Pictures of the Windows

Thank You!!

We'd like to thank everyone for helping make last Friday a big success! We'll be posting pictures soon.

STRIPES: The week before the event

Its Here! Come Celebrate!

This Friday is the unveiling of our semester long work. Here is the itinerary:

Friday, May 2, 2008

Event: Unveiling of the Windows
Time: 6pm
Where: Redeem, Home Rule, Vastu and Muleh
Cost: FREE

Event: Afterparty
Time: 8pm
Where: Donovan House
Address: 1155 14th Street NW, Thomas Circle
Cost: $15 in advance*, $20 at the door

Click here for directions from Google Maps.

DJ's throughout the night, open bar, food, and a silent auction - you can't beat it! Plus, all the money raised will help fund future Corcoran College of Art + Design projects!

*email me to purchase a ticket in advance.

Project Pictures: Redeem

Swooners and Such by Brittany

Sweet melodies by locals, "faux fur" (stuffed animals) sightings in coffee shops, an exotic Brasilieira who just arrived in os Estados Unidos a month prior, determined to find success as a supermodel (sadly, just 5'2").

 

Venice Beach? Central Park? Nope, I'm at 14th Street, District of Columbia. And yes, I was really serenaded by three men outside of CVS on the corner of 14th and U who have made the street their home, met a lady at Mayorga Cafe who created a brilliant fur coat out of Pound Puppies, and did my best to slosh my way through my once-fluent Portuguese with our Brasileira follower from Columbia Heights to U Street. This was just one day, two hours really, in the bleak month we call February. Yet life was brighter and more colorful in these few hours than any summer day I had known for quite some time.

 

And that is just what this class is about. Design? Of course. Innovation? I should hope so! The highlight, however, has been the people: the store owners, the residents (and once and future residents), the visionaries. They each have a different story to tell and a unique vision of their neighborhood. And I got to be a part of it. Thank you.

 

Course Reflections: Stephanie

This class has not only brought out my creative side, but has also taught me about the history of my neighborhood.  I have lived in the DC area practically my entire life, and I was never taught about the important history of the 14th Street corridor.  It has been great to have guest lecturers come and talk, as well as, going out into the street ourself and interview locals from that area.  I did not realize the rich history that existed in this city - so much of what you learn about this city has to do with politics and the founding fathers.

We are now in our second week of building our window designs, and I have to say this is the most exciting part.  I can't wait to see how all our ideas, and all our pieces come together.  I never thought I would be going to home depot to ask where the cinder blocks are (a piece of our design).  It has been great to work with my team, and get together and start to experiment with what we have and go from there.  I really hope you all come to our party to celebrate these great designs.  I know I am looking forward to seeing what the other teams have come up with!

Weekend Watch

Earth (Day) to 14th Street Watchers...

GO LOCAL

What: Local artist Thomas Drymon's works

Where: Vastu, 1829 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 234 8344

When: Until April 29th

 

BARGAIN

What: Semi-Annual Sale, 25-65% off

Where: Circle Boutique, 1736 14th St.NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 518 2212
When: Now!

 

TASTE

What: Italian wine tasting featuring wines of Grappoli Imports

Where: Rice, 1720 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 265 CORK

When: Saturday, April 26th, 3-5pm

Directions to the Afterparty

Click here for directions from Google Maps.

Donovan House Hotel

1155 14th St NW

Washington, DC  20005

Project Pictures: Home Rule

Course Refelections: Darlene

The second part of this class, implementing the window designs, has been so much fun. Katie, Asri, Maurice, Jennifer, and I have been working on Vastu's window for the past couple of weeks. We went down to Vastu to check out some of the store's fabrics and visualize what the design will look like in the space. We went to a local embroidery shop and talked about our design with the owner. It was great to find a place on 14th street that could help us out. Since then, we've been doing a lot of research and gathering materials. We were so excited when Knoll graciously offered us the fabric of our choice at a really great price. Shawn, one of the graphic students in our class, helped us out by perfecting the digital furniture images for the embroidery. So it's safe to say our window is well on its way to being installed! It's been great working on 14th Street and coming together as a team to make these window designs work!

Project Pictures: Vastu

Project Pictures: Muleh

Weekend Watch

April Showers bring...

