Virginia Tech Interior Design Portfolio 2023 Rachel Helmick
Contents
01 Biomimicry Wall
02 Coffee Lovers Oasis
Oyster Water filtration
01
Bloom Cafe
07
03 Sketching
04 First year work
Weekly Sketches
13
15
05 Future project
01
Biomimicry Wall Hotel Reception: Restaurant Layer
Fluid
Open
The World is Your Oyster, You are the Pearl The Biomimetic source of inspiration was the Oyster, which has a complex filtration system, taking in algae and bacteria found in water and purifying it. Inspired by the complexity of the exterior protection bore the curve-linear design aiding in the visual fluidity. The design establishes a layered heirarchy that draws emphasis to the movement of water, while incorportaing an interior water wall feature. Complementing the curved layers are smooth, organic materials that illuminate the space and enhance the overall open envrionment.
01
Perpective of workspace and seating
02
Preliminary Concept Sketches Inital ideas of how the fluidity of water could intermix with the complexity of the interworkings of an oyster; taking inspiration from the exterior layering of the shell.
a.
b.
c.
a. Focuses on the fluidity, curve-linear lines b. Transitions into specifc placement and layering c. Diagrams depciting instruction of model depths and design d. Colored sketch focusing on curve-linear lines e. Colored sketch focusing on embedded elements f. Model of sketch d g. Model of sketch e NTS
d.
NTS
e.
NTS
f.
NTS
g.
Concept Imagery Selecting imagery that captivates the three keywords of Layer, Fluid, and Open with influence from the biomimic source, the oyster.
03
Modular Design
10'
10'
264.0000
1'
Inhancing the design by adding functional aspects that meet code requirements for standard and ADA measurements.
B
Overlaying abstract design over modular system, integrating the two aspects, creating functional design.
B'
20'
A
A'
a.
Plan A
b.
Plan highlighting ceiling and floor treatment
NTS
a. Modular elevation and plan views b. Integrated functional design of elevation 1 c. Integrated functional design of elevation 2
Section illustrating elevation view 1
Section A-A' A
NTS
A'
c.
B
Section B-B'
B'
Section illustrating elevation view 2
NTS 04
Color Palette Shelving
Built-in, foldable table top Alcove seating
The oyster presents many different hues and colorations, which drew inspiration when designing the color palette for the design. Taking the idea of the tranquility of the water acoustics, pulling colors that create a serene feeling that allows one to relax. Monochromatic Color Palette
Custom-built seating poufs
NTS
Shelving
Work table Bench
a.
b.
c.
Twinmotion Animation
Seating
NTS
Technological Additions Drawing from the organic fluidity of the design, incorporating sustainable, new technology into the design was a key aspect. a. West Elm, Swivel chair; organic shape b. Water filtration feature; incorporated within wall system c. PolyMarble, faux marble made from recycled plastics
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Perpective of alcove seating unit
06
Perpective of ordering counter & living wall with branding
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02
Coffee Lovers Oasis Bloom Cafe Worn Soft Woven Timeless Delicate Adapatable Rocky Mount, North Carolina
The long history of the textile industry mixing with the richness of nature has been a prominent feature of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. By creating a cafe that incorporates both of these cultural aspects, it promotes unity, blending the old, rough industrial mills with the soft, delicate landscape of mountains and rivers. Safeguarding the environment by upcycling leftover textiles from those industries, to overall promote sustainable living in a small industry driven town. Bloom Cafe is established on being innovative yet honoring the past stories that shape our cultural landscape. Merging history with new modern design that captivates and inspires for our customers to pay homage to the past while looking to the future.
08
Development Sketches Development sketches of parti and spatial layout
Historical Context Rocky Mount, North Carolina is a historical textile industry town, that focuses on agriculture as well as glass, metal and hardware. The landscape offers a rich topography of mountains, rivers and open valleys, and many historical sites. Located in the heart of downtown, its accessibility is for all generations as well as incoming visitors.
a.
Group Seating-public
Group Seating
Private seating-private
Private seating
Casual seating-public
Casual seating Serving/bar area/to go area-public
Serving/bar area/to go area
Prep area-private Local goods display/shop-public
Prep area
Restrooms
Local goods display/shop
Enterance
Restrooms Enterance
A.
B.
a.
Branding Maintaining a minimal design alluding to the industry yet adding organic aspects representing the nature. b. A. Primary Logo B. Secondary Logo
a. To-go paper bag; primary logo b. To-go coffee cup; secondary logo c. In-house coffee cup; made from recycled coffee grounds c.
b.
c.
Spatial Analysis Letting the functionality of the space create specific zones that help convey the overall concept of intertwining history with modernity.
a. Parti Diagram; representing the modular and semi-circular forms b. Bubble Diagram; emphasizing flow within the space c. Block Diagram; illustrates private and non-private spaces 09
d.
c.
Sketch developing spatial layout Trash
e. a.
NTS
c.
b.
Refrigerator
Microwave
Trash
Refrigerator
NTS
Trash
Sketch developing types of seating
f.
a. I.
g.
j. h. Sketch developing ceiling molding details
NTS
b.
NTS
Bloom Cafe Floorplan
Floorplan Iterations
a. First iteration layout; focus on parti semi-circular curves b. Second iteration layout; focus on mixing parti with grid
d.
