Sustainability and Historic Preservation in Retail Design: Integrating Design into a Model of the REI Denver Decision–Making Process

Recreational Equipment Inc.'s (REI) leadership in sustainable retail design is exemplified in the redesign of the historic Tramway Power Company Building for its new Denver flagship store. Although REI provided leadership, the design team's experience and knowledge were instrumental to the implementation of sustainable design and historic preservation principles. This study (a) describes and models REI's decision–making related to the location and redesign of their store, (b) defines the integral role of designers in the collaborative process undertaken to incorporate sustainability and historic preservation into the design solution, and (c) provides a holistic evaluation of the outcome. The study was guided by the Blackwell, Miniard, and Engel (2001) model of decision–making and other design process models.

Data were collected via interviews with primary stakeholders involved in the project. The outcome of the analyses was a modified version of the Blackwell et al. model (2001) that integrates the design process and illustrates the juxtaposition of three orienting philosophies— retailing, sustainable design, and historic preservation. These three philosophies were used to evaluate the project outcome—an amenable design solution that serves the needs of an environmentally conscious retailer and contributes to the enrichment of the Denver community.

Findings from the analyses provide an example of corporate stewardship for retailers and design professionals who wish to make environmentally–sound practices part of their business philosophy and activities. The REI model also can serve as a useful teaching tool and provides directions for future research in this area.