Sun Devil Marketplace receives recognition for interior design
The Arizona State University Sun Devil Marketplace recently stole the show at the 2015 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Pride Awards.
Architecture and design firm Gensler won three IIDA Pride Awards for its design of the Sun Devil Marketplace, located in the new Tempe campus College Avenue Commons building, including "Best Hospitality+Retail+Restaurant," "People’s Choice" and "Best of Show."
ASU and Follett, operator of the Sun Devil Campus Stores, worked closely with Gensler to develop a forward-looking campus store experience that reflects ASU’s culture, passion for innovation and community interests.
“It’s a unique honor to receive both the Best of Show and People’s Choice award,” said Mike Stanley, Gensler senior project manager. “We are very proud of the Sun Devil Marketplace and so thankful for the wonderful guidance and partnership of Follett and ASU in creating this cutting-edge space.”
The Sun Devil Marketplace sells leading retail technology and a specially curated assortment of products from several top apparel and technology brands.
Shoppers also can pick up grocery items at the Marketplace’s Grab-n-Go convenience store, practice their shot on the golf putting green and meet friends at Pitchforks &Corks, a coffee and wine bar on the second floor.
“Our goal is to serve the learning and lifestyle needs of the community in fresh and surprising ways,” said Don Germano, president of Follett Higher Education Group. “This re-imagined campus retail experience is the result of three years of hard work and close collaboration.”
The marketplace’s energy and unique collection of services not only attracts not only ASU students and faculty, but also the greater Tempe community. The space plays a critical role in connecting the campus with the community.
“We wanted the Sun Devil Campus Store to have magnetism and create a place that people wanted to be," said Morgan R. Olsen, ASU executive vice president, treasurer, and chief financial officer. “All of the College Avenue Commons retail amenities enable us to serve efficiently our students’ needs in a space that is community friendly and attractive to our alumni. We are proud to partner with Follett in the operation of Sun Devil Bookstores and to create spaces that are beautifully designed and keep ASU at the technological forefront.”
The International Interior Design Association Pride Awards honor design excellence within the IIDA Southwest Chapter (including Arizona, New Mexico, and Las Vegas, Nevada) and encourage innovative solutions for interior spaces. The awards are the chapter’s longest running event. Four leading designers nationwide, who have all been recognized with fellowship status in the IIDA organization, made up the panel of four judges for this year’s contest.