SHOP
What: A happy place to find a good laugh with clever cards and music
Where: Pulp, 1803 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 462 7857
When: Right now!

SMELL
What: Beautiful easter and orange lilies-flower of the week
Where: Garden District Interior Shop, 14th and Church Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 797 9005

WATCH
What: The History of Boys
Where: Studio Theater, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20005, 202 332 3300
When: Thru May 18th
How much: Ticket prices start at $46

Course Reflections

The last part of this class – planning, building, and testing design ideas – has been the most enjoyable for me. I learned a quite a bit about the culture of the city, marketing, and branding through research and class readings but I've grown the most as a designer by actually designing. Although the foundation of the class was absolutely necessary, this is the part that is the most exciting. As a team, we've worked together to make sure our concept works with our client and is accessible to our target audience. We've brainstormed and planned and now we're beginning to actually construct the design we've spent so many weeks developing. At this stage we are faced with a whole new set of problems – many that hadn't even occurred to us while creating our concept - and I've learned a lot about the design process by coming up with solutions for them. With the goal of evoking a particular idea in people who pass the storefront windows, we've tried to capture an emotional or cerebral moment with various materials arranged in just such a way.  Perhaps this seems like a simple project, and in some respects it is – at least the idea of it is.  But translating a thought to a physical medium is a challenge, albeit a very rewarding one. I've learned that this is what this sort of design seems to be about: conveying an idea or mood visually, simply and clearly. While my team is still in the beginning stages of building our final design, we are making lots of progress and are thrilled to be a part of such a unique class and learning opportunity. 

Project Pictures: Home Rule

Course Reflections: Meredith

This class has been a very exciting learning experience for me. It has given me exposure to my neighborhood that I probably wouldn't have searched for on my own. One of my favorite classes was when Alice Powers came in and talked at length about the history of the 14th street corridor, as well as some of the general DC area's history. As a three-year resident of DC and a neighbor of the 14th street corridor, it was really interesting to learn about the local history.

In addition, this is is the first course I've taken in the MA Interior Design program in which our designs are actually executed. This, especially, is a very exciting time, since the concepts for our designs have been picked by the stores, and we really get to focus on one particular design. I like the hands-on environment in which we find ourselves, and am extremely excited to see how all four windows turn out. I'm also looking forward to showing off all our designs at our unveiling party on May 2nd, and celebrating our accomplishments!

Project Pictures: Home Rule

Project Pictures: Redeem

Weekend Watch

Escape the April Showers:

 

MEMORIALIZE

What: 40 years since the assisination of Martin Luther King Jr, and the riots that devastated DC. Documentaries will be shown all day long.

Where: Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 387 POET

When: All day Friday, April 4

 

MUSE

What: Opening reception with artist for Muses and Heroes

Who: Heidi Taillefer

Where: Irvine Contemporary,  1412 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20005, 202 332 8767

When: Saturday, April 5, 6-10pm

Designs Finalized!!!

The concepts for the four stores have been picked! We will be posting pictures of the process very soon.

Weekend Watch

The blossoms aren't the only thing in town this weekend...

 

UNDER WHERE?

What: 25% sale on undies, everything from whitie-tighties to Diesel briefs

Where: Universal Gear, 1529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20005, 202 319 0136

When: Right now!

 

SWEET JAM

What: Cherry Blossom Jam

Who: Si Se

Where: Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 667 7960

When: Friday, March 28, 9pm

How much: $18
 

TASTE

What: Belgian/Southern/Soul/Bistro  in homage to Mr. Gaye

Where: Marvin, 2007 14th Street NW, Washington, DC. 20009, 202 797 7171

 

FLOOR IT

What: Floor Sample Sale

When: Until March 30th

Where: Vastu, 1829 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 234 8344
 

