Location:  Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL
Project Size:  14,000 square feet
Date Completed:  June, 2003

------------------------------------------------------------- Antron® Design Awards 2003 Retail Merit Winner
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When Allsteel and The Gunlocke Company sought to bring their two companies together in adjoining showrooms, they turned to The Environments Group. The space needed to convey each companies' product capabilities, values, brand attributes and extended product collections.

The solution is organized into zones: a display, entry and reception zone along the showroom front; an exhibit and touchdown space for Allsteel and for Gunlocke; shared rooms for conference and marketing materials; and a café/hosting zone.

There is intentional contrast between the two exhibit areas. Allsteel's is open, cooler, casual and light with long sight lines, layers of ceiling heights, bold accent colors and environmental graphics. Gunlocke's is tailored, warm, with a palette, lighting design and scale that is more domestic.

Establishing a strong public presence, the space has an intensely illuminated storefront 140 feet long with pivoting entry doors opening to a fireplace and hearth. The back wall of the reception area is a directional cue leading users to respective reception desks and exhibit spaces. One side of the wall is composed of metal panels from Allsteel's Terrace line, one side custom wood panels made by Gunlocke.