Week 10: Irvine Spectrum

Irvine Spectrum is in many ways like any other outdoor shopping mall — and yet it stands out for a few key reasons. The designers at Irvine Spectrum paid special attention to the overall atmosphere of the center, which makes it a pleasant stroll from one plaza to the next. It is especially cheery at this time of year, as the entire place has been decorated for the holidays. Because of this detail, the center's atmosphere has become somewhat brighter and more colorful, as pictured in Figure 1.

Figure 1

For the well-lit store, I chose a particular favorite of mine — See's Candies. What I liked about this store was that it was the brightest store in its general vicinity. See's pays particular attention to the lighting in its store; everything is clean and white, and the light is energetic and welcoming. I appreciate that See's stores are all lit in the same fashion, and so there is a general consistency that one comes to expect from them, which is helpful for the product they are trying to sell. When I think of See's, I think of that consistency and inviting energy. Notice the inviting light the store front exudes (Figure 2), and the attention to detail within the shelves, and on the walls (Figures 3 & 4). A bright, even ceiling light washes over the displays, the checkered floor, and the white walls. Frankly, I found it hard not to buy anything.

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 2

As I strolled through the Spectrum, seeking out my poorly lit example, I almost couldn't believe how lucky I was to find one so atrociously lit as the Charlotte Russe. I immediately went inside, expecting the interior light to be a different (and more flattering) temperature than the one in the display (Figures 6 & 7), and was somewhat surprised to find the the unflattering yellow light that shown in the window display was all over the store, and the only source of light (Figures 8 & 9). There was almost no one in the store, and the lonely clothes gave off an ugly glow as the yellow light reflected all over the white walls and flow, making the mannequins look a sickly green (Figure 10).

Figure 6

Figure 8

Figure 10

Figure 7

Just as a little bonus (because it's my favorite part of the Spectrum) is the super large Edwards Cinemas (Figure 11). I'm adding this because it's so stylized and clearly designed, evoking the color and excitement of 80s cineplexes. The bright blues and pinks of the neon sign are so fun, that I couldn't leave them out.

Figure 11