Date:15th July 2014

The editors invite contributions to the book Display Architecture: Department Stores and Modern Retail — a volume that comes out of a conference panel organized at the recent Society of Architectural Historians’ annual meeting in Austin, TX (Chair: Anca I. Lasc, Pratt Institute, NY)

The book departs from the premise that the presentation of merchandise cannot be separated from modern materials and building techniques that have been the preferred topics of art and architectural historians so far. Consequently, it proposes to challenge the traditional hierarchy of materials and to replace brick and mortar, paint and stone with artificial flowers, theatrical props, tantalizing fabrics, lighting and wax mannequins (as well as a host of other visual effects focused on capturing and sustaining the viewers’ attention), which, together, form a real architecture of display. By asking scholars to engage with new materials and new media, we propose to redefine commercial display design as an essential component of modern art, design, and architecture.

The editors welcome submissions of unpublished articles that focus on display strategies in retail architecture, interiors, spaces and environments, including staged sets, window displays, model rooms/homes and retail furniture, but also the more recent store installations and digital interactive screen displays that have transformed the ‘retail theatre’ experience.

Submitions until 15th July 2014.

More details:pdf file below. 

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