The Yard Creative Design Awards
BEST ARCHITECTURAL FORM: Awarded to a piece of design that challenges the norm and makes you want to touch it!
Winner: Westfield pods and helpdesk
It has been widely debated that form follows function. Yet sometimes, something comes along that defies its function, challenges perception yet works beautifully.
As you enter Westfield you can’t help but notice the white organic 'blob like' shapes strategically located throughout the centre that look like they have just landed from an episode of Star Trek. These are of course the navigation and information pods that help visitors navigate around the centre whilst stimulating the enthusiastic shopper.
The navigation pods already look like designer classics that you’d happily have in the entrance to your Hoff house! They are used to communicate the core services to the visitor such as the stores, food atrium, restrooms and car park zones.
The other is the information desk. Whilst walking past you can’t help running a hand along its curvaceous edges and enjoying its touch.
Do these forms follow a function? Although they didn’t have to be quite as sumptuous they certainly attract you to engage with them and are easy to use so perhaps in a slightly warped way?
- 1. Touch screen pod
- 2. Directional pod
- 3. Advertising pod
- 4. Information desk