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6th Year | B.F.A., Senior Thesis Studio
AURORA | A new dawn... escaping domestic violence
Task
Select a building and acquire the construction documents and research the surrounding context and history of the building. The selection of the building should allow for the manifestation of the proposed topic and ultimate design solution.
Location
The Walker Building in Long Beach, CA
Project SQ FT
About 34,000 sq ft
THESIS
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is an issue that occurs everyday all around the world. The victims are not only affected physically but also mentally and emotionally. Their state of mind becomes obscure and lost. They no longer have control over their lives. They are under the control of their abuser and on many occasions, the victims are unable to escape their situation, leading to worse scenarios of abuse or even death. Raising awareness about domestic violence will help the victims by encouraging them to seek help. This issue affects us all and as a society we must work together to end this phenomenon of violence.
Domestic Violence Facts
1 in 4 women experience domestic violence every day and most of these incidents are never reported. Approximately 40% of California women experience physical or mental abuse everyday by their intimate partner. Children are also affected by this. Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes and 30% - 60% of these children also suffer abuse. Without help, girls who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse as teens and adults. Boys who witness domestic violence are far more likely to become abusers of their partners and/or children as adults, thus continuing the cycle of violence in the next generation. Survivors of domestic violence face high rates of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, flashbacks, and other emotional distress.
The Problem
The roots of domestic violence and other types of violent relationships are linked to power and control. However, women are too afraid, feel shame, or are in denial when experiencing domestic violence. This is why they are unable to leave their abusers. Fear that their abuser would come after them and put their lives at risk prevents many women from walking away. The embarrassment of being abused physically and mentally is also something they don’t want most people to know, especially because their abuser has brainwashed them into believing that they are at fault. Denial is also a big problem. Many believe that they can change their partner or that their partner will change because they apologize and promise they will never do it again. These women are so blindly in love or are afraid to be alone that they believe their abuser and think that it will not happen again.
The Solution
In order to correct and resolve the issue of domestic violence, we as a society must first understand the gravity of the problem. We must educate ourselves so we can help those in need. The victims must be made aware that there are places and people who can help them. They need to understand that being afraid will only make things worse and that staying and continuing to risk their lives could lead to a worse situation from which they may never recover or end up dead. Once they take the first step of relinquishing the fear and shame and accepting that they are in denial, they can seek help and allow society to help them be re-born into a new life. By listening and understanding them we can educate them and assist with their recovery. This is not their problem alone, it is OUR problem. Their situation affects us all as a society and community.
Thesis Statement
No human being should ever have to endure or accept any sort of abuse. Domestic violence is more common than most of us would like to believe. Physical abuse can heal faster than mental and spiritual damage. However, the scars that these incidents leave in all victims can lead to worse situations or to a point of no return. These victims need a place to heal and to learn how to appreciate themselves, their lives, and those around them. They need a place to feel safe in which they can relax, meditate, and heal.
Project Description
Aurora is a center designed to help women and child victims of domestic violence. Located on the 4th floor and roof top of the historic Walker Building in Downtown Long Beach, this center offers a safe and temporary home where they receive essential aid as well as find comfort and peace. It is a one-stop destination to get comforted and educated. The experience of this home empowers these women to find confidence, independence, and success. Aurora enables victims of domestic violence to reclaim their hidden beauty, transforming their broken lives through spiritual rebirth.
Research Outcome and Proposal
During my research on domestic violence centers I realized that most have similar and well established programs that address the most essential needs for the victims. These services range from legal advice and counseling, to educational programs and life management. Because these centers are government funded, most lack services that can help better improve the mind and soul of the victims. I believe that by providing services like a day at a spa or a space to sit back and relax can be very beneficial to the rehabilitation of the victims. Having counseling and legal advice is very important. But in my opinion, I also feel having time to be pampered and knowing you are in a safe and relaxing environment can make the process of recovery much more pleasant. Providing a clean, warm, and open space for these victims to temporarily live could help make the process of healing easier and more relaxed. Most shelters lack inspiration and beauty. They all look like a school or office space. The look and feel is very depressing and rushed. Everything and everyone is moving too fast. Kids are running around, women are going from office to office, sitting in lobbies waiting to be called to discuss the next step of their stay. It all feels so scheduled and hurried that it gives no time for the victims to breathe and enjoy a moment to themselves without having to worry about the next move. Most shelters only allow for these victims to stay 30-45 days. In my opinion, that is not enough time for them to heal properly in a relaxed environment. The experience they have gone through is incomprehensible and they should be allowed to have more time to focus on themselves and their children so that their mind and soul are more at ease and in a better state before making the big move of going to a new beginning.
I propose a single destination for the victims to go to and call home during their stay. It is open 24 hours and the stay is 60-75 days, long enough for them to take their time at healing without the rush of organizing their lives. It houses 10 families or individuals at a time. My center proposal has all the necessary amenities and services in order to get these women back on their feet. Moreover, it provides a place for them to pamper themselves whenever they want, a place to sit on their own and meditate. A daycare at the same location near the mothers is provided. This helps with the personal time the mothers need to focus on themselves. Because both mother and children have gone through great trauma, they do not want to be separated, they are paranoid and afraid. Having them all in one secure space helps them in their own personal recovery. The kids are in a fun and child friendly environment where they play with others and also learn skills to help with their future education. Counseling is provided to help these children who have witnessed or experienced abuse. The idea is for everyone to receive help in the same place but in appropriate, customized, tailored environments for each. The personal living quarters provide more private and secluded spaces, not far removed from communal areas. No one is forced to participate in the activities that are provided until they are ready to do so. The idea is to ease the move and process of recovery at the pace each family or woman feels most comfortable.
All who come here are able to learn from one another and help each other throughout the process of their recovery. They are encouraged to unite and coexist together. By supporting one another they can reclaim their freedom, empower themselves, and be re-born.
In this gathering space women will be able to sit back, relax and socialize with each other. The juxtaposition of natural elements like foliage, water and fire gives women a sense of comfort, peace and beauty.
The 4th floor will only be accessed by the employees of AURORA and the victims that will be staying for the duration of their recovery. In order to have access to the 4th floor all employees and victims will have a code to enter at the elevator and or staircases. Law enforcement and fire department will also have access in case of an emergency.
First step in helping the victims of domestic violence. They are welcomed by warm, clean, yet very subtle surroundings.
A reflection of the path that the victims have gone through. It is a reminder that just because something is broken does not mean it can’t be beautiful.
At the support circle women are able to discuss and share their stories among each other in an embracing and comfortable space. With the help of counselors and each other, the support circle helps them regain confidence and trust in themselves and their life. It is a place of unity and group empowerment. Together we fight, together we live.
During their stay at AURORA women are able to attend courses where they learn new skills that help them become independent and self sufficient, such as GED courses and job skills including opportunities for vocational training.
The cafeteria offers victims three meals a day. It is a space where families can come together to talk and laugh while eating freshly prepared, healthy meals. It is a relaxed and very open space for everyone.
Children are the future. They are able to gather in a playful and child friendly space in which they can play together and learn while their moms are focusing on healing themselves. By helping these children regain their confidence and innocence, they are able to also heal from witnessing or experiencing abuse. This place focuses on them and helps them overcome their horrific experience. With the help of professional and cheerful teachers, these newly empowered, educated, and enabled children have a better shot at being successful and happy later in life.
Women and their children will be able to enjoy and live in a safe, clean and functional space during their stay at AURORA. The spaces are all private for each family and provide them with the most essential needs. It is a comfortable and enjoyable place that will help them with their recovery.
The 5th and 6th floor are located in the roof top of the building. This structure is designed to be a small retreat for the women staying at AURORA. They will all have access and will be able to take advantage of the different treatments offered to help them relax while recovering from their abusive life.
The retreat is a place for women to appreciate their bodies, inner souls and their mind. It provides them with pampering services they have been deprived of or have never experienced. It is a place that gets them closer to heaven and a higher self.
Here women are able to take self defense courses, yoga, dance, and exercise classes. It is a place in which they are able to see their reflection while strengthening their bodies and minds. It helps them see that they are strong, beautiful, and that with a bit of guidance and determination they can do anything they put their minds to. It also encourages them to become healthy and active.
Meditation can be the most beneficial to the recovery of these women. The meditation room is a quiet space that brings in rays of light through the space as a reminder that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Bath treatments can help with tension and stress. It is a form of letting the body become weightless and letting the water massage every muscle. This room gives the victims a place to relax under water and lets their bodies rest so they can emerge anew.
6th Year | BFA Advanced Interior Design Program
Rapt Studio | New Media Company Student Challenge
In collaboration with Taleen Badawi.
Tastemade - is an online media company for food lovers who share their passion and love of food and travel through videos from all over the world.
Network - Reaches up to 20 million viewers a month through a variety of sites like Youtube, Facebook, Hulu, Pinterest and Twitter, among others.
Goal - To make content and channels more attractive to advertisers and sponsors as well as viewers.
PROJECT
Location
The Hercules Campus Hangar in Playa Vista, CA
Task
Design a 10,000 sq. ft. area at The Hercules Campus Hangar for a new media company channel that best fit their aesthetics and style of production.
Concept
Global Fusion - connecting diverse and unique food lovers around the world through a creative office space, focusing on connecting people and fostering collaboration and innovation.
Research
Collaboration and communication between the employees and tastemakers from around the world is key to the success of the company.
Focus
To design a creative and flexible space that could host a variety of functions like a creative office, video production, marketing, and special events.
Challenge
One of the things that comes to mind in relation to food is the location of the food’s native country. The city, the town, the architecture and the history of the place. Our challenge was to bring in that charm and environment to the creative office.
Space
Most of the space is open plan. Natural light, the garden, and the old city feeling of the space evoke the freedom and comfort of working outdoors. The approach of providing this type of space has also been shown to help reduce employee stress levels and increases their work efficiency.
Materials
Restored the painted over steel arches that are the main architectural feature of the space inside as well as to finish and polish the existing concrete floors. Other raw materials such as reclaimed wood and existing bricks promote sustainability but also preserve the existing historic structure of The Hercules Campus Hangar. The office space features creature comforts like a modern HVAC system. However, natural cooling is still encouraged by allowing the employee to remotely open one or more of its many lighting controlled, triple pane windows which also block out street noise when sealed closed.
Innovation
As far as on-site production we designed and introduced four distinct kitchen sets so that Tastemade could accommodate any style of cooking for tastemakers to come in and film their videos.
5th Year | BFA Interior Design Program
Sustainable Design: Small Shops | Design for Small Spaces
In collaboration with Amin Ghassemi (see his portfolio here), Lisa Ouwerkerk, Megan Deguchi and Tracie Malloy
Summary
Re-Wrap is a re-design for one of four campus convenience stores at California State University, Long Beach. Teaming up with the MBA program, we discovered that this particular store is the poorest performing convenience store – despite high foot traffic at the location, it is not generating enough revenue. In order to increase sales for this store, we designed a space that employs a fun aesthetic and utilizes sustainable materials while also offering healthier food choices. We are also introducing a yogurt bar so that students can customize a healthier snack that is not offered anywhere else on campus.
Concept
Re-Wrap yourself with healthy choices - taking a break from the busy schedules students and faculty encounter every day.
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5th Year | BFA Interior Design Program
The Royal Society of Arts U.S Student Design Awards
In collaboration with Lisa Ouwerkerk (Starbucks location) and Thea Medina (Chipotle location)
AWARDS
The 2014 Royal Society of Arts U.S. Bently Mills Portfolio Award for Architecture
Program
Negotiating density and sustainability with multi-modal mobility; in order for a model city of the future to be sustainable from an environmental, social, and economic standpoint, it must support a seamless transportation network.
Concept
Changing the way you wait - bus stops are thought of as being unsafe, unappealing and in general, no fun. It is our goal to change the way that people wait for the bus by designing a faster system and better waiting facilities.
Location
Barnes and Noble in Torrance, CA
Site
The selected site is based of its:
- proximity to nearby businesses
- location in regards to destinations
- bus switching lines
Services
The location will also provide customers with the ability to pre-purchase their bus tickets, and track information about where their bus is and its estimated time of arrival
Link
There is an unnecessary stigma associated with using public transportation. It does not help that there is a spacial segregation between businesses and bus stops. By physically creating a link between the two, we are able to redefine the bus riding experience. By linking these businesses to bus stops, bus riders will be able to benefit from amenities provided by these business. Some of these include:
- wi fi
- food and drinks
- restrooms
- shopping
- protection from the environment
- comfortable seating
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5th Year | BFA Interior Design Program
NEWH Sustainable Hospitality
In collaboration with Amin Ghassemi (see his portfolio here) and Johann Hoeflich-Nickels
PROGRAM
To create a new strategy that solves hotel industry problems and creates new opportunities for guests and investors.
Project Objective
Explore the many aspects of the hospitality experience including business and service strategy, organization of spaces, construction efficiency, materials and furnishings concept.
Facilities must include
Guest rooms, lobby and public areas, food and beverage facilities, and additional amenities per concept.
Research
Our research of problems affecting the hospitality industry revealed that consumers desire a quality experience when they travel. Additional research showed that more consumers are taking to the internet for planning their vacations. This includes getting inspiration and validation for travel from social media as well as booking online.
Solution
Our solution for the hospitality industry to stay competitive with travel websites was to increase direct booking through the hotel. With a growing demographic of tech savvy consumers, this requires the use of social media and mobile booking to the hotel’s advantage. Combining the two concepts, we created a model for an application that would be used in conjunction with websites such as Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, etc. These social media websites would present consumers with an experience that they desire. That in turn would lead any potential clients directly to the hotel’s mobile app that offers easy access to obtaining that experience. The application would then seamlessly transition them from their starting point to their destination and throughout their stay. Design elements of the hotel tie back to the initial inspiration to aid in that seamless transition. Their hotel experience ultimately helps create an overall more satisfying vacation.
Experience beats extravagance
This shifting definition of luxury, away from extravagance and toward experience, is captured by Geoffrey Kent, founder, chairman, and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent.In describing what his costumers are looking for, Kent suggests,
“Our guests are searching for authentic experiences that are true to a place and its traditions, incorporating elements of the past and reflecting the local culture. They don’t want to simply arrive at a destination and look at things; they want to learn from local experts with an intimate, lifelong knowledge of the area and leave with a new understanding of how life is lived in another part of the world. This is travel for people who define luxury not so much by the degree of elegance but by the quality of experience.”
6th Year | BFA Advanced Interior Design Program
Johnson Fain | Interactive Gallery and Forum Student Project
Overview
The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum celebrates the diverse histories, cultures, and achievements of the 39 American Indian nations present in Oklahoma. The Center will be a source of pride for the American Indian people. It will be a place that empowers American Indians to share their stories, cultures, and traditions, and to celebrate their achievements with a broad and diverse audience. Visitors will leave the Center with a new understanding of both the inclusive, shared experiences of American Indians, and their specific perspectives.
PROJECT
Location
The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum is located in Oklahoma City, beside the Oklahoma River and at the geographic center of not only the state, but also of the continent.
Task
Design a 10,600 sq ft area for one of the 39 Oklahoma's Indian Nations at the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum that can host a variety of exhibitions and performance venues, new technologies, and educational facilities.
Tribe Research
The Ojibwe (Chippewa) Tribe is one of the largest groups of Native Americans and first nations on the North American Continent.
Known for: birch bark canoes, sacred birch bark scrolls, trading, rice cultivation, copper arrow point, mocasines, dream catcher, snowshoes, elaborate basket weaving and beading work.
Concept
Dream Catcher
- Seven circles of the seven teachings of the the seven grandfathers.
-Eight connections representing eight spider legs.
-Thirteen points representing thirteen moons.
Components of Space
Lobby/Reception: Information desk for two staff members and lounge seating for approximately ten people.
Forum: A double-height theater for storytelling, readings, concerts, and small-scale productions.
Stair: An open stair provides visual and physical connection to a Study Center above, a quiet area geared towards independent research.
Interactive Galleries: This space is a hands-on area buzzing with a variety of interactive exhibits, individual and group activities. The exhibits shall promote and celebrate four aspects of the selected American Indian tribe.
Community Story Booth: A place that allows visitors to hear first hand Native American voices, languages, and stories. This is a small, comfortable space in which we can immerse ourselves in music and stories, sung and spoken in native languages.
Café: Two staff members will work behind a service counter that sells dry goods and items provided by the adjacent Kitchen. Provide one point-of-sale area at the counter and adjacent seating for 20-25 people.
Exhibitions
Dream Catcher Maze: Learn and experience
History Wall: Learn and discover
Dance: Dance along with the tribe
Unique Creations Wall: Create your own unique artifacts
Innovation
At the Unique Creations wall visitors will be able to create their own tribal artifacts by using an interactive touch screen. Once visitors are done, they can email the picture to themselves or place an order to have it made by the tribe. This innovative idea will give back to the tribe as well as the visitors by giving each person the opportunity to create something unique and special, and crafted by some of the best artists in the Nation.
5th Year | BFA Interior Design Program
PAVE International Student Design Competition | Sephora Store Challenge
Concept
Sephora’s distinct color scheme - The space is simple yet dynamic by embracing forms that mimic the signature black and white stripes. The space is elegant and classy, incorporating crystal chandeliers, antique mercury mirrors, and a red path that makes the customer feel like they are walking on the red carpet. The juxtaposition of these elements make the space feel exclusive and unique as well as showcases the high end brands Sephora has to offer.
5th Year | BFA Interior Design Program
NEWH Sustainable Hospitality | Student Challenge
PROGRAM
Execute a dynamic, creative, cutting edge design utilizing the very best products and technologies which encompass sustainable topics including: site selection, water efficiency, energy conservation, products/materials, and indoor environmental quality. In addition to the physical aspects of design, the functional daily use of the space and how the occupants can operate the facility in a sustainable manner such as encouraging recycling and reuse, water and energy conservation to create a truly sustainable business.
Concept
Wisdom of wells and healing through time - Malaga Cove Spa is a place that carries on the tradition of wellness and healing that our ancestors used to relax and stay young.
Location
Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes States, CA
Services
The spa provides services that can be enjoyed by both men and women. These treatments are unique and inspired by ancient royal methods. The Romans, Egyptians, and Mayans (among others) relied upon natural ingredients to help relax and heal the body, mind and soul.
Treatments
Natural soaking tub baths that offer a choice of milk, honey, wine, aromatherapy, mud, and salt water. Each of these ingredients is known to have special healing and relaxing powers that help the body and soul. The spa also houses multiple saunas and rain showers that gently massage the body while the guest relaxes to the sound of the rain and its invigorating feel. The spa offers facials, hot stone and hand pressure massages. Manicures, pedicures, and a classic men's shaving service complete the spa experience.
SUSTAINABILITY
Energy and Atmosphere - Solar energy equipment will convert sunlight to heat that can be used for space heating, space cooling, and hot water. Underwater kites will harvest energy from ocean waves and will provide all the electricity for the spa. LED lighting along with Energy Star rated fixtures and appliances will reduce energy usage. The fireplaces are fueled by bio ethanol which burns without smoke or harmful gas. All windows throughout the spa are made with tinted, gas injected, dual paned glass which blocks infrared light keeping the heat inside during winter and outside during summer.
Sustainability - In order to reduce site disturbance, the building is set on a hillside that cantilevers out to the ocean. It sits mostly on the hill and it is enforced with post and beams that support part of the space above the water. Because of its location and construction, this spa is not only sustainable to meet LEED standards of construction but also employs efficient systems for the usage of water, electricity, heat, and ventilation systems. All the products used at the spa are natural and chemical free making the spa more eco-friendly and natural.
Water Efficiency - The spa uses reclaimed water for irrigation with a drip system for all landscaping which reduces water waste. Recycled water is used for all other purposes of the spa. Showers use a high tech purification system that is similar to space showers. Hot water falls from the tap to the drain and is instantly purified to drinking water standard and then pumped back out of the showerhead. As the process is quick, the water remains hot and only needs to be reheated very slightly.
Indoor Environmental Quality - Most of the spa is open to the outdoors. Therefore, it uses natural ventilation to circulate cool, ocean air throughout the space which reduces the usage of the HVAC and improves the indoor environmental quality of the entire space. The ocean breeze will improve the comfort and health of the clients as well as the employees.
Materials and Resources - Materials such as raw travertine and concrete, reclaimed wood, and locally sourced stone are natural materials that are low VOC (Volatile organic compounds) and are low maintenance.
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