Design practice LAVA-designed Martian Embassy and Gift Shop is scheduled to open on 21 July 2012 in Redfern, New South Wales. The store features pro bono lighting, acoustic and AV design services which have been provided by global design practice Arup, which is among the 30-companies that worked on the project. The company has enlarged the vision of the architect by adding additional layers via light and sound to the design, which has created a visually and acoustically appealing store.
The lighting scheme for the store is based on two main components. Each part of the store is lit with colour changing LED lighting, which renders the space an ever changing and dynamic feel of Martian. The general working area and retail space features a track based white lighting from above. The audio video and acoustic design involved smart selection of materials with the AV sound system providing a custom designed soundscape, which will add to the overall experience of the customers.
The Sydney Story Factory is a not-for-profit creative writing centre for children. The facility roots its inspiration to 826 Valencia, a creative writing centre for young people started by novelist Dave Eggers in San Francisco in 2002. The facility includes a shop- Pirate Supply Store which sells things related to pirate stories. The store acts as an imaginative entrance to the writing centre and acts as a landmark in the local community.