Cork

Since its opening at the end of January, I've been really looking forward to checking out Cork, the newest wine bar to pop up this spring in the Logan Circle/14th Street area. Before heading over there, I decided to check out some of the reviews and write-ups they've received, to see what others recommended I sample. In Tom Sietsema's Washington Post article, With Sips and Nibbles, Cork is Pulling Crowds (Wednesday, February 20th, 2008), he interviewed the chef of the restaurant, Ron Tanaka. Ron made a comment that I found particularly interesting. "Cooking is like writing," he said. Both benefit when you "have something to say." There are a few reasons I find this concept very appealing. First, I myself have a passion for cooking, so I completely relate to his observation. A dish performs its best when it tells a story, whether through its history and development or its unique and surprising flavors. Second, it is applicable to what we're doing this semester on 14th Street. Our designs will be successful when, through our window displays, we successfully tell the story of 14th Street and of each individual store. It's a good thing 14th Street is rich with culture and people, and the four stores upon which our efforts will be concerted these next months have such unique and well-defined identities. Our task will be to tell these stories through our designs in a way that really shows off the vivid personalities that call 14th Street home. Hope to see you checking out what we have to say in May!

An Eclectic Saturday by Stephanie

This past Saturday, my dad, who was in town from New Mexico, and my brother, who lives in the suburbs of Virginia, came to visit me.  Like many tourists, they were convinced that going to the Smithsonian was all that DC had to offer.  But I had another idea – take them to the 14th corridor, which is one of my favorite spots of DC! 

Unlike other parts of DC, where all the buildings are in the Neo-classical style, and men and women are running around in suits, I think 14th street has more flavor.   With unique design, pre-World War II buildings, locally owned restaurants, bars, stores, art galleries, and an up and coming music scene, it has a life and personality of its own.  And the best part, to me, is that each person who walks down the street whether a local or tourists adds to the flavor.  There is a real sense of openness to various expressions and uniqueness of an individual which you can't find in other parts of the city.  

We met first at Busboys and Poets for lunch.  Inside, there was a young crowd getting the day started.  People were laughing and dressed casually.  Seems to me that they were just friends sharing their stories of the week.

After lunch, we left and started to walk down 14th Street.  We stepped into a few stores along the way – Vastu, Go Mama Go, and Garden District to name a few. My brother couldn't believe how much stuff a small store could pack in, and how each store had an original look with products not found in Target (he is used to shopping at a mall). 

We finally said our goodbyes. I got an email a few days later from my dad asking when we were going back to 14th street to try Love Café, a store that sells cupcakes where you choose the cake, the frosting, and the toppings.  I guess the 14th street charm rubbed off on him.

Weekend Watch

Weekend Watch at 14th Street: March 21, 2008
 

On the third day... 

 

REINCARNATE

What: Eclectic mix of furnishings and unusual decorative accessories 

Where: Reincarnations Furnishings, 1401 14th Street, Washington, DC, 20005, 202 319 1606

 

KODAK MOMENT

What: Photography exhibition opening

Who: Hatnim Lee

Where: Transformer Gallery, 1404 P Street NW, Washington, DC, 20005, 202 483 1102

When: Saturday, March 22, 7-9pm
 

 

LOUNGE AROUND

What: Downstairs lounge 

Where: Cafe Saint Ex, 1847 14th Street NW, Washington, DC. 20009, 202 265 STEX

 

DISCOVER THE NEW DISTRICT

What: The newly opened Interior Shop 

Where: Garden District, 14th Street and Church NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 797 9005
 

Curb Appeal by Asri

14th Street in NW, DC has seen tremendous change over the last few decades and I think it is changing for the better. With new businesses arising along the strip, the area seems to be progressively thriving. Washington, DC has been my home for the last 8 years and the more time I have spend here, the more I enjoy this vibrant and exciting city. There are plenty of things to do and it is all within a short distance. What attracted me to Washington is the size and scale of the city, just like my native country, Singapore. 14th Street, especially, has loads to offer: shopping, dining and even automobile repairs. On the same token, it does have few shortcomings. What I truly envision is that someday, 14th street would be as fabulous as Le Marisa in Paris. I am not talking about the small alleyway for pedestrians with cobblestones pavement but the diversity of local business ownership. In my opinion, 14th Street lacks what I call the “curb appeal”. There is not a single sitting area for shoppers to relax or a place for diners to sit while waiting for their restaurant reservation. I am aware of an ongoing local project that is working to “beautify” the area and I hope they are considering some sitting plans. Well, let’s all hope that someday soon, not later, that 14th Street will be one of the best local areas that makes all Washingtonians proud.

