College of Built Environments at the University of Washington.

BE Image

Fresh Look at Des Moines store fronts

Monday March 2008

For aproximately 10 weeks this spring and summer, CAUP students in Jim Nicholl's Store Front project will hold office hours Fridays from 2-5 pm in a studio office in Des Moines Square, offering assistance to business owners, photographing buildings, and gauging the community environment to identify the town's personality in order to offer real solutions to the town's layout challenge. The goal of this year's Store Front "architectural outreach" project is to provide solutions to enable Des Moines to establish a "cohesive and public convenient, and attractive theme with easy waterfront access." Des Moines has asked that the students focus on drawing people to the marina, and linking easy access to downtown shops, restaurants and living. The student's photographs and digitally created illustrated exhibits will be on display in the Store Front studio, and these will become not only attractive displays, but will also serve to promote participation, sustained communication, and community interaction. At the end of the project, the student's will offer deliverables that will help to facilitate various community improvements.

For the complete story, please visit The Highline Times online.