Palace of Electricity sculpture. L'Exposition Universelle de 1900 : détails de sculpture. 1900.

Sanrio Gift Gate - New York (exact location not listed) - early 1990s

"This youth-oriented store is tilled with myriad small inexpensive gifts that may be purchased for a trend to express the giver's feeling of friendship and happiness." The items range from party goods, school supplies, stationery items, and novelty gifts and include beauty items.

The client wanted the store to encourage "social communications and the communication theme begins at the store signage and the Hello Kitty "postmark". A neon, back-lit frieze which forms a cornice illuminating the merchandise is the primary decorative element in the store. It is an "illustrated, silk-screened, dimensionally layered representation of the various Sanrio licensed characters in their native habitats around the world."

A World's Fair sub-theme unites the characters from the many countries. An animated merry-go-round and ferris wheel not only contribute to the festive atmosphere and color - they also support merchandise display. The raised ceiling in the center of the store is highlighted by a moving hot air balloon that traverses the selling space. "The decorative elements of light and color create a strong backdrop for the bulk merchandise display".

Designed by Newbold/Schkufza Design Associates - New York, NY

Cover illustration by Ed Emshwiller

Chicago World's Fair was incredible...

The Space Needle in Galaxy Gold, 1962