THE MERCHANT'S EXCHANGE
The Merchant's Exchange is a conversion project of the existing Above Bar Church, in Southampton, to an Aparthotel. The project explored the history of Southampton with the chosen design concept of a Merchant's House. It offers a space for a variety of visitors, those who are constantly on the move and guests who are in the city for a longer stay.
Overall, this project aimed to create a distinctive, unique Aparthotel experience that celebrates Southampton's Merchant trade. The design has a quirky, eclectic cabin feel that mimics a Merchant's trade, drawing inspiration from exchanged goods from across the world, as well as the maritime history of Southampton in nautical themed decoration.
CONCEPT
VISUALS
BOARDS
"PORT EXCHANGE"
"Port Exchange" is a bespoke surface design for my Aparthotel, representing the bustling nature of a Merchant's trade through colour, pattern, and movement.
The repeating geometric forms reflect an order and rhythm of trade, with a sense of organisation associated with a Merchant's busy lifestyle. The warm terracotta and rust tones reference clay, spices, and pigments, inspired by Mediterranean routes, paired with muted blue and white to evoke maritime travel and coastal identity.
