Summer 2010
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The Blood Connection: Reinventing the Donation Experience
Giving blood is a personal and powerful human-to-human experience—one that relies on individual generosity and medical know-how. So when The Blood Connection, a non-profit community blood donation center with locations throughout South Carolina, came to Chute Gerdeman Retail to create a transforming experience, we were truly inspired.
Our first stop: a tour of the facility. It was there that the team realized the project was going to involve far more than raising the aesthetic of the facility. It was about reinventing the blood donation experience—acknowledging the emotions involved around giving and the rewards of being a donor.
Almost organically, the theme of "natural connectivity" developed, linking the human connection with the natural world that surrounds the donation centers. Large soaring ceilings with clerestories welcome sunlight into the space. To reinforce the nature-inspired design, large windows are used whenever possible. In the donation area, visitors are calmed by a serene view of lush gardens, at the center of which is The Giving Grove, a beautifully composed stand of trees that have been donated by community members to memorialize a loved one or to celebrate an individual gift. [More]
Our first stop: a tour of the facility. It was there that the team realized the project was going to involve far more than raising the aesthetic of the facility. It was about reinventing the blood donation experience—acknowledging the emotions involved around giving and the rewards of being a donor.
Almost organically, the theme of "natural connectivity" developed, linking the human connection with the natural world that surrounds the donation centers. Large soaring ceilings with clerestories welcome sunlight into the space. To reinforce the nature-inspired design, large windows are used whenever possible. In the donation area, visitors are calmed by a serene view of lush gardens, at the center of which is The Giving Grove, a beautifully composed stand of trees that have been donated by community members to memorialize a loved one or to celebrate an individual gift. [More]
In Other News...
With consumers closely guarding their pocket books, it might seem like a strange time to talk about new concepts. But in retail, necessity is the mother of invention. And smaller, more focused retail concepts are surfacing as one of the brightest trends on the horizon right now. [More]
Every city has its defining summer moment. Whether you are skating the pier at Venice Beach, strolling tree-lined streets in Toronto, or simply sweltering in your own home town, summer evokes distinctive and lasting memories. [More]
This summer seems to have been hotter than ever! Don't we all need a break from the heat? This issue's top five materials definitely give us the respite we've been looking for. Nothing is more refreshing than crisp, clean white. [More]
Chute Gerdeblog, our very own inspirational design and trend blog launched in March 2010, establishes an online platform for our observations and points of view. Written by the creative minds of Chute Gerdeman, Chute Gerdeblog features opinions, attitudes, and inspirations for all aspects of the retail, restaurant, and cultural sectors. Topics include retail trends, consumer insights, points-of-view, and new building materials to name a few, plus the occasional sneak peek into the daily lives of CG team members. [More]
The Gist sat down with Mindi Trank, Director, Brand Strategy, in its continued quest to get inside the creative minds at Chute Gerdeman Retail. [More]
Several Chuties will be attending major upcoming industry events. Check out our calendar and let us know if you'll be attending and want to meet. [More]
We have expanded our team as we continue to add depth to our capabilities and further build our client base. In addition to adding eight new team members to our Columbus studio, we have announced four recent promotions. [More]
Several Chute Gerdeman concepts and insights have recently been featured in the press. Read more about Bob Evans, Swiss Farms, Flippers Pizzeria, store decor trends, and opinions from experienced Chuties. [More]
