Big Bon Bodega
Connecting an upstart bagel bodega to the community.
Design Research, Business Strategy, Urban Design, Information Design
Graduate Project - Experience Design for Physical SpacesBig Bon Bodega was designing their business to make the most of the community and for the owner, Kay Heritage, having a personal connection to a marginalized member of the community, it was imperative that the store be accommodating and open to all friends and neighbors.
Overview
Brief
Define the space and place to create a connection between the business and the neighborhood which includes the homeless population in the area.
Create a transformative human engagement through an exploration of theoretical and practical applications of experience design, addressing form, physical space and sensory response through contextual research and analysis. Secondarily to define the meaning of place and space.
Approach
The initial research began with a historical background of the area, its purpose, the design and its inhabitants. Then the research focused on the community and business approaches that address the homeless population.
Outcome
The design approaches the problem from multiple angles. One addresses how the physical space could be more accommodating to our friends and neighbors. Making Big Bon stand out as a community leader.
Design Objective:
Provide a “Design” solution that would be a truly altruistic gesture. No business objectives towards the bottom line and define the place into a space that welcomes anyone and everyone.
Problem:
They were wanting to help but not knowing how. Opening their doors and giving away food would drive patrons of the local mission away from their services. Not knowing the population and what they truly need.
Solution:
Give the homeless the respect of being human. Treat them as you would treat others. Respecting where they have come from and provide guidance to the resources they may need. Train the staff on sympathy and empathetic approaches. Provide a net benefit by working within the community and not against the resources that are already available.
RESEARCH:
Immersive design research included; observations, interviews, and a Savannah historical review. Interviews were conducted with the key stakeholders in the community. Met and interviewed the members of the Savannah homeless population, the Old Savannah City Mission, the city task force and other restaurants that have established themselves in ungentrified areas of the city.
Inspiration:
Savannah Mission, Momma K’s personal commitment to community, the Bodega’s ability to work towards the long term. The mood board was pulled to reflect the cozy atmosphere of a corner bodega, a place you want to go and spend time, see friends, and make connections and connect with the community by not appearing to be off limits to anyone.
Concept:
Build on the already giving nature of the Big Bon family and design a bridge to the homeless population.
The solution:
A repurposed exterior parking space that would provide shelter, light and comfort to “Friends and Neighbors” in the community. Amenities would be added to the building for 24 hour conveniences. The space is open and inviting to everyone.
new brand ethos
Welcome | Respect | Kinship
We do not refer to anyone as homeless, to us, everyone is a friend and neighbor.
The Exterior Opportunities
The facility features open seating for both interior and exterior. This includes a roll away serving counter, the exterior benches and counters that are heated and cooled, they are private enough for an evening rest but are also lighted to provide safety and protection for everyone and especially those less privileged. The counters also serve as planters for river reeds that can be used for vocation; to create and market the infamous “Savannah Rose”. Giving those with extra needs another resource. The climate in Savannah allows for the overhead doors to remain open a large portion of the year, in doing so, it removes the typical stigma of the front door displaying exclusivity and being a barrier and casts an open invitation to all friends and neighbors to participate in this community offering.
Open and inclusive facility. Removing intimidation and privilege.
Lighted, heated and protected sleeping stations.
The parking has been turned into a communal space.
Business Operations
Treating everyone in a consistent manner is the truth of the operation. The research uncovered that the Starland area Friends and Neighbors wanted to be included and treated as anyone else would be treated. The Bodega has created a manual that assists the associates with working through situations that they may be unfamiliar with and provides a guide to the most appropriate behavior. Noting that not all situations can be covered under one set procedures.
