Week 6- Angela Cruz: Irvine Spectrum

 Visiting the Irvine Spectrum has never been a big deal to visit. I have been going to the outdoor mall for many years. Today I had to look at it from a different perspective. I looked at the structure of the store fronts and as well as how the lighting can affect who actually will come into the store. 


This is the entrance way to going to the ferris wheel. As you can see the lights are warm, bright and inviting. In this type of open area it needs to be real lit as well as the bright lights along with the fun colors will lead the public to the stores. I think the architect was looking to have an open structure that could fit many stores but have a big walk way to allow for a flow for the public. 

Lets look at a store front that works well within its walls.

The Hello Kitty Cafe is one of my favorite places to go to. The bright sign  and use of font for the Hello Kitty name is one that many know who like the English School Girl Kitty. Their use of bright fun and youthful colors makes this store work among the other stores it is surrounded by. As well as when you walk by it, it attracts you to go into this little store and look around and all the fun items in it.

Lets look at the light fixtures it has:


The lights inside of the store are lighting everything well. Also the color on the wall is plain but it allows for other things to decorate its walls. Having a sign say "Have a sweet day!" tells the public they are welcome to come in and enjoy a treat or two. This is a fun and youthful example when something works.

In continuing to work through the mall I came upon this store:



Walking by it you would miss it because its dimmingly lit. Also the inside is dark. For a store that sells board games and nostalgic items it doesn't work well from the outside. Its framed well within other stores but my eye is not drawn to want to go in and see what it is selling. While the store front looks open, it doesn't make me feel like I need to go in and buy something.

Overall, the experience of actually looking at how a mall is built and functions to attract connects with theatre. We as designers have to remember what attracts an audience to feel engage with what they are watching. Whether it be soft warm/cool tones or harsh aggressive lightsl; it still has to be something that makes one look and know what the story is about. So, yes lighting when it doesn't have to be theatrical is still important to take notice of. 









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