Markets & Grocery Stores Contextual Requirements The impact of a grocery store or market isn’t limited to the services it can provide; the building that houses the store can have an immense impact on the neighborhood that is serves. Contextual requirements are truly at the heart of thoughtful design and the first step in the success of a new grocery store location. Michael Parotti Chipman Design Architecture
Being a Good Neighbor A commonality among modern grocery stores is the “big box, bigger parking lot” layout. Once a profitable response to the midcentury flight to the suburbs, the world has become more urbanized and produce retailers are finding that they need to adapt. The ubiquitous large, austere grocery building may be permissible when set away from other structures in suburban outlots, however this approach does not lend itself to the city environment.
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have proven that windowless sides of buildings have higher instances of being a magnet location for crime. Most importantly however, people are drawn to buildings that fit within their neighborhood. If a main street is known for colorful, textured storefronts, white EIFS walls disrupt the pattern. A town this is filled with historic brick structures will experience a sudden shift in the mood of the environment with the introduction of these large, unarticulated surfaces. If rows of gables abut a rigid parapet roof, citizens will bemoan the loss of their town’s endearing personality.
Communities are searching for a grocery experience that feels authentic and is convenient.
An immense, severe building dominates its visual surroundings and expansive, blank walls take up valuable street-front real estate in a dense, urban neighborhood. In addition, urban crime studies
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In order to meet these contextual requirements, both the architectural designer and the client must commit the time to study the
Markets & Grocery Stores - Contextual Requirements
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The size of nearby buildings: how much frontage do the storefronts consist of?
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The distance to the main residential blocks: the distance of 5-10min walk will boost business.
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Architectural design of the neighborhood: each city has its own history and personality.
community’s values and traditions. Not only will this help the client craft a specific selection of which food lines to carry, but it will inform the design of the store to enable it to become an integrated part of the neighborhood. Understanding the architectural and built history of an area as well as being integrated into the community early in the planning process are crucial components to consider when opening a new store.
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Location, Location, Location This phrase is infamous for a reason. Location is vital to almost any business, living arrangement or gathering imaginable. For grocery stores and markets, proximity to residencies is a gentle balance. This distance should be small enough that walking between the main residential area and the store is feasible and enjoyable, but far enough that home life isn’t disrupted by crashing shopping carts and early morning deliveries. Mark Scheerhorn of Chipman Design Architecture offers insight into this decision-making process. “Grocers will often do real estate studies that include an analysis of local demographics and nearby residential density (or “rooftop counts”) to determine if an area is developed enough to support the addition of their establishment. Communities that demonstrate a strong or steady growth trend may prove to be attractive options for grocers looking to get into a new market early. In an urban environment, nearby access to public transportation or main traffic arteries and convenient access are desirable for increase radius of exposure to residents that may be outside the normal service area.” Communities are searching for a grocery store and shopping experience that is both convenient and feels authentic to their lifestyle. A space which is well designed to complement the neighborhood in addition to a walkable and accessible location spells success for those looking to expand their chain in urban communities.
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Markets & Grocery Stores - Contextual Requirements