Forward to the Past: Redesigning the form and flow of C2C Marketplace

Abstract

The nature of luxury is multifaceted and deeply intertwined with our society and culture. It is not just about exclusivity and high cost, but also about experiences and values. Luxury can be found in a bespoke suit tailored to fit your every curve, in a lavish and secluded resort nestled in the heart of the jungle, or in a simple yet perfectly crafted piece of furniture that tells a story. It is a feeling of indulgence, of being able to fully appreciate and enjoy the finer things in life. It is a state of mind, a way of living, and a celebration of the human spirit.

This thesis proposes a particular design model, or a prototype of architecture that both embodies and facilitates the transaction of secondhand luxury goods, or pre-owned luxury goods by individuals, in a form of consumer-to-consumer marketplace. The prototype is a special type of warehouse store that integrates numerous design elements that address the characteristics of luxury and its interrelationship to human, machine, and the built environment. In a way, the thesis bring luxury and architecture together as in a delicate dance, each enhancing the other in a way that is both subtle and profound. At their core, both luxury and architecture seek to evoke a sense of wonder and desire, drawing us in with their beauty and craftsmanship. They are mutually reinforcing, each elevating the other to new heights of splendor and exclusivity.

In the end, this thesis attempts to reconstruct material form and built environment in the specific context of human interest and behavior that is, what captivates us, what we buy and we live for. It recognizes the profound impact that the built environment has on the human experience and the ways in which it shapes and defines our actions and behaviors. In this way, the built environment becomes a reflection of who we are and what we value, and has the power to shape and enhance the human experience in meaningful and enduring ways.