Alexa Wilson
mixed-use facility . community-centred
project year 2020
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Vray
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sustainable design adaptive reuse . restaurant
Introduction
This project explores the transformation of an existing shipping container structure, previously used as a storage facility, into a sustainable restaurant. The design prioritizes adaptive reuse, minimizing material waste while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic, operational efficiency, and profitability.
Brief
Sustain is a 35-seat restaurant operating 7 days a week, with peak hours from afternoon to late evening. Designed for sustainable operation, it prioritizes local material sourcing, efficient construction, and optimized logistics. The space is planned to enhance energy efficiency, functionality, and long-term sustainability. A cohesive branding strategy reinforces its eco-conscious mission, positioning Sustain as a model for sustainability in the industry.
... adaptive reuse gives the building rebirth by enhancing what the building is capable of encapsulating and restoring the life of a building.
Dissertation
Recognition: Dezeen project package
Flora Marianne
location: ho chi minh city, vietnam
project year
social design mixed-use facility . community-centred
This social design project focused on supporting offenders’ reintegration into society. Addressing challenges like unemployment, homelessness, and recidivism, the hub provides rehabilitation programs, skills training, and community engagement.
Brief
This project spans two floors, designed to address key challenges faced by offenders and His Majesty Prison Services. It incorporates spaces for holistic wellness, rehabilitation, reintegration, and advocacy. Dedicated areas for training and learning programs support skill development, while a retail space fosters interaction and integration between the public and offenders.
Water, in its serene depths, mirrors tranquility, yet its waves hold the power to shape coasts and cause tumultuous storms. In the dichotomy of calm and chaos, it teaches that strength lies not just in placidity but in the ability to adapt and forge change.
Alexa Wilson
project year 2023
retail design experiential . mixed-use facility
Introduction
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Frida Cares is a comprehensive academic design project exploring experiential retail design. Inspired by Frida’s bold advocacy for mothers and women, this concept store offers guidance and support, particularly for first-time parents, from conception challenges to postpartum care. Often overlooked, these issues primarily affect women, and this store aims to amplify Frida’s vision of protection and empowerment.
Brief
This project involves designing a retail space with experiential elements in the heart of Soho, London. Frida Baby was chosen as the representative brand, as there is a gap in the market for this industry within London’s radius, and no similar experiential retail space for mothers and babies currently exists.
The design must cater to both parents and children, incorporating exhibition areas, spaces for classes and workshops for new parents, and essential facilities to support their needs. The goal is to create a dynamic, engaging, and supportive environment that enhances the retail experience while providing valuable resources for families.
Raising a human requires feeling like a human—and you can’t pour from an empty cup—so apart from arming yourself with the tools you need to address the physical pain of postpartum recovery journey, being cognizant of and prioritizing your physical and emotional limitations without guilt or shame is critical to any new mom’s recovery process.
Chelsea Hirshorn
location: london, united kingdom
project year 2022
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commercial design
universal . bar . restaurant
Restaurants and bars often lack adequate accommodations for individuals with diverse mobility and physical disabilities. This academic project explores universal design, ensuring inclusivity while maintaining business profitability. Introduction
Brief
Set in a penthouse condominium overlooking the Nottingham River, this project requires a fully accessible restaurant and bar that caters to individuals with various disabilities. The design must include event spaces, an outdoor terrace, and full compliance with DDA regulations, following a holistic design approach.
Beyond accessibility, the space must embody luxury and sophistication, steering away from the typical aesthetics associated with disability-friendly design. The goal is to create an upscale environment that seamlessly serves both abled and disabled users while maintaining the brand’s identity.
The role of interior design is not only about beauty and aesthetics, but it is about providing function, inclusion, and comfort for everyone.
Patricia Moore
project year
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residential design heritage .
adaptive
Introduction
This academic project focuses on lighting and AV design and space planning within a heritage building, balancing historical context with contemporary needs. The design accommodates two generations of users, ensuring accessibility for aging individuals. A key challenge was layered lighting design, requiring careful selection of heights, depths, intensities, and colors to create adaptable atmospheres. Despite its complexity, a functional and dynamic lighting scheme was achievable through thoughtful planning.
Brief
Spatial planning is key to accommodating two generations of users. The design must integrate a woodworking workshop for an older retired gentleman and a dedicated office and studio for the younger occupant while ensuring adaptability across all spaces.
The project also requires creative lighting solutions tailored to different needs and functions. Additionally, the design must include two separate bedrooms and transformable guest rooms while preserving the historical context of the building and its surroundings.
Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space… On one hand it’s about shelter, but it’s also about pleasure.
Zaha Hadid