Who's your city? A neighborhood's impact on your identity by Darlene

A neighborhood can make you scared, right? I know this because A) TV shows tell me so and B) My parents had the house I grew up in built with all the first floor windows much higher off the ground than our neighbors, so no one would be able to climb in. This is the first time I knew, in real life, that where you live or lived can change your way of thinking. My parents grew up in Brooklyn and Jersey City, much more “rough” neighborhoods than the small Jersey Shore town they moved too. So when they built the house at the end of the block with a white picket fence, it was only second nature to request that windows on the first floor be higher to make it less of a target for burglars Their former ‘hoods conditioned them to think this way.

It’s still very odd and even funny to me, but today when I think about the communities we live in I’m reminded of this home with the higher windows and wonder…if a neighborhood, a city, or a street can make you scared, what else can it make you? Conscientious or Carefree? Uptight or Artistic? Democrat or Republican? Open-minded? Racist?

The communities we live and work in impact our lives and our individuality. We know that economy, family ties, and historic bonds can make or break a community. But they can also make or break a person. Identity and a sense of belonging can be defined geographically. Shared space becomes the primary characteristic of community members and individual character traits can be rooted in the places we associate with most. You are what you eat. You are also where you lay your head at night. You can run (move) but, just like an acquired accent, what you picked up in “your” city will move with you.

This isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it should and could be a very good thing. Of course, it’s all relative to how much we care and it’s an investment. An investment in ourselves, our children, and our neighbors. An investment of money and time. To make a city safer, cleaner, more prosperous. Each bit changes us.

Classroom Guest Speakers by Janet

We had guest speakers today!
Alice Powers talked first about the history of D.C. Lots of great info, she's a writer and lives in the city. She and her husband raised their three girls in town and loves being a part of our nation's capitol. Wonderful insight into the planning, creation, and organic changes taking place throughout the city.

Home Rule store owner Rod Glover talked next and went over his six rules of design that he uses as a starting point for creating his display windows. He feels that his windows are a part of the streetscape, inspiring like murals and street art. Home Rule is part of the community, people walking by enjoy the displays and the designs are welcoming, drawing people in. "Always have a Plan B, no matter how much pre-planning you do, ideas are constantly changing as the design comes to life - be flexible!"

Store Profile: Home Rule

Store Profile: Redeem

Weekend Watch at 14th Street: March 6, 2008

Spring forward and add these to your calendar:

 

EXPLORE THE INVISIBLE

What: Exhibition, Akemi Maegana: Invisible, Inc.

Where: Irvine Contemporary, 1412 14th Street, Washington, DC, 20005, 202 332 8767

When: thru March 29

 

GET YOUR GREENS

What: Healthy Green Menu

Where: Rice, 1608 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 986 8607

How much: $4-15

 

ATTEND

What: Stage production and discussion, "A Memory, A Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer: Writings to Stop Violence Against Women and Girls"

Where: Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 387 POET

When: Saturday, March 8, 2008, 7:30-10pm

How much: $20

 

HOP & SHOP:

What: Pop-y clothing for men and women

Where: Pop, 1803A 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202 332 3312

Neighborhood Revitalizations: Something to Ponder by Katie

In doing some reading and research about 14th street and its history, I find myself interested in thinking about what some neighborhoods and pockets of cities used to be, compared to what they are now and what plans for them may be in the future. It’s almost like fashion, how some looks, when popular, are considered the best thing going, and then times change, customers change, finances change, and that look which was so popular is no longer in demand, looks dated, and gets tossed away. The thought that this could happen to a neighborhood is very frustrating, as people and their livelihoods and certainly not disposable, but I understand how times change, people change, demands change, and financial matters get in the way. It’s sad, but a necessary part of growth and development in an urban area I suppose.

Another thing I find interesting is, whom exactly are “we” (the collective we) trying to draw in when we revitalize a neighborhood? Are we looking to bring things in for the locals – the people who live there and spend time and money there? Or are we trying to bring in people from the outside who can bring in their dollars and contribute to the growth and outreach of the neighborhood? Or is it both? I have a feeling some locals in small, urban pockets who don’t know that their neighborhood needs help and development, don’t necessarily want people from the outside coming in to overtake their spaces. Maybe some of them don’t mind, depending on who’s coming in, and why. But I would guess that sometimes the people who live in an area that is being developed to make it “better” and grow, aren’t necessarily the people who are being targeted when new things pop up around them. Who knows? Just something to ponder…

Store Profile: Vastu

Store Profile: Muleh

Student Profile: Maurice

A Conversation with my Daddy by Regan

My Father is a 70 year-old native Washingtonian.

