Bringing the outdoors in

Last year during our trip to Buenos Aires we covered many hot spots at retail that blended the outdoor environment into their shopping environments. Here in the States, Anthropologie opened a new store in Corona, California featuring a 350 sq. ft. open courtyard as the centerpiece of this new concept. The courtyard allows natural light to filter through the environment, sounds like rain and birds enhance the experience and the natural visuals, such as trees and grass, interact with the displays of merchandise. In the center of the store a "shoppable hill" covered in faux green grass creates a natural feeling area for product displays. Nods to the green design movement include reclaimed barnwood flooring, cork panels and Terrazzo recycled glass floors in the fitting rooms.