NTS
c. Ceiling plan; tradtional modular design d. Flooring plan; modern spin on traditional marble in-lay
a. Ordering Area f. Casual seating; private b. Preparation Area g. Casual seating; public c. ADA Restrooms h. Group seating d. Built-in cabinet; for display of merchandise i. To-go Area e. Built-in seating; private j. Bloom Cafe Sign; living wall
10
Stone MetroQuartz-Fortress Architectural Surfaces
Sketches of built-in seating
a.
b.
d.
e.
Metal 605 Brass T Concepts Miami
Mesh Cyclone-Natural KnollTextiles
c.
Materials, Furniture & Color Palette Blending a traditional color palette with modernized furniture with a blend of materiality to enhance the atmospheric mood of the space.
a. Float Pendant; ARTICOLO b. Indi Pendant; XL ARTICOLO c. Paslin Side Table; R HUGHES d. OLGA Table; Liqui Contracts e. Dewey Chair; Fresh Office Designs B’
Axon and Sections Trash
A Refrigerator
Microwave
Trash
Refrigerator
A’ Trash
Twinmotion Animation
B
NTS
Section A-A’
NTS
Section B-B’
NTS 11
Perpective of private seating area facing towards rest of cafe
12
Sketches
13
14
Sources Biomimicry Wall; A Space In-Between Spaces “‘;;.’” ‘;;’ - YouTube, 9 March 2019, https://i.pinimg.com/originals/15/a3/74/15a3747f93eb39d9c3c8006a24b68928.jpg. Accessed 9 October 2023. “‘;;.’” ‘;;’ - YouTube, 9 March 2019, https://www.westelm.com/products/cozy-swivel-chair-h3797/?catalogId=71&sku=6278908&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=MSN&cm_pla=Furniture%20%3E%20Chairs&adlclid=1879800e114d10aa88dbe5103dbe6e23&cm_ite=6278908_458012940&msclkid=1879800e114d10aa88dbe5103dbe6e23. Accessed 9 October 2023. Schalkx, Chris. “Designers Are Turning Plastic Waste Into Swoon-Worthy Terrazzo.” Architectural Digest, 11 November 2020, https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/designers-are-turning-plastic-waste-into-swoon-worthy-terrazzo. Accessed 9 October 2023.
Coffee Lovers Oasis “\/.” YouTube, 16 June 2023, https://www.materialbank.com/t-concepts-miami-metal-finish-1876864?activeChild=921886&index=1&itemListId=workspace_materials&itemListName=Workspace%20materials. Accessed 17 November 2023. “\/.” YouTube, 16 June 2023, https://www.materialbank.com/architectural-surfaces-metroquartz-fortress-1832697?activeChild=902828&index=2&itemListId=workspace_materials&itemListName=Workspace%20materials. Accessed 17 November 2023. “\/.” YouTube, 16 June 2023, https://articolostudios.com/product-type/pendant?product=indi-pxl. Accessed 17 November 2023. “Cyclone Drapery.” Knoll, https://www.knoll.com/knolltextileproductdetail/Cyclone. Accessed 17 November 2023. “Dewey Chair.” Fresh Office Ideas, https://www.freshofficeideas.co.uk/product/dewey-chair/. Accessed 17 November 2023. “Float Pendant.” Articolo Studios, https://articolostudios.com/product-type/pendant?product=float-p#. Accessed 17 November 2023. “OLGA Table By Liqui Contracts.” Archiproducts, https://www.archiproducts.com/en/products/liqui-contracts/round-solid-wood-dining-table-olga_620399. Accessed 17 November 2023. “Praslin Side Table - R HUGHES.” r hughes, https://r-hughes.com/product/praslin-side-table/. Accessed 17 November 2023.
14
First Year Work Fall Semester
Spring Semester
A combination of the “Celebration of progression” project; Viewing the strongest aspects of two projects and incorporating it into one piece that complements both designs
“Connecting Downtown with Campus”; The location of the follies were inspired by historical locations and landmarks within the downtown of Blacksburg, along with key connecting points between the campus and downtown.
Strengths from both projectsdiffering heights usage of wire cut-outs Strengths from Jill’s projectmovement woodwork Strengths from Rachel’s projectsun direction/influence contrast of colors
Planning out different mapping systems illustrated the most efficent and direct paths between each folly location, which inevitably deepend an understanding of the relationship between the sixteen squares and campus.
Development sketches for constructing follies
College Ave. Site
Focusing on the impact of light through different shapes and materials; each inspired by famous architects
a.
Farmer’s Market Site
a.
b.
c.
d.
b. Church St. Site
Integrating each folly with their unique location; creating interactive sites at each that can help build community.
Huckleberry Trail Site
c.
d.
a. Inspired by Le Corbusier b Right- inspired by Ando c. Inspired by Khan d. Left- inspired by Scarpa
Newman Library Site
e.
a. College Ave. Folly; concert b. Farmer’s Market Folly; community garden c. Church St. Folly; expression wall d. Huckleberry Trail Folly; rock wall e. Newman Library; take & replace library
15
Thank you!
LinkedIn Rachel Helmick
Email rachelh04@vt.edu