Salon Salon is a a fresh interpretation of the typology of a hair salon. Situated within Tucson's Historic Train Depot (restored and renovated by Poster Frost Mirto in 2004), as much as the project is a retail space, it also aspires to connect, in the spirit of an Enlightenment salon, as a social amenity within Tucson's downtown revival. Boundaries are intentionally blurred between function and aesthetics, with the objective of promoting public interactions and conversations that transcend the private retail sphere.
The architectural concept of insertion was inspired by the tranquil interior of the former depot out-building, with its spare interconnected sequence of volumetric spaces that evoke a gallery as much as an industrial shell.
Where a typical retail salon is often a beehive of activity and sensory overload - with retail furniture at the service of hyper-functionality - the architecture of Salon Salon offers a calm and respite through suggestions of neo-functionality. With a conscious nod to the geometric abstractions of Donald Judd's plywood sculptures, the functional elements of the salon can also be interpreted as stand-alone installations.
Throughout the day and into the night, these installations alternate between focus and backdrop, as clients and citizens mingle, inhabit and connect.
AIA Souther Arizona 2016 Citation Award