Introduction to Contemporary-Traditional and Mediterranean-Traditional Florida
The team’s collective mission was to develop a Traditional Theme for Florida staying true to Walmart’s new direction in its façade contextual treatment. The goal was not to introduce new colors but to work with the proto grays for the main building along with green and orange colors for the brand walls. We have tried to arrange these colors in a fashion that makes the building feel more light and airy and so it adapts well to the Florida Typology. Building is almost identical to the proto, we have just lightened the heaviness of the building and provided warmth feel with the colors. When working with the Walmart stakeholders on the evolution of the previous contextual Florida proto, we have realized that we should maintain similar forms and resemblance to the proto and make it work for the Florida Typology. The supergraphics is something Walmart feels extremely passionate and strong about and is playing an important role in this new design. This Traditional design emphasizes Timeless, Clean, Fresh, Vibrant, Exciting, Transparent & an Articulate design!
It is important to note that it was our goal to develop this theme around the existing prototypical architecture to ensure that we would maintain existing window head heights, sill heights, etc. We also maintained existing vestibule positioning along with majority of the current constructability features while allowing the AOR’s to easily adapt to this contextual designs without too much trouble. Reinventing the bases of the proto was not part of this equation or exercise!
These Traditional concepts are basically a spino from the Contemporary Florida Design Theme. The Contemporary theme has been layered to create these versions, with a few minor tweaks. Experience tells us that Florida jurisdictions are unique and di erent but also tend to lean to more conservative positions such as more Traditional Mediterranean architecture because that is what they are comfortable with. However, that being said, over the past ten years there has been a shift to a more modern and contemporary architecture and it is extremely evident in many retailers. Hence we have provided two Traditional options: Contemporary-traditional and Mediterranean-traditional.
About the Building and Materials
We are proposing cement board siding in lieu of Nichiha panels for the Traditional theme. We believe cement board siding is more in context with the Old Florida Architecture and is also a cost e ective solution. These slight tweaks change the building from Contemporary feel to more Traditional Mediterranean feel.
Jurisdictional requirements in Florida consistently require HVAC screening. We raised the parapets by 8” since the new proto roof has been raised by 8”. We’ve raised the parapet walls on the two sides to screen HVAC units by 2’-6”. This should allow all RTU units to be totally screened. The rear has been left as proto and will be handled on case-by-case bases. We reduced the height of the canopy roof by 2’-0” so it ts well within the context of the windows. By lowering the canopy we have managed to reduce the glazing resulting in signi cant cost savings. All columns are painted tubular steel columns. The proto shows 2 canopies at 2 di erent levels. We have simpli ed the canopy so it is a continuous single surface. This makes the construction of the canopy and the drainage much simpler. All columns are painted tubular steel columns. We are proposing simulated wood ceiling under the canopy and inside the vestibule. The simulated wood ceiling and brown color on the columns and venetian shades adds to the warmth feeling.
Experience tells us that certain Jurisdictions in Florida will not allow for graphics on the façade as they consider it signage and it exceeds the allowed signage square footage. We have proposed graphics inside the vestibule for areas where it will not be permitted on the facade. From our previous contextual exercise working with Walmart team we have realized that the lighter shades of gray color from the proto color palette was very well received. The light colors also help the building feel more light and airy.
Jurisdictions also require a level of transparency on primary facades ranging from 15-20%. The proposed schemes incorporates glazing percentage from 18-21%. Punched vertical window openings have been supplemented to add additional articulation to the main façade. These windows have been strategically placed to allow transparency into the store with the minimal impact to the merchandising plan. 8” EIFS has been provided around the windows to create depth. The pergola trellis kit at the entrance in the Mediterranean Traditional façade along with fypon moldings, brackets, crowns and venetian aluminum sunshades helps articulate the façade.
Closing Summary
In reviewing this design you will note, that these facades begin to breakdown the horizontalness of the building. The building appears more vertical and divided (features embraced & encouraged by jurisdictions), the facades are still at and consistent with the proto and contribute to considerable cost savings. We know jurisdictions may require the AOR to adjust the angulations in the facades but that will be handled on a case-by case basis between the assigned AOR, SAAM and DM. Our e ort was to keep the design simple and a ordable.
Front Perspective from Vestibule Side
With Super Graphic
Front Perspective from Pickup Side
With Super Graphic
Front Perspective from Pickup Side
