For our commissioned project by The New Store, the goal was to create a mobile pop-up system that not only effectively showcased merchandise but also aligned with The New School’s ethos of design, sustainability, collaboration, and leadership. Within a 10-week timeframe and a budget of $7500, we aimed to offer a solution that was versatile, sustainable, and easily adaptable to various campus events while minimizing labor requirements for The New Store’s employees.

Considering the need for mobility and versatility, we transitioned from the previous display strategy that employed tents and tables to a modular system built around lightweight yet durable materials. We opted for polycarbonate and t-slotted aluminum, prioritizing longevity, weight considerations, and ease of assembly. Polycarbonate panels were chosen for their long lasting, minimal maintenance requirements, recyclability and transparency, allowing The New Store Employees to see all shoppers.

The use of t-slotted aluminum extrusion, further enhanced adaptability and durability. The measurements are made so there are limited aluminum off cuts, again proving ease of assembly and replacement. Its infinite recyclability, adjustable components, and ease of modification ensure stability and minimized stress in case of damage. We found this choice corresponds with The New School’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Students began the semester by working individually and then in small teams to iterate and expand upon each others’ designs and ideas. As a group, they collaborated for six weeks on the design process coming together and finalizing the system they found best fit with feedback along the way from the client. Leadership by students was strongly shown when narrowing down our final design and processes. Our finalized design solution met the client’s requirements but also exceeded expectations by providing a modular mobile pop-up system that not only showcased merchandise effectively but also embodied the values of The New School.