The Banana Boat ice cream parlor has been a Winnipeg mainstay for as long as I can remember. The site itself is as nostalgic as the chocolate ice cream cones they are famous for.

Upon learning that we would have the opportunity to visit and study the site I was thrilled - all of my childhood memories flooded back to me like brain freeze.  However upon arriving on the site what I saw was not what I remembered, perhaps my recent years of design specific education has left me jaded, but the interior was something to be forgotten, not remembered. 

My first observation was the lack of space for customers to wait for and/or order their ice cream.  I was then drawn to the awkward changes in ceiling heights and mis-matched ceiling tiles which contributed to the over-riding claustrophobic feelings I got while being in the space.  The materials seemed cheap and had, to put it kindly, seen better days. The lighting was another contributing factor to the over-riding discomfort the space provides. 

The back of house was no exception.  The office - a make shift space furnished with a now out of service grill - was uncomfortable to stand in, let alone work in.  There was a blatant disregard for ergonomics or any desire to create an efficient working environment.  The staff washroom was a hybrid space: washroom - storage facility - water cooler closet and was a clear indication that a redesign is more than necessary. 

I look forward to my role as Prof. Interior Designer as it will allow me the opportunity to study an existing interior environment from the perspective of primary and secondary user (both staff and customer).  I also look forward to finding new ways in which we can make this valuable site more interesting and functional.

I am excited to have the opportunity to study the demographics of the surrounding area and find ways to engage the public as well as create a space that will be comfortable for employees - regardless of what direction we choose to take the site. 

Madi.