Coffee giant Starbucks is rolling out mini-stores with maximum local flavor, as part of an international pilot program. Each location will be ~500 sf, created from modular units but clad in materials that reflect the local environment. Façades may incorporate reclaimed lumber, corrugated materials, parts of shipping containers, or other "craftsmanlike" approaches, including illuminated exterior "art panels." The push for smaller and more sustainable stores is part of the company's overall Shared Planet Initiative.
Starbucks' President of Global Development, architect Arthur Rubenfeld, is supervising the roll-out, which reflects the evolution of Starbucks as a destination. The model differs from the "neighborhood coffeehouse" vibe, and is targeted at drive-through and walk-up customers. If successful, the initiative will allow Starbucks to expand into sites that are too small to sustain one of its traditional stores. The company's 14 architectural offices will design the LEED certified units, each of which will be staffed by three to five employees.
The prototype for the effort opened last year in Tukwila, a Seattle suburb, and was created from repurposed shipping containers. Containers were also used for a new store in Northglenn, Colo., clad in reclaimed Wyoming snow fencing.
http://www.fastcodesign.com/1670889/an-experimental-new-starbucks-store-tiny-portable-and-hyper-local#1goo
Related Stories
| Oct 4, 2012
Electronic power tool builds project transparency
As building projects have grown in scope and complexity, so, too, has the task of document management. A new online tool is helping Building Teams meet that demand.
| Oct 4, 2012
HMC Architects in service to the community
HMC employees give back to their communities through toy drives and fundraising efforts like CANstruction, which benefits local food banks.
| Oct 4, 2012
Career development, workplace environment programs key to retention at HMC Architects
Architecture firm take a multifaceted approach to professional development.
| Oct 4, 2012
Foundation tightens HMC Architects bond with local communities
Founded in 2009 with an initial endowment of $1.9 million, HMC’s nonprofit Designing Futures Foundation (DFF) has donated about $230,000 in its three years of existence, including $105,000 in scholarships to California students. The grants help promising high schoolers with an interest in architecture, design, engineering, education, or healthcare pay for expenses like test preparation services, computers, and college entrance exam fees and tuition. The scholarships can be extended for up to five years of college.
| Oct 4, 2012
Gilbane publishes Fall 2012 construction industry economic report
Report outlines fluctuation in construction spending; predicts continued movement toward recovery.
| Oct 3, 2012
Fifth public comment period now open for update to USGBC's LEED Green Building Program
LEED v4 drafts and the public comment tool are now available on the newly re-launched, re-envisioned USGBC.org website.
| Oct 2, 2012
Mirvish and Gehry unveil conceptual design to transform Toronto’s entertainment district
Reimagining of King Street Entertainment District supports Toronto’s cultural corridor.
| Oct 2, 2012
Dow Business Services Center building named 2012 “America’s Best Buildings of the Year” winner
Building constructed with air sealing and insulation products from Dow Building Solutions.
| Oct 2, 2012
Bernards working on project at L.A. White Memorial Medical Center
The new facility is a $15-million, 41,000-sf concrete structure which includes three stories of medical office space atop a three-level parking garage.
| Oct 1, 2012
Tyco completes separation process, now largest pure-play fire protection and security business
Tyco Integrated Security focused on delivering security solutions to commercial businesses.
