5 replies to this topic

[sydenhamcentral]

Having recently had a chat with the owner of Garam Masala in Sydenham (and had a great meal there) we suggested doing a ‘What if’ for him.

We have done a few of these (about 20 in Sydenham and Ilfracombe in Devon). We haven't really posted on this site, but after some of the feedback on the previous ones we did post here, we thought we'd include any news ones here. Just in case anyone doesn't know about this, we redesign a shop that could be improved, be it an existing business or an empty shop to show how it could look.

Sometimes we go a bit mad, but in general the idea is to use existing shop fronts and show how a few design changes can make a massive difference.

We aren't being paid for this, it's just a hobby we do in our spare time (we work in branding and design for large corporations and need some outlet to save our souls!).

THIS IS HOW IT LOOKS NOW:



Our main observations about the current facade are that the yellow sign looks dated, the restaurant looks dark from the outside, some lights near the window would be good. The menu is too far from the door, it should really be next to it (it also stops diners feeling that people are staring at them). To shop front isn’t original so there is a space above the windows which looks odd.

BUT WHAT IF:



My linkFOR FULL TEXT OF BLOG AND OTHER 'WHAT IF'S' CLICK HERE

[GillW]

Another brilliant virtual makeover. Please keep us posted on whether you make any inroads into CP with this.

[sydenhamcentral]

Thanks Gill. Glad you didn't

We have some plans for the old CP cinema which is a time consuming bit of visualization (although all the design elements are now done and I have to say it is quite exciting!).

We are also working on some ideas for empty shops which could be implemented anywhere which we will share with you. Once we have done these and come up with approximate costings, then we may ask for some help on this forum for who to approach regarding funding the physical aspects of it to turn visuals to reality.

We will keep you posted.

[GillW]

How did you get on when you approached the likes of keen cinema supporters Streets Ahead?

[sydenhamcentral]

GillW, on 05 March 2010 - 01:40 PM, said:

How did you get on when you approached the likes of keen cinema supporters Streets Ahead?

I have to admit we haven't yet due to the fact that we are really busy! Before we do anything like that we will finish the visual first. We found that the only way to get peoples attention is to show pictures first!

On another note, we are proud to note we have been picked up by the The Guardian today"

LINK TO ARTICLE IN THE GUARDIAN
We have linked back from the blog to the Sydenham Forum and Virtual Norwood Forums (we hope that's ok!).

[GillW]

Nice one, sc! Great blog too - the What The... section was perfect Friday-afternoon fare!