Tides of Wade
Cafe
CONTEXT
Spatial Experience Design, MA Program
ArtCenter College of Design, LA
CONCEPT AND VISION
The project arose from the desire to broaden the appeal of the Way of Wade brand (high-performance basketball footwear) while highlighting the importance of play and recovery in sports performance. Visitors are given an immersive experience that conveys the essence of Wade's shoes without the need to physically wear them.
Tides of Wade Café makes it easier for newcomers to explore the brand’s essence through a dynamic environment that seamlessly blends movement, rest, and sensory engagement.
LOCATION
The space is intended to be constructed within an existing building located in Los Angeles' vibrant Arts District.
BRAND STRATEGY
The branded space is creating a physical manifestation of Wade’s commitment to innovation. The space invites exploration and connection, allowing guests to engage with the Way of Wade ethos while leaving with a feeling of lightness and a new perspective on footwear.
Spatial Narrative and User Journey
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a facade symbolizing the layers of air, with a sliding glass door leading into the first room. Guests are invited to remove their shoes, mimicking the sensation of wearing Way of Wade footwear. The journey continues with self-serving drink globes that float and interact, embodying the forces at play in basketball.
PROGRAM
In the main area, restorative classes occur in a soft, secluded space with cushioned flooring, enhancing relaxation. The design includes seating integrated into the ramp walls, encouraging social interaction. Upstairs, visitors encounter a unique floor texture and a fortune wheel offering signature jellybeans, creating more playful moments. A stream flows throughout, promoting ease and a calming atmosphere.
Ramp embracing the hole space, leading up to more hang out spots. The flooring draws inspiration from the texture of basketball nets and the advanced Cloud sole material used in Way of Wade shoes.
PROCESS AND TOOLS
The design process included study models, 3D modeling in Rhino, rendering in Twin Motion, physical scale models made, and 3D printing to develop a bouncy floor structure that mimics the shoe’s qualities. These technologies facilitate an innovative design approach, ensuring that the spatial experience aligns seamlessly with the Way of Wade philosophy.
3D printed parts for the Scale Model
Different Media from my process - Collages, Study Models, Visual Identity etc.
