The brief for ARC 550 was to design a curiosity shop that had to in some way be connected to the existing Beech Hurst building in Poole town centre. After deciding to create a chocolate shop, many designs were produced, until the completed proposal was designed.

Making an intervention in the Beech Hurst itself, the chocolate shop occupied the left quarter of the Beech Hurst, and the full height of it. By using the full height, this was advantageous as balconies could be created for the offices above, to get the smells rising from beneath. Roof lights were also used in this design to be able to craft light in to the space, making it a more pleasant place to be.

The blue exterior of the chocolate shop is a blue Poole Pottery tile, famous for the area. This will be a vibrant addition to the centre, currently lacking in liveliness, and by doing this, it will reference Poole’s strong history and roots.