Concept: Miguel

Throughout our research in both fuel and gas stations, I realized that when things like fuel change, the process of fueling, idle time, and circulation also change. My concept was to intensify these truths with architectural methods in order to create a mood that would be specific to a certain fuel and /or car. By changing methods of circulation, canopy height, relationship to the convenience store, and relationship to seating of the people at the gas station, I believe I've come across something that could be quite effective.

I also wanted to challenge the present marketing model of gas stations in that you have the most desired item at the back of the store, and use banners/signs/lights to lure people into the store. Instead, I wanted to use the refrigerated vending machine (vending wall) as the sign, and let the products market themselves when they are 6 feet away from the people in their cars.

As for the relationship to the readings, I think that I gained the most from Le Corbusier when he was speaking of "an architecture for cars" in that my design is based on a grid derived from a single parking stall, and also the average turning radius of a car. It is also based on what type of car people drive, and how long they will potentially be at the gas station, in order to effectively market to different consumer groups.