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DESIGN PORTFOLIO Cecilia Fernandez Suhr

+39 344 6938415 Cecifersuhr@gmail.com (NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti)

C O N F I N E D:

A LAMP COLLECTION

THE SETTING

APPARATUS STUDIO

AS PART OF A UNIVERSITY PROJECT, I WAS TASKED WITH DESIGNING A COLLECTION OF LAMPS FOR AN EXISTING DESIGN STUDIO, AND I CHOSE APPARATUS STUDIO. THE CHALLENGE INVOLVED NOT ONLY CONCEPTUALIZING A COHESIVE COLLECTION, BUT ALSO ENSURING THAT EACH PIECE FELT LIKE A NATURAL EXTENSION OF THE STUDIO’S EXISTING BODY OF WORK. THE PROJECT EMPHASIZED BOTH DESIGN AND FABRICATION: WE WERE REQUIRED TO CREATE EITHER A LIFE-SIZE OR SCALED PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE, SUPPORTED BY A DIGITAL 3D MODEL. I USED RHINO FOR MODELING AND COMBINED 3D PRINTING WITH DETAILED HAND-ASSEMBLY TECHNIQUES. THE CONCEPT WAS INSPIRED BY THE AND MYSTERY OF SPEAKEASIES AND SECRECY.

SENSUAL MATERIALS SUCH AS MARBLE, SUEDE, HORSEHAIR, LACQUER AND PORCELAIN ARE COMBINED WITH HAND-PATINATED BRASS IN THE STUDIO’S DEDICATED NEW YORK FACTORY TO CREATE ITS DISTINCTIVE CATALOG. UNDERPINNING EVERY PIECE, WHETHER IT BE A LIGHT FIXTURE OR A CHAIR, IS A DEFT BALANCE BETWEEN MECHANIZATION AND THE HANDMADE, STRIVING EQUALLY FOR THE CONTRADICTIONS OF PERFECTION AND THE BEAUTIFUL IRREGULARITY OF HUMANITY.

SKETCHES

TIMETRAP LAMP

A RIGID CAGE, A SYMBOL OF RESTRICTION, CHAINS ANNEALED INTO SHAPE—ONCE FLUID, NOW FORCED INTO SUBMISSION BY HEAT AND TIME. THIS PROCESS MIRRORS THE PROHIBITION ERA, WHERE CONTROL SHAPED DEFIANCE, AND LIMITATION BRED NEW FORMS OF EXPRESSION. THE LAMP’S DESIGN CONTRASTS CONFINEMENT AND ADAPTATION, WITH FIXED METAL CONTAINING WHAT WAS ONCE FREE. ITS GLOW EVOKES THE HIDDEN INDULGENCE OF SPEAKEASIES, WHERE RULES WERE BENT BUT NEVER BROKEN.

TECHNICAL DRAWINGS

PART A

PART B

FRONT VIEW

PART C

TITLE:

TOP VIEW

PERSPECTIVE

ISOMETRIC

GENERAL VIEW

SCALE:

1:5

SHEET:

1 OF 4

UNITS:

TOP VIEW

FRONT VIEW

PART B

TOP VIEW

PERSPECTIVE

TITLE:

CHAINS

SCALE:

1:5

PERSPECTIVE

ISOMETRIC

FRONT VIEW

PERSPECTIVE

PART C

TOP VIEW

TITLE:

LED RING

SCALE:

1:5

SHEET:

4 OF 4

UNITS:

TITLE:

GENERAL VIEW

FRONT VIEW

PERSPECTIVE

TOP VIEW

SCALE:

1: 21

SHEET:

1 OF 4

UNITS:

PART C

PART B

TOP VIEW

PART A

TITLE:

FRONT VIEW

PERSPECTIVE

ISOMETRIC

GENERAL VIEW

SCALE:

1:5

SHEET:

1 OF 4

UNITS:

TOP VIEW

PERSPECTIVE FRONT VIEW ISOMETRIC

FRONT VIEW

PART C

TITLE:

MOUNTING

SCALE:

1:5

SHEET:

3 OF 4

UNITS:

PIECE

PROTOTYPE

THE CORRER MUSEUM CARLO SCARPA

THIS PROJECT FOCUSED ON THE REDESIGN OF THE CORRER MUSEUM EXHIBITION ORIGINALLY CURATED BY CARLOS CARBA. THE EXISTING SETUP WAS EXTREMELY OUTDATED, AND A MAJOR CHALLENGE WAS THE ABSENCE OF PROPER DOCUMENTATION . THERE WERE NO RELIABLE FLOOR PLANS, NO ELEVATION DRAWINGS, AND NO TECHNICAL REFERENCES FOR THE DISPLAY EASELS. I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR RECONSTRUCTING THESE ELEMENTS FROM SCRATCH: CREATING NEW FLOOR PLANS, DEVELOPING DETAILED TECHNICAL DRAWINGS, AND MODELING THE EXHIBITION IN 3D USING RHINO.

IN ADDITION TO RECONSTRUCTING THE EXISTING SPACE, I REIMAGINED THE EXHIBITION BY INTEGRATING NEW ARTWORKS TO MODERNIZE THE CURATORIAL APPROACH WHILE MAINTAINING HARMONY WITH CARBA’S ORIGINAL DESIGN. THE PROCESS COMBINED INVESTIGATIVE WORK, DIGITAL MODELING, AND SPATIAL REDESIGN, TRANSFORMING A HISTORICALLY CONSTRAINED PROJECT INTO A CONTEMPORARY EXHIBITION CONCEPT.

CORRER MUSEUM EXHIBIT PLANS

1st floor

2nd floor 0

scale 1:400

Selected area//plan& section

c d

46 L

x y

45 i

s p

AXONOMETRIC VIEW

Walls colour paint

Porcelain Panels by Florim “Blue corn“

Pop colour

Ceiling colour paint Wood

Matte glass

Black aluminium

Back

Front

Back

Front

165

9.5 3 .

18.

010

EASEL TECHNICAL VIEWS

2 .

69.

86.0

EASEL 2 TECHNICAL VIEWS

DAISY FLOWING THROUGH WAVES NON ARCHITECTUAL COMPETITION IMMERSIVE FESTIVAL INSTALLATION | ACADEMIC COMPETITION ENTRY THEME: SOUND–SPACE–EMOTION PROJECT DAISY IS A SENSORY-DRIVEN INSTALLATION DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE AUDITORY AND VISUAL EXPERIENCE AT MUSIC FESTIVALS BY CREATING A DYNAMIC, INTERACTIVE ARCHITECTURAL SPACE. RESPONDING TO THE COMPETITION BRIEF, THE PROJECT EXPLORES HOW SOUND AND MOVEMENT CAN TRANSFORM SPATIAL PERCEPTION, INVITING FESTIVALGOERS INTO A THREE-PART JOURNEY OF INTERACTION, IMMERSION, AND EMOTIONAL RELEASE. INSPIRED BY THE SINGULARITY OF FORM, THE INSTALLATION’S CENTERPIECE IS A MECHANIZED CEILING ELEMENT THAT SHIFTS IN HEIGHT AND SHAPE, CREATING A CHOREOGRAPHY OF COMPRESSION AND EXPANSION. DRAWING FROM REFERENCES SUCH AS SPACE-TIME FUNNELS, STALAGMITES, AND CLOUD MAZES, THE STRUCTURE ENCOURAGES EXPLORATION OF TIME, PERCEPTION, AND HUMAN CONNECTION THROUGH PHYSICAL SPACE.

THE INSTALLATION UNFOLDS IN THREE EXPERIENTIAL PHASES: 1. ENCOUNTER – WHERE SIGHT AND SOUND COLLIDE, FORMING A SENSORY THRESHOLD. 2. INTERACT – WHERE USERS CO-CREATE AN AUDIOVISUAL COMPOSITION VIA MOTION AND TOUCH. 3. CATHARSIS – A MOMENT OF SILENCE AND WITHDRAWAL THAT CONTRASTS WITH THE PRECEDING CHAOS, PROVIDING EMOTIONAL CLARITY AND SPATIAL CALM.