Washington DC was a segregated city until 1954.

My Father fondly reflected on the following theaters, which, during a segregated Washington, DC, showed first run, top tiered movies to African-Americans, at that time referred to as Negroes:

•    The Lincoln
•    The Republic
•    The Booker T

The above mentioned movie theaters were the only theaters that showed top movies to African Americans.  Other movie theaters that were for Blacks showed 2nd rate movies.

Across the street from the Booker T was the Jarvis Funeral Home.  The Jarvis Funeral Home was the largest Funeral Home that served Blacks.  The Jarvis Funeral Home was located on U Street between 14th and 15th Streets.

14th Street was a Black community that had a lot of "Beer Gardens" and "Bars and Grills".  Used Car Lots, small clothing stores and small restaurants prevailed.

Circa 1948 one of the largest Juke Joints was called The Spa.  It was located on 14th Street near the intersection of U Street.  My Father referred to The Spa as "like a rites of passage for a man….when you got old  enough..you had to go to The Spa.."

After the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. riots broke out in Washington, D.C. and everything was burned to the ground.

Student Profile: Brittany

Student Profile: Ariane

Weekend Watch at 14th Street: February 21, 2008

Kill the chill this weekend and we'll show you how:

 

GAWK

What: Opening reception with the artist

Who: Rod Glover

Where: plan b gallery, 1530 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, 202.234.2711

When: Saturday, February 23, 2009 (open until March 30, 2008), 6-8pm

 

COVET

What: 2nd Annual Spring Preview Party with new brands Apolis Activism, Morphine Generation, Public School and Tankus. 30% off winter apparel.

Where: Redeem, 1734 14th Street NW, Washington DC, 20009, 202.332.7447

When: Saturday, February 23, 2009, 6-8pm

 

STEAL

What: Semi-Annual Sale, 25-65% off

Where: Circle Boutique, 1736 14th Street, Washington DC, 20009, 202. 518.2212

When: Now!

 

TASTE:

What: $5 lunch specials. You kidding?

Where: 14U Cafe, 1939 14th Street NW, Washington DC, 20009, corner of 14th and U Street, 202.328.1400

Why: Free wi-fi, organic coffees and teas, private meeting area, yada yada yada

 

Student Profile: Georgia

Student Profile: Laura

Student Profile: Ashleigh

Student Profile: Janet

Student Profile: Joseph

Student Profile: Darlene

Weekend Watch at 14th Street: February 14, 2008

Love is in the 14th-Street-air this weekend. Where is Cupid's arrow pointing? Take a look below for your weekend guide:

 

GRAB

   What: A 12 piece box of chocolates

   How much: $24

   Where: Artfully Chocolate Featuring Kinsbury (ACKC), 1529C 14th Street NW, Washington DC, 20005, 202.387.COCO

 

SHAKE YOUR 80s GROOVE

   What: FYM Prouctions Presents: Eighties Mayhem Valentine's Super 80s Dance Party with DJ Steve EP, DJ Missguided, Killa K, Krasty McNasty

   How much: $10

   When: Friday, February 15th, 9pm

   Where: Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington DC, 20009, 202.667.7960

 

SHOP

   What: 9th Annual Lost Love Sale. 50-75% off select goods

   When: Friday, February 15th through Monday, February 18th. Open Monday-Friday 11am-7pm and Sunday 12-5pm.

   Where: Home Rule, 1807 14th Street NW, Washington DC, 202.797.5544

 

LISTEN

   What: Sunday Kind of Love-Open Mic Poetry

   When: Sunday, February 17th, 4pm

   Where: Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202.387.7638

 

 

 

 

Student Profile: Katie

Student Profile: Shawn

Student Profile: Regan

Student Profile: Asri

Student Profile: Olivia

Student Profile: Meredith

Student Profile: Stephanie

Student Profile: Jennifer