Client
University of Arizona
Location
Tucson, AZ
Type
Education, Retail
Size
34,000 SF
University of Arizona Campus Store
An energetic, brand-aligned retail hub for the U of A campus.
The redesign of the University of Arizona’s campus store transformed the space to fully align with the university’s brand identity. The design focused on opening up the space creating a more inviting and spacious environment, improving both the space’s aesthetic and it’s functionality. Enhanced wayfinding, finishes, and thoughtful organization elevates the shopping experience for students, faculty, and visitors. The result is a vibrant and user-friendly retail hub that reflects the spirit of the university.
Generating a sense of place and honoring the community
This higher education facility serves a diverse student body and is a key destination for prospective students, alumni, and the surrounding community. Equally important to the improved retail experience, the project also seeks to reflect the diversity of the campus and strives to create a strong sense of place. This was achieved through thoughtful design elements that convey school pride and reinforce the store as a destination with both visual and spatial impact.
In recognition of the diverse student body, the project incorporates design features that honor the broad range of cultures represented in the community. In particular, the design expands and enhances existing displays that honor the land and territories of the 22 federally recognized tribes within Arizona, on which the location resides.
Multi-functional space with strategic retail experience
A central pillar of the rebranding strategy is the idea that this venue is “more than just a store.” The Campus Store serves countless functions beyond retail, acting as an integral part of the campus landscape. The facility was stripped back to the essentials and rebuilt with intention.
This overhaul included a strategic reduction of product offerings, the implementation of key brands, a fresh and cohesive approach to fixturing, and revitalized graphics and wayfinding design. Product was reconsidered as a design element in and of itself, and the space planning and custom fixture design were used to create smaller brand moments within the larger store, emulating a “shop-in-shop” experience.