TERRITORIAL VIEW

DAISY FLOWING THROUGH WAVES NON ARCHITECTUAL COMPETITION

SKETCHES

A Tactile & Visual Breathing Companion for Anxiety Relief

BREA

Brea is an interactive, handheld device designed to assist individuals experiencing anxiety or panic attacks by guiding them through regulated breathing using multisensory feedback. The device leverages tactile vibrations, ambient lighting, and audio input to help users slow their breath, reconnect with their body, and return to a calmer state.

How It Works? Year 2025

Design Considerations

Detection: The built-in Breath • microphone monitors sound pressure levels and frequency to track breathing • rhythms. Response Activation: The Neopixel LEDs softly pulse in a 4-7-8 rhythm (inhale for 4s, hold 7s, exhale 8s) to cue breathing. The vibration motor provides tactile guidance, syncing with the same rhythm.

User Engagement:

Portable: Small to fit in a bag Minimalist Aesthetic: Non-clinical, comforting, and beautiful to reduce stigma and encourage everyday use. & Visual: • Tactile use in noisy, dark, environments where screen-based solutions might be impractical. No loud Discreet: • alarms calm interactions

Target Users

Users hold the device and synchronize • their breathing with the light and vibration. • Over time, their breathing slows and • calms, shifting their physiological state from “fight-or-flight” to “rest-and-digest.”

Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) People prone to panic attacks Anyone dealing with anxiety

BREA Psychology & Design

Indeveloping our breathing supportdevice forindividuals experiencing panic attacks or acute anxiety,we researchedthe physiological patterns of anxiety and the tactile needs ofthose affected. While part of our understanding stems from personal experience, we also explored existing therapeutic approaches. Panic attacks typically involve rapid, shallow breathing, muscle tension, and a heightened sensory state. Guided breathing techniques are methods used to regulate and help individuals transition from a fight-or-flight state to a more regulated, grounded one. Tools like the “4-78” breathing method are recommended by psychologists and mental health professionals.

We studied how sensory tools can provide short-term relief by engaging both the hands and mind. These tools work through sensory grounding, which helps redirect focus to a safer, controlled experience. Informed by this, our device combines haptic feedback (vibrations) and visual rhythm (light cues) to guide breathing patterns.

A quiet pulse of light — guiding breath, one rhythm at a time

Part A Microphone

Part B Vibrator

Part C LED

TECHNICAL DRAWINGS

Part D Arduino

Part E USB

Part F Shell

Scan

81 cm

170 cm 100 cm

28 cm

192 cm 20 2c4m cm

First Floor

103 cm

190 cm354 cm122 cm

198 cm

553 c1m90 cm

Founda0t icomn -38 cm 119 cm

First Floor

Founda0t icomn -38 cm

190 cm

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202 cm

472- cm

150 cm

170 cm 360 cm

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40 cm

76 cm

First Floor 0 cm Foundation -38 cm

188 cm91 cm

380 cm

5 cm 122 cm141 cm

198 cm

145 cm

71 cm

26 cm

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140 cm

230 cm

70 cm0 cm

Basement T.O. -F2o5o9t icnmg B.O. -F2o8o2t icnmg -312 cm

LUXURY MICRO-LIVING SPACE – COMPACT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN & 3D MODELING THIS PROJECT FOCUSES ON THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPACT INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT, EXPLORING HOW LIMITED SPACE CAN BE OPTIMIZED WHILE MAINTAINING A HIGH LEVEL OF VISUAL AND MATERIAL QUALITY. THE PROCESS BEGAN WITH CONCEPT SKETCHES CREATED IN PROCREATE, WHICH WERE THEN TRANSLATED INTO 3D GEOMETRY USING RHINO AND AUTODESK REVIT. THE WORKFLOW REQUIRED CONTINUOUS ITERATION BETWEEN 2D CONCEPTS AND 3D MODELING, REFINING SPATIAL LAYOUT, PROPORTIONS, AND OBJECT PLACEMENT. A KEY ASPECT OF THE PROJECT WAS THE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF MATERIALS, TEXTURES, AND COLOR RELATIONSHIPS, ENSURING VISUAL COHERENCE WITHIN A SMALL-SCALE ENVIRONMENT. THE LIMITED SPACE REQUIRED PRECISE ORGANIZATION OF ELEMENTS, REINFORCING ATTENTION TO SCALE, USABILITY, AND SPATIAL LOGIC. THIS PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS THE ABILITY TO CONSTRUCT A FULLY REALIZED INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT, BALANCING TECHNICAL ACCURACY WITH VISUAL CLARITY AND EFFICIENT USE OF SPACE.

Moodboard Sketches

Stuðlagil basalt canyon Nordic serenity Monolithic elegance Vertical rhythm Mineral textures Tasting ritual Playful contrasts Pause & reflect

The Salt Vault The final triangular space elevates salt into a vertical installation. From floor to ceiling, different salts are displayed. Angled side walls clad in mirrors multiply reflections and crystalline faceted environmentcreating that feels a almost structures, prismatic - as if standing inside a mineral formation. This is the space of spectacle. Of image. Of memory.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DESIGN AN ENTIRE FOLLOWING AROUND AN EVERYDAY OBJECT? FOR THIS CONCEPTUAL PROJECT, OUR TEAM WAS TASKED WITH ELEVATING A SIMPLE HOUSEHOLD ITEM INTO AN OBJECT OF REVERENCE. WE CHOSE TO EXPLORE THIS THROUGH THE LENS OF ICELANDIC SALT, CONCEPTUALIZING AN EXPERIENTIAL POP-UP SPACE IN REYKJAVÍK THAT SERVES AS A MODERN "TEMPLE" AND SANCTUARY FOR THE MINERAL. DEEPLY INSPIRED BY ICELAND’S DRAMATIC GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS—SPECIFICALLY ITS NATIVE HEXAGONAL BASALT COLUMNS—I WANTED THE ARCHITECTURE TO EVOKE THE RAW FEELING OF THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE. TO ACHIEVE THIS, I DEVELOPED A SPATIAL JOURNEY DEFINED BY INTENSE CONTRAST. VISITORS FIRST NAVIGATE A DARK, INTIMATE, AND ENCLOSED THRESHOLD BEFORE EMERGING INTO AN EXPANSIVE, STRIKINGLY ILLUMINATED MAIN CORE. THE GOAL WAS TO CREATE A HIGHLY ATMOSPHERIC JOURNEY WHERE THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT REINFORCES THE REVERENCE FOR THE PRODUCT. LEADING THE COMPLETE SPATIAL AND STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, MY ROLE ENCOMPASSED EVERYTHING FROM MATERIAL CURATION AND FLOOR PLANNING TO ORCHESTRATING THE EXACT PSYCHOLOGICAL FLOW OF THE USER JOURNEY. ALL ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING AND 3D MODELING WERE EXECUTED IN RHINO, WITH THE FINAL ATMOSPHERIC SPATIAL RENDERS AND ARCHITECTURAL VISUALIZATIONS BROUGHT TO LIFE IN PHOTOSHOP.

RG03

GLOSSARY MIGRATION CRISIS

Thousands attempt to cross the Mexico–U.S. border each day, driven by violence, poverty, and the search for safety or family. This overwhelms border systems and leaves migrants in vulnerable, unsafe conditions.

DIVISION

The border divides communities that historically share culture, families, and economies. Restricted crossings and rigid barriers weaken long-standing cross-border relationships.

DISCRIMINATION

The double fence on the U.S. side implies Mexicans are a danger, while Mexican communities live right beside the wall. This contrast reinforces harmful stereotypes, racism, and deepