--- title: "Modern car wash architect: Fashion Square Car Wash | architecture precedents" description: architecture precedents | Modern remodel of the Fashion Square Car Wash in Sherman Oaks, CA --- [![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 ## [03 Architecture Concepts](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/bid/22537/03-Architecture-Concepts-Precedents) Posted by [Derek Leavitt](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/author/derek-leavitt) on Thu, Apr 26, 2007 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Architecture schedule](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14029778-jpg/images/03-progress.jpg) Aside from the necessary aesthetic makeover, Modative's initial concept was to rethink the car wash process by making it less of a "chore" and into more of a positive "experience", like going to Starbucks, or the spa. We also envisioned the car wash having far less of the visual clutter typical of car washes by reducing the number of signs and replacing them with smart design moves that create an atmosphere of high end service. #### Concept Sketches We created concept sketches using trace paper over existing photos of the various car wash areas. Some of these sketch ideas were then further visualized with quick renderings. Here's a glimpse into the process: ![existing car wash](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034468-jpg/images/car-wash-front-existing.jpg) *Before picture of the front of the main building (waiting area).* ![base image](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034455-jpg/images/car-wash-front-base.jpg) *We took the photo into Photoshop and stripped it down to the bare structure as a starting point for sketching some ideas.*   ![modern architect concept sketch](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034483-jpg/images/car-wash-front-sketch.jpg) *This concept sketch was about creating a higher canopy over the waiting area to create more presence at the street. * ![los angeles car wash](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034661-jpg/images/car-wash-order-area-exist.jpg) *Before picture of the car wash ordering area -sign clutter. * ![architect sketch](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034679-jpg/images/car-wash-order-area-sketch.jpg) *Concept sketch of a cleaner wash ordering area with minimal signs and clear lane distinction. * ![architects rendering](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034650-jpg/images/car-wash-order_area-rendering.jpg) *Concept rendering of the car wash ordering area - a more refined look.* ![la car wash before picture](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034334-jpg/images/car-wash-detail-area-exist.jpg) *Before photo of the car wash detailing area. * ![modern architects concept](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034385-jpg/images/car-wash-detail-area-sketch.jpg) *Our concept was to make this detail area more substantial and call it the car spa.* ![architects sketch](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034363-jpg/images/car-wash-detail-area-sketch-photo.jpg) *We thought that the detail area or "car spa" could have its own waiting area for the VIP customers.* ![modern architects rendering](https://www.modative.com/hs-fs/file-14034346-jpg/images/car-wash-detail-area-rendering.jpg) *A rendering of the car spa, complete with a green (vegetated roof) to help control runoff. *           0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/bid/22537/03-Architecture-Concepts-Precedents#comments-listing) Topics: [Retail](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/retail), [architecture precedents](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/architecture-precedents), [Inspiration](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/inspiration), [Communication](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/communication) [All posts](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/all) ### Ongoing Updates When we add a new car wash project post, you get an email notification. 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Add your email below. ### Subscribe by Email ### connect with modative ### List of Posts ### Posts by Month - [May 2007 (2)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/archive/2007/05) - [January 2007 (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/archive/2007/01) - [February 2007 (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/archive/2007/02) - [April 2007 (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/archive/2007/04) - [June 2007 (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/archive/2007/06) ### Browse by Tag - [Architecture portfolio (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/architecture-portfolio) - [architecture precedents (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/architecture-precedents) - [Before Pictures (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/before-pictures) - [Car Wash (8)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/car-wash) - [Car Wash Remodel (10)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/car-wash-remodel) - [Communication (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/communication) - [Inspiration (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/inspiration) - [Landscape Architect (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/landscape-architect) - [Los Angeles (3)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/los-angeles) - [los angeles architects (2)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/los-angeles-architects) - [Mid-Century Modern (2)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/mid-century-modern) - [Modern Design (2)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/modern-design) - [modern remodel (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/modern-remodel) - [Modernism (4)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/modernism) - [Program (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/program) - [Project Strategy (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/project-strategy) - [real estate (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/real-estate) - [remodel (1)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/remodel) - [Retail (2)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/retail) - [study model (2)](https://www.modative.com/fashion-sq-car-wash-modern-car-wash-architect/topic/study-model) ### learn more Questions or Comments about the Fashion Square Car Wash? 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