Tanglewood Conservatories Blog – Alan Stein's Writings about Custom Conservatory Design and More

The scene at the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas.

This is a scene from the show floor, or rather about 15 feet above the floor. I rode up in the elevator on display at the Inclinator Elevator booth to a balcony overlooking the show floor.

This view goes on and on though I understand it is only about half the size of the show three years ago.

So far, the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas this week is a tremendous success. I understand that attendance has been down substantially for the last two years however, the mood in the hall is quite upbeat. Most people I spoke with report a definite uptick in their business activity and are looking forward to 2010.

I’ve met people from all over the world, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and the Far East all enthusiastic about the new products on display.

One of my favorites was this transparent glass monitor used at the Delta kitchen and bath faucet display. The touch screen displayed phantom-like images much softer than a typical computer screen and was quite captivating.

Another product I liked was a gas fireplace by Napoleon Fireplaces and Grilles that used sparkling Swarovski crystals instead of the usual fake logs in the firebox. It is very smooth and sexy – and expensive at about $12K.

One of the most interesting aspects of a show like this for me is to look at the designs of the actual booth spaces. The design of a show booth presents a unique opportunity for a designer to craft a staged environment that if done well, can powerfully convey a subconscious message about a company or a product. If not done well or not thought of at all in these terms, it will also convey a powerful message.

I think one of the best displays at this show has to be the MASCO building products area. Masco is the corporate parent company for such well known brands as Delta Faucets, Kraftmaid and Merilatt Cabinets, and Milguard Windows and has taken a large presence at the show.

But it is what they have done with the space that is really exciting. Someone imagined that the myriad brands that make up this large corporate entity are like shops lining a narrow winding lane in a small urban village. The path winds past shops and forks at a bench with a large tree reminiscent of a tiny city park.

Shop windows open into inviting interior spaces filled with attractively displayed merchandise, in one case high tech – as with the delta faucets, in another, old-world – as in the kitchen cabinetry. They have done a skillful job in creating an experience that subconsciously implies that Masco is not some big anonymous corporate giant (which of course it is) but a collection of recognizable old friends who just happen to live in the village named Masco. Great job.

Alan