# Reimagined Retail Spaces Retail Design Collective Transform Loft into Hub for Community Engagement By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-03-15 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hub-for-community-engagement References: [design-milk](https://design-milk.com/when-a-vacant-department-store-becomes-a-creative-workspace/) & [rdcollaborative](http://rdcollaborative.com/en/) As retail stores are closing their doors, design companies begin to develop the potential of the vacant spaces as artistic studios, hub for community engagements and the like. The Retail Design Collaborative and its sister company [Studio Eleven](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shift-space) recently undertook a project to utilize one such space in Long Beach, California. Previously a [Nordstrom](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-running-the-corner) Rack, the space is 34,100 square feet in total. The two architectural firms decided it was important for people to connect and hang out, so they transformed the industrial open-concept loft into a hub for community engagement. While the "primary gathering spaces are laid out near the windows so they face the streets," there are smaller and slightly more secluded offices that are meant to house private meetings. In addition, Retail Design Collaborative and Studio Eleven were ecologically conscious in their design as they installed mechanisms for natural ventilation, lighting controls and low water consumption. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Vacant Store Repurposing:** There is a rising trend of design companies repurposing vacant retail spaces into hubs for community engagement. - **Artistic Studio Spaces:** Design firms are converting vacant retail stores into artistic studios, providing creative spaces for artists. - **Ecologically Conscious Design:** Architectural firms are prioritizing sustainability by incorporating natural ventilation, lighting controls, and low water consumption in retail space redesigns. ### Who This Affects Most - **Retail Design:** The retail design industry can find opportunities in repurposing vacant stores, creating innovative and engaging community spaces. - **Art and Design:** The art and design industry can explore new opportunities in converting vacant retail spaces into artistic studios and creative spaces. - **Sustainable Architecture:** The sustainable architecture industry can capitalize on the trend of ecologically conscious design by offering solutions for natural ventilation, lighting controls, and water conservation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Retail Design Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/d142.md) - [Community-Centric Headquarters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/communitycentric-design.md) - [Adaptive Community Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spark-of-hudson.md) - [Conversation-Encouraging Retail Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/madhappy.md) - [Energetic Green Retail Makeovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/longchamp-store.md) - [Community-Driven Retail Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stone-islands-munich-store.md) - [Boutique Grocery Makeovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-clothing-boutique.md) - [Restored Retail Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moma-design-store-soho.md) - [Curated Store Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-soho-store.md)