Guest Relations

Originally located in the absolute center of Earth Station (now Project Tomorrow), EPCOT Center’s Guest Relations was predictability prototype in both design and function. Depending on your perspective, the park’s customer service facility was ether a (then) revolutionary 360° desk or (even more prophetically) a large bank of WorldKey touchscreen kiosks where one could engage in a live-video conference with a professional in plaid. 12 years later, Guest Relations lobby (and World Key) was moved into a more tradition setting on the former site of CommuniCore’s Backstage Magic inside the newly christened Innoventions.

Making its debut in 1999 shortly before the Millennium Celebration, this fanciful custom created carpet exemplifies the aesthetic of the times and most probably was designed in counterpoint to traditional function of the facility. For it is safe to presume that, unlike the rest of the park, one always visits this location out of necessity instead of pleasure — a condition that is subconsciously eased by the whimsical patterns found just below your feet.  

Designer’s Note:
This edition of the Texture Series is most appropriately dedicated to My Fellow Futurist, EPCOT Evangelist, & Friend Kyle Smith:
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