Mindworks

To appeal to weary travelers awaiting flights at the Tampa, Fla., airport, Columbus, Ohio-based Chute Gerdeman designed a bright, fun atmosphere for Mindworks. The new store offers educational games, toys, activity and hobby merchandise, separating products by age group and interest. Overhead sound domes house appropriate sound effects, which simultaneously reduce exterior noise pollution. Interactive stations strategically placed within the store allow customers to test the products. The color palette was designed to appeal to a wide range of ages and interest levels. The curved flooring suggests a fun, playful environment; the blue composite rubber is made of recycled materials, contrasting with the lighter, synthetic wood. A glass storefront allows passersby to peek in while making the small interior space seem larger, more open. And full-sized digital graphics inside the entry mix objects and icons relevant to the work of the mind, illustrating Mindworks'core products and philosophy. With a fun product mix and complementary atmosphere, Mindworks appeals to the kid in each of us, evoking a refreshing sense of discovery, interaction and fun — even at the airport.

Client Team: Stellar Inc., Fenton Hill, Fla. — Susan Stackhouse and Christine Suhs Design: Chute Gerdeman, Columbus, Ohio — Denny Gerdeman, principal; Eric Kuhn, program manager and senior designer, environments; Joel Limes, designer, environments; Alan Jazak, senior graphics designer; Marissa Vaccani, graphics designer Suppliers: Lyndan Inc., Tampa, Fla. (fixturing); Toli, New York City (flooring); Sherwin Williams, Cleveland, Ohio (wallcovering); Color Reflection, Tampa, Fla. (signage); Lightolier, Fall River, Mass.; Halo, div. of Cooper Lighting, Elk Grove Village, Ill.; Ardee Lighting, San Antonio, Texas (lighting); Lighting Management, New City, N.Y. (lighting consultant); Cowan + Associates Inc., Columbus, Ohio (architect); R.M. Williams, Tampa, Fla. (contractor) Photography: Michael Houghton, StudiOhio, Columbus, Ohio