MA Interior Architecture & Design Year Book 2020-21

Graduate Showcase 2020-2021

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Jack Elsom

‘Seoul-Searching’: Mapo Park Culture Resort

e-mail: jackelsom97@gmail.com

TITLE:

DESIGN AGENDA:

A Culturally-focused Eco-resort, Offering Fresh Cultural Encounters and

In Tank One, an onsite restaurant captures the experience of dining

An Innovative, Contemporary and Poetic Interpretation of Traditional South

in the Hanok with low-level dining and a heated Ondol floor. The

Korean Culture and Vernacular Architecture.

use of Haiku helped to guide the conceptual direction for this space

Shumei Tian

Green Leaf House

e-mail: 283601933@qq.com

TITLE:

DESIGN AGENDA:

An exclusive destination resort, provides a narrative space that speaks about

Appealing to destination tourists, this monumental industrial building

the cultural heritage of the Green Leaf Tea Plantation, situated in the scenic

sits, like a fortress, at the top the stepped foothills around Tongmu

Wuyishan foothills of China

Village. This concept for a responsible destination resort, sees the

to poetically interpret the vernacular architecture, applying semiotic

villagers running this boutique hotel.The heritage of the building, the tea

DESIGN CONCEPT:

theory to encode messages about the traditional home. In Tank Two,

DESIGN CONCEPT:

tree and the stream, being reflected in the palette of motifs seen in tea

An innovative and experiential accommodation resort, located in Seoul, which

a narrative installation takes visitors on an atmospheric walk through

Respecting the spectacular the rural traditions associated with the Wuyishan

gardens. Circular gateways, rhythmic level changes, bridges, a pool and

combines the authenticity of traditional South Korean Culture with a more

the timeline of South Korean culture, with sensorial features including

Foothills, this destination resort represents the industrial heritage of a former

huge ikebana floral arrangements are used to link the contemporary

contemporary, sustainable and future-focused design strategy. Spread over two

sounds and aromas integrated into the journey at key points, creating

Green Leaf House, a tea plantation building. The refurbishment of the interior

architecture with the purpose and history of the tea workers, whose

repurposed Oil Tanks, the design proposal comprises three key facilities, all of

a truly memorable and immersive experience. Tank Two also holds the

of this building, reflecting a sustainable palette of materials and technologies,

families, now run and own the resort.

which have been carefully designed to hold encoded semiotic messages about

accommodation pods which are a modular and innovative interpretation

whilst presenting an elegant and poetic reinterpretation of the Tea Ceremony

the tangible, behavioural and intangible levels of South Korean culture to craft

of the traditional Korean home. These neo-vernacular pods serve as a

and Tea Garden.

a poignant and unforgettable user experience and spatial narrative.

future-focussed exploration of what cultural accommodations could become, integrating smart technology and new sustainable materials whilst maintaining an atmosphere of contemplation and honouring the intangible and emotional layers of the vernacular home.

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Sebastian Demus

‘Sido’ Skincare

e-mail: sebastiandemus@yahoo.com

TITLE:

DESIGN AGENDA:

This commercial interior concept, envisions a novel design taxonomy for

Taking the viewpoint that the vernacular architecture of Eastern

retailing this new global, unisex skincare and wellbeing brand.

Indonesia, provides a dialogue between the people, culture, and

Catherine Abdelshahid

‘Rolex Marine’ Super-Yacht

e-mail: catherineabdelshahid@gmail.com

TITLE:

DESIGN AGENDA:

A super-yacht design concept for Rolex, to showcase their latest brand

Forging a project with the auction house Sotheby’s, Rolex’s affluent guests

innovations and their commitment to ocean conservation.

will be indulged in a luxuriously comfortable interior. The exclusive and

the environment, this project seeks to frame a new perspective of

secure nature of the yacht, fulfilling the need for anonymity.The lustrous

DESIGN CONCEPT:

contemporary Bali. This unisex skincare and wellbeing brandscape, has

DESIGN CONCEPT:

reflective interior, references the exquisite beauty of corals, inspiring

Owned by the Indonesian ginger producer Sido, a prestige retail strategy, has

been created as a flagship store for Sido. Using a design taxonomy

As a floating opportunity, to exhibit and host exceptional auctions, this branded

consumers to consider more than just the timepiece or art, that they

been applied, to create this brandscape. Inspired by the nature and the intangible

that is simple and focused on authentic Indonesian design features -

interior proposal, envisions how a yacht might be used as a promotional tool,

are bidding for. Inspired by the ‘organic’ design forms seen in coral, large

culture of the botanical science, that is particular to this extraordinary island, a

Plants, Geology and Textures to capture the essence of Sido skincare

to service marketing on a global stage, to create meaningful memories and to

laceworks fan into canopies above the guests. The latticework standing

future-focused one stop beauty space, encompasses a retail store and wellness

as a brand. The experiential architecture is staged, into distinct retail

highlight the charitable work that the brand is committed to.

proud of mirrors, that cast reflections around the ceiling coffer and

facilities in one place, to create an immersive experience that juxtaposes the

and treatment spaces, to appeal to a prestige orientated international

onto the walls. Washes of neon colour can be programmed, to change

commercial and wellbeing sectors.

consumer. In the future each store design concept, will be conceived

the mood of spaces, mirroring time passing as inevitably, the sun sets

to appeal to global consumers, who are interested in eco-science and

on the sea.

homoeopathy.

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Kristine Sipjagova

The Sunk in Poetics of Imants Ziedonis

e-mail: kristine.sipjagova@gmail.com

TITLE:

DESIGN AGENDA:

An immersive world, representing a poetic interpretation about the charming

This exhibition is designed to promote cultural understanding,

Latvian authority Imants Ziedonis and an emotionally powerful installation

appreciation, and the finding of true values.The experiential facility takes

strengthening his importance for the Latvian culture.

viewers through a physically, philosophically, and poetically challenging

Jiameng Wu

‘Lhasa Lawcourt’

e-mail: wuwumone@gmail.com

TITLE:

DESIGN AGENDA:

A new civic building, aims to represent the moral and spiritual beliefs of

This contemporary law court is dedicated to the representation of

the citizens of Lhasa. The spaces and architecture embody, new aesthetic

Buddhist philosophy. The architecture and spatial design being created

interpretations of the evolving multi-cultural identity of Tibet.

for a new blended society that reside in Lhasa. Using semiotic encoding,

journey, where the two contrasting themes of gravity and lightness

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Buddhist motifs and sensory details, can be experienced in the interior

DESIGN CONCEPT:

meet each other. Philosophically understood as restrictions and tension

DESIGN CONCEPT:

design scheme. It is hoped that these subtle moments of symbolic

A philosophical, poetic, and immersive interior atmosphere in honour of Imants

versus hope and freedom. Every design nuance encapsulates a message,

Inspired by contemporary architecture and Buddhist traditions, this egalitarian

interpretation, will help the lawcourts to better connect, with each of

Ziedonis - one of the most influential representatives of the Latvian culture

and it is perceived individually by each viewer. The design culmination

and ethical public building, draws from contemporary and historic design

the distinct and different communities of users in and around the city. By

in the 20th century – conveys messages speaking of his legacy and status as a

is achieved halfway through the journey, which acts as an influential

motifs to create symbolic architecture that is elegantly combined. The interior

breaking the normative rules for the design of a law courts, this scheme,

modernist poet. Designed for initiatives fund ‘Viegli’ in a cultural venue Hanzas

point of change and enlightenment. The design incorporates two key

has been created to introduce, fresh new semiotic messages about the varied

pays special attention to the accommodation of the architecture to

Perons, offering to experience a poetic environment fulfilled with the ‘other’

disciplines (poetry and nature) that positively impact the physical and

beliefs, customs and values of the community that the building services.

cater for social distancing, security and culturally specific interactions

existence.

spiritual state of man, forming a true connection in between.

between the officials, defendants, prosecutors and the public.

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Mojie Sun

‘Bazaar China’

Hanya Elsayed

CERAMICA

e-mail: sunmojie1997@163.com

TITLE:

DESIGN AGENDA:

This modular indoor market concept, has been created to showcase the best

This flag-ship Pop-Up retail proposal, embodies traditional market

e-mail: Hanyaehab98@outlook.com

TITLE: Ceramica - A Design Destination is a design destination in Cairo, that presents a fresh new branded face for the

DESIGN AGENDA:

of contemporary Chinese arts and crafts, poping-up in Moscow, London, Paris,

place design aesthetics, in order to create a nostalgic Chinese shopping

Ceramica Cleopatra company. This flagship showroom, providing a bespoke

With an emerging design scene in Cairo, the contemporary ‘Design

Sydney and Shanghai.

experience using contemporary modular architecture. Borrowing from

design and consultancy space as well as product display.

Show’ is tapping into the global calendar of Design Festival events

nature, the hexagonal shape of the spiral of seedheads, of the Sunflower,

hosted by major cities.With an aim to be part of this creative happening,

DESIGN CONCEPT:

representing the harmonious and collective nature of Chinese citizens

DESIGN CONCEPT:

this sculpturesque proposal, aims to position this showroom as a

Inspired by the philosophical book ‘In Praise of Shadows’ (Tanizaki Junichiro),

is used as a repeated modular form. The concept of the “Chinese

This future-focused branded concept for Ceramica, will use semiotic symbols

must-see design destination. The proposed user journey through the

the moody atmosphere of a bygone Shanghai, is re-presented, in the sparkling

Bazaar”, is to showcase contemporary arts and crafts in multifarious

and motifs in abstract ways to capture the intangible culture and heritage of

Cheops Observatory building by Studio Malka (2020), will facilitate four

wayfinding and illuminated signage of the marketplace. This lighting has been

ways. Using simple aluminum frames, advanced light-permeable plastic

the ceramic industry in Egypt. This signifying a contemporary shift in interiors,

key memorable moments; the paradise garden with a staged artisan

created to accentuate, the lacework of arcades and the colonies of the

materials and artful illuminated signage, the abstract colonies of forms,

furniture and architecture, to honour hand-crafted artisan production. Using

crafting space, the reception and design consultancy space offering

hexagonal market stalls, standing out, against the contemporary architectural

provide a neutral canvas for stallholders to; rent, stage and brand. These

the abstraction of Egyptian geometry, this concept systematically symbolises

new algorithms and envisioned plans for creating tiled architecture

setting of the Xintai warehouse.

stalls can be arranged to be open, or enclosed and can be scaled up into

universal ideas of expansion.

and furniture, and on the second level, a sculptural display area to see

complexes of shops or kept simple as retail tables.

the latest innovative ceramic products, this supported by office and managerial spaces.

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Weiyi Luo

Reincarnation

e-mail: luoweiyien@163.com

TITLE:

DESIGN AGENDA:

An exclusive vegan restaurant for Generation X, has been created to marry

The market for vegan cuisine in China is flourishing. Innovations in

the innovative practice of chef XU Dong, with Buddhist design principles and

this form of vegetarianism, are elevating the act of vegan cooking, to a

motifs.

fine dining level. This interior design scheme, envisions a new cultural identity for the celebrated chef Dong XU, that taps into his creative

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Wenwan Wan

Growing Together

e-mail: wanwenwan1997@gmail.com

TITLE:

DESIGN AGENDA:

A staged gardening barn, that is designed as a film studio, to capture the elderly

In this contemporary barn setting, this project draws on the principles

and children in the collaborative act of gardening.

of Biophilic Design. In the proposed concept, there is no mental barrier between the indoor and outside. ‘Gardening Together’ spaces, bring the

DESIGN CONCEPT:

very elderly and the very young together, to learn from each other. This

Set in the landscape of Forest Park, Shanghai, this organic design proposal for

idea has been explored by psychologists and the results have shown

DESIGN CONCEPT:

praxis around vegan cuisine and this developing market trend. Drawing

This responsible and ethical dining concept, for the brand of the celebrated

of design references that include Buddhist culture and images of lush

an innovative gardening school, integrates learning and conversational spaces,

that when the elderly meet regularly with the same children, that their,

chef ‘XU Dong’, is designed to showcase interior architecture as a medium

flora, a new visual aesthetic has been created for the XU brand, that

which can be staged, to facilitate a TV film crew, who aim to record and screen

mental and physical health improves dramatically. In order to replicate a

to convey messages about contemporary Buddhist philosophy. This Shanghai

is not like his traditional restaurant, but is lighter, brighter and much

the charming and funny engagements between the two generations. This fluid

similar experiment conducted in the UK and Australia, the central space

restaurant, presenting a fresh new aesthetic and sustainable perspective on

more fun. With an aim to foster prosperity and offer a site-specific

space is designed to be accessible, inclusive, sustainable and safe.

in the barn is to be open-plan, with good sight-lines for filming of the

vegetarianism as a positive lifestyle choice.

restaurant, Feng Shui conventions and principles have been applied to

TV show to take place. As a consequence, the space is created to be

the layout and key features of the design scheme.

inclusive by design and staged in terms of Biophilic aesthetics.

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Chunwei Li

‘Tate 2’ Vicky Lau’s Kitchen

e-mail: lichunweisz@163.com

TITLE :

DESIGN AGENDA:

An exclusive destination cookery school, provides an elegant welcoming

The Regional Modernist setting of the poetic architecture of the Xitang

creative kitchen, in which adventurous tourists can leave the city, and have a

Resort created by IAPA (2018), acts as a minimal backdrop, for this

brand experience of Vicky Lau’s contemporary Cantonese dining culture.

creative cookery school. Rather than a sophisticated city aesthetic, the

Jiabei Su

‘School of Life – ‘唐樓 Shop House’

e-mail: 316118019@qq.com

TITLE:

DESIGN AGENDA:

A regional reinterpretation of the brand created by the Philosopher Alain de

A unifying and conversational space for an emerging tribe of young

Botton, The School of Life – Shop House, offers a unifying and conversational

philosophers, has been created in an historic ‘唐樓 ‘Shop-House’.

space in the heart of Hong Kong.

The School of Life in Hong Kong, aims to foster in its visitors; selfawareness, resilience and connection. In an atmosphere that is staged,

more rustic and softer design for Tate 2, draws inspiration from the DESIGN CONCEPT:

coastal vernacular architecture and memories of Grandma’s Kitchen.

DESIGN CONCEPT:

to optimize the calmness, wellbeing and hospitality, the spaces that have

Drawing on the Chef’s memories of her first experience as a child, in her

The growing market for destination cookery schools, has driven a

This concept for the brand ‘School of Life’ adds another major city to the suite

been sustainably and compassionately created include; offices to deliver

Grandmother’s kitchen, this concept aims to present poetic stories of Vicky

desire to elevate the ‘experience’ of ‘cooking together’. Collaborative

of public arts centers, opened to support a global platform for contemporary

online psychotherapy, a talking together arena, a substantial library and

Lau’s past. The colour-story, design motifs and material palette for the proposal,

and creative workspaces for preparing, cooking and tasting Cantonese

philosophical debate and new understandings. The interior is poetically

bookshop and refectory for sharing tea. Throughout the scheme, design

have been created, to strengthen the Vicky Lau brand. Tate 2 – Vicky’s cookery

cuisine, have been created to be serviceable, safe and staged for learning.

designed, to re-present the traditional motifs associated with the Cantonese ‘

motifs relating to ancient Chinese philosophy reference the symbolism

school, facilitates a kitchen garden and hospitable lodgings, designed to appeal

Ceramic tiles used in unique ways, pastel tinted glass paneling, Chinese

唐樓’ Shop House vernacular, as a medium to convey messages about the rich

of the tree, mountain and river in this contemporary envisioning of a

to an emerging community of passionate amateur cooks.

heritage colours on painted furniture and glass cabinets for displaying

cultural identity of this amazing city.

traditional pavilion.

piles of diverse tableware and serving dishes make the space culturally contextual.

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Caroline Nanyanzi

Bulamu Veterinary Clinic

e-mail: carolinenanyanzi36@gmail.com

TITLE: A future-focused veterinary centre of excellence in Uganda, for the charity

DESIGN AGENDA:

‘Vets without Boarders’, which seeks to position animals at the centre of the

This serviceable interior scheme, for veterinary treatment spaces, has

design process.

been designed so that the vets can collaborate in purposeful and practical ways with injured animals. Treatment, recovery and recuperation facilities

DESIGN CONCEPT:

have been engineered, to be a place of efficiency and compassion. In

Set in the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, this healthcare design

contrast the hospitable lodgings for the Vets without Boarders, are

proposal, is for an innovative veterinary school. Being sensitive to its natural

created to be humane. Making memories and experiencing the culture

environment, this high-tech clinic has been systematically planned, in terms

of Uganda is very important. By using a narrative design approach,

of treatment, recovery and recuperation spaces. A hospitable refectory and

elements from the authentic regional vernacular; low technology lighting,

lodgings, offer the volunteering vets a communal ‘home from home’ in the

crafted textiles, hammocks, recycled plastics and geometric murals, have

tropics.

been used to connect the guest, with the homes and heritage of the people that live and work around Kazinga.

For further information look at the website for: MA Interior Architecture and Design Birmingham School of Architecture and Design Birmingham City University www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/interior-architecture-and-designma-2022-23 If you have any questions, contact: Delia Skinner Course Director for MA Interior Architecture and Design Email: delia.skinner@bcu.ac.uk

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Tel: 01213315866

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