Hunting for the Anomalies

The client for this project is Blackman Cruz, an antique furniture showroom operated by Adam Blackman and David Cruz in Los Angeles. In their book, “Beauty & Mischief: The Design Alchemy of Blackman Cruz,” Cruz describes the process of collecting antiquities as a ‘hunt’. Recognizing a unique object is likened to a romance, akin to finding a love across a crowded room. Their collections blend antique and modern elements, creating a mysterious synergy reminiscent of alchemy.

The project site, located in an old factory building in Boston, initially appears typical but reveals fascinating details upon closer inspection, such as unusual column arrangements, traces on the walls, and seams stacked on the columns. Both Blackman Cruz and the site share a sense of irregularity that becomes intriguing upon closer examination.

This adaptive reuse project aims to transform the site into a showroom space that reflects the unique character of Blackman Cruz. By leveraging and exaggerating the anomalies of the existing site, the design envisions a space where each showroom area has a distinct personality. This setup allows customers to move through the space as if on a treasure hunt, mirroring the thrilling experience described by Blackman and Cruz. The main goal is to create an environment where customers can feel the excitement of discovering hidden treasures and anomalies, much like the duo’s own journey of collecting.