--- title: 05 A Modern Car Wash Concept Takes Form in a Study Model description: Initial architecture concept design for the modern Fashion Square Car Wash in Sherman Oaks, CA. image: https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14030093-jpg/images/05-progress.jpg --- [![Modative](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-2141536784-gif/26-Nov-modative/modative-logo.gif "Modative")](https://www.modative.com/) a modern design build firm [![web counter](http://c.statcounter.com/3932824/0/806ee652/1/)](http://www.statcounter.com/free_hit_counter.html) ### projects **fashion square car wash** | sherman oaks, ca A behind the scenes look at the extensive remodel of a mid-century modern car wash - from concept to construction. [![LA Car Wash Blog Header](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14184534-jpg/images/la-car-wash-blog-header.jpg)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-square-car-wash-architect-los-angeles/) [back to project page](https://www.modative.com/fashion-square-car-wash-architect-los-angeles/) # car wash blog ## [05 A Modern Car Wash Concept Takes Form in a Study Model](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/bid/23381/05-A-Modern-Car-Wash-Concept-Takes-Form-in-a-Study-Model) Posted by [Derek Leavitt](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/author/derek-leavitt) on Thu, May 31, 2007 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![architect process](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14030093-jpg/images/05-progress.jpg) Car washes have an interesting mix of things that should be seen, the automated washing tunnel, and things that should be hidden, noisy and ugly equipment. It is from this observation that the concept of a screen evolved. The density of the screen morphs from nearly opaque to transparent, hiding the unsightly and emphasizing the visually appealing aspects of the car wash process. The screen also doubles as a shading device for both the patrons and employees, protecting them against the often intense heat of the San Fernando Valley. We began design work with the client asking us to really go for it - to look at a complete transformation of the car wash. This initial concept was almost entirely designed in physical model form. Here are some pictures of the study model:   ![architecture model](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14193367-jpg/docs/car_wash_modelfront.jpg) *The street side of the car wash with a bold new roof canopy and sign.*   ![Car Wash Modern](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034643-jpg/images/car-wash-model-waiting-area.jpg) *The waiting area. **Note the Fashion Square graphic.*   **![modern architecture](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14193397-jpg/docs/car_wash_modelwaiting-area.jpg) *The waiting area with screens for sun protection*   ![modern architect](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14193381-jpg/docs/car_wash_modelorder_area.jpg) *The wash ordering area *   ![modern signs](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14193360-jpg/docs/car_wash_modelfront-signage.jpg)** *We liked the idea of simplified signs throughout the site. Here at the ordering area we went with one word - "clean".* ![modern architect](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14193374-jpg/docs/car_wash_modelorder-screen.jpg) *Under the ordering canopy*   ![modern car wash](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034885-jpg/images/carwash-model-ordering-menu.jpg) *Car wash ordering menus *   ![architecture car wash ](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14193389-jpg/docs/car_wash_modelscreen-canopy.jpg) *The screen wall is used to hide some of the equipment. but becomes more transparent down the tunnel allowing people to watch their cars in the wash tunnel.* Topics: [Car Wash](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/car-wash), [Car Wash Remodel](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/car-wash-remodel), [study model](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/study-model) ### Ongoing Updates When we add a new car wash project post, you get an email notification. 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