Architects of Mobility

Neil Henk and Kenneth Ford, Other Desert Cities

Acompany called Other Desert Cities may furrow brows, but the name suits the circuitous route that Neil Henk and Kenneth Ford took on their way to architecture. “We had just graduated from SCI-Arc and were on a trip to Joshua Tree,” recalls Henk (pictured on the right). “There were two signs—one for Palm Springs, and another for ‘Other Desert Cities’—for us, it’s about the potential of the unexplored.”

Straight out of school in 2003, Henk and Ford set up a home base in San Francisco. The first project that came their way was from 7-Eleven, which wanted a concept for the mini-mart of the future. The job seemed less than glamorous, and the two almost turned it down. But as they sketched out three visions—an organic market, a neighborhood cafe and a drive-through—they found they enjoyed using their architectural skills to help companies present themselves. In this growing specialty, known as spatial branding, the duo has found a niche. “Unlike a barrage of graphical information, architecture lets you create an experience,” says Ford.

Since then, the pair has designed a new entrance for Sports Authority stores that encourages customers to try out a baseball bat or swing a golf club, and a 1960s pop–inspired gas station for Japanese oil company Idemitsu. Closer to home, Henk and Ford are giving San Francisco’s Nopa restaurant an art installation that conceals an acoustic wall. What destination are they bound for next? Vietnam, where they’re working with L.A.’s 1AB Design on a new eco-resort.

Taken from the September 2007 issue of our sister publication, California Home + Design. For more than a decade, CH+D has informed, celebrated and inspired the nation's most influential home and design market. Subscribe now.

 

Acompany called Other Desert Cities may furrow brows, but the name suits the circuitous route that Neil Henk and Kenneth Ford took on their way to architecture. “We had just graduated from SCI-Arc and were on a trip to Joshua Tree,” recalls Henk (pictured on the right). “There were two signs—one for Palm Springs, and another for ‘Other Desert Cities’—for us, it’s about the potential of the unexplored.”

Straight out of school in 2003, Henk and Ford set up a home base in San Francisco. The first project that came their way was from 7-Eleven, which wanted a concept for the mini-mart of the future. The job seemed less than glamorous, and the two almost turned it down. But as they sketched out three visions—an organic market, a neighborhood cafe and a drive-through—they found they enjoyed using their architectural skills to help companies present themselves. In this growing specialty, known as spatial branding, the duo has found a niche. “Unlike a barrage of graphical information, architecture lets you create an experience,” says Ford.

Since then, the pair has designed a new entrance for Sports Authority stores that encourages customers to try out a baseball bat or swing a golf club, and a 1960s pop–inspired gas station for Japanese oil company Idemitsu. Closer to home, Henk and Ford are giving San Francisco’s Nopa restaurant an art installation that conceals an acoustic wall. What destination are they bound for next? Vietnam, where they’re working with L.A.’s 1AB Design on a new eco-resort.

Taken from the September 2007 issue of our sister publication, California Home + Design. For more than a decade, CH+D has informed, celebrated and inspired the nation's most influential home and design market. Subscribe now.

 

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