is unavailable, the store can engage its customers sell itself. The way a store is set up can help establish brand identity.

Retail Design began to grow in the middle of 19th century. That was when the chain stores began to evolve. In the 1960s, retail design saw another evolution with the creation of boutiques. Retail design revolves around basic five principles-

· Explicate Space- The overall area is defined by fine geometry and sharp edges. The use of mirror adds depth and its strategic placement helps to enhance the intensity of the corridor.

· Organize Space- The arrangement of shelves on either sides leaves a void in the centre creating the ease of movement for customers.

· Sequential Experience- Keeping the customers thought process in mind, the retailers know what products to be placed in which part of the store, so as to make the former move around the whole area.

· Visual Merchandising- Windows are the eyes of a retail store and should hence; tell a story that is carried through the space. The trick is to explore creative interpretations, while always placing the product at the heart of the display.

· Customer Participation- It is important for a retail store to slow down the customer and the key to doing that lies in putting large, eye- catching display at the entrance.

Once the overall structure and circulation of the space has been determined, the atmosphere and thematic of the space must be created through lighting, sound, materials and visual branding. These design elements will cohesively have the greatest impact on the consumer and thus the level of productivity that could be achieved.

I thought of providing maximum natural light and that was achieved by all glass facades. It also enabled to provide customers with an unobstructed look of the interiors.

The availability of natural light in the store adds clarity and interest to the space and also helps customers in examining the quality of merchandise. The next important feature was the lighting. With dramatic use of chandeliers, brass spotlights and antique wall lights, the colour of lights being yellow, a festive and celebratory semblance was achieved.

The colours used for the design of the boutique is predominantly simple, the major colour being white and shades of cream with antique brass finishes for lights and furniture, the architect has also used green as an indirect colour in the form of plants at the entrance which can be seen from the inside through the unanimously beautiful steel jail work.

With the emergence of internet and online shopping trends, the retail faced a downside. The only way to put up with it was by understanding the need of customers and providing them with exactly that. Damon Richards said, “Your customer doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The regal lighting and simple colour scheme enhances the overall experience of coming to this place, the design is so subtle and exasperatingly simple yet it speaks volumes.

At UB Designs our focus is on state-of-art retail designs, following the brand language and visual merchandising as its core