826 National is a non-profit tutoring and writing center for students aged 6-18. Serving as the largest youth writing network with nine chapters around the country, each with uniquely themed storefronts to fund the location of the institution. The 826 model is imaginative and supports youth to ignite their creativity, explore identity, advocate for themselves and their community, and achieve academic success.
826 Aviatrix is located in the land of wicked winds, Wichita, Kansas, the Air Capital of the World. This store allows kids to build and create their own wind/air toys that defy gravity, offering an exploration of all possibilities up in the air. Inspiration for the retail space was drawn from the state’s aviation manufacturing, the geographic location in America’s wind tunnel, and Amelia Earhart’s birthplace. Extensive research was conducted on Wichita and the state of Kansas (done in collaboration with Mariana Matos) resulting in three main concepts: the heart of the nation, the air capital of the world, and the home of Dorothy. Following research, mood boarding was done leading to the final concept and direction of the storefront.
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