Why did the world suddenly move to Facebook? Was it because of the sexy Logo or the social networking features? NO - it was for one reason only - It's brand promise - Facebook suddenly re-assured everyone that social networking was not only a great life tool but that is was SAFE and could be TRUSTED. Things that had never been proven or even promised by it predecessors - MYSPACE and the like. With Facebook revoking it's previous privacy settings and making all of our info accessible to all and sundry on the web - simply so that Facebook can create more page views and ultimately greater advertising revenues - have they gone a step too far and tarnished the very value that drew the world to them in the first place? Time will only tell......
Over in the i-am studio we have always loved everything Innocent - in the fruit smoothie sense of the word! SO we were very excited to see one of their oh so clever promotional Vans outside the Old School house when we returned from a hearty winter lunch Today. We LOVE the cow van!
On a recent episode of BBC One's Spooks a clandestine drop-off is set for The White Cube gallery in Hoxton Square. Lucas arrives and is greeted by the receptionist with an alluring, if demure, smile. Not so surprising for someone to be received in this way perhaps, but this is perhaps the biggest step into the world of fantasy so far for this far-fetched spy drama.
You see, I have been popping into the White Cube gallery each month for years. It is just around the corner from our studio so there is really no excuse. Some of the exhibits are good, some not so impressive, but one thing that I have always noticed as totally consistent is the lack of welcome, the cold unfriendly atmosphere and the seemingly purposeful eradication of any chance of human interaction. This is a cold, leaden, unhappy space.
Anyway, back to the BBC. The production team must have lifted the receptionist's chair, lowered the barricade, tidied up the backdrop to set off the receptionist and make real human interaction possible. The current real experience is very different....
The reality of the White Cube Welcome is very different...
Perhaps the brief is “a sense of intimidation”, make the viewer feel “on their own”. If so, then I guess the brief is working well.
For us, it a great example of how the design of the interior space, the selection and build of furniture and the way staff are encouraged to interact with customers can work together to create an atmosphere.
Having favourite clients is a bit like having a favourite child in the brood - you know you shouldn't but if you're honest.. (Mrs Minogue must know what I mean). Well, would it surprise you to learn that one of our clients who is.. let's just say.. much loved, is an Estate Agent? Douglas & Gordon have long in our eyes set themselves apart by overturning stereotypes and being generally splendid, both to work with and in the experience they provide to their target audiences. Over the last few years we have been helping them blaze the trail and live up to their innovative spirit with their office interior design, each of which whilst being decidedly on-brand always comes with its own unique twists.
And now our warm feelings have been made official : www.douglasandgordon.com/about/d-and-g-news/331
Congratulations to Ivor and the team. We particularly love the hyperbole .. 'Supreme Estate Agent..' no room for doubt there.
Following a week in Geordieland, full of culture, ale, seaside strolls and blustery downpours, I headed to the fabulous Baltic Contemporary Art Centre in Gateshead for the world premier of Malcolm McLaren's latest art film 'Paris'. The 'short' film is an edited collection of Parisian adverts from the Twentieth Century set to his own soundtrack. The film is bemusing, chaotic, compelling and ultimately confusing, as you flit from one to the next; from Boursin to Lingerie to cleaning products and loo roll. But speaking through the film after, Malcolm's love of chaos, ruin and non conformist nature explains his thinking and processes. It was an interesting watch, with some tongue-in-cheek British takes on the Parisians, but not sure I could sit through and other grueling hour long viewing on gallery pews... Thank god for Newcky Brown.
Two Shoreditch restaurants have changed their positioning recently and both in a similar direction. They give us a guide to our times.
Both open at 8.00 for breakfast and stay open until last orders are long gone.
The prices reflect the current times. Wi-fi is free and easy. Both are functional and yet have a touch of the common room. "Men At Work" in one and a table tennis table give homage to simple fun and good times. Laptops mix with mugs of coffee, "butties" and tomato ketchup.
Both use the word "club" but without an ounce of pretension or elitism: Warming and comforting places. A space to call your own. We need places like these.
http://www.thebreakfastclubhoxton.com
http://www.wearetbc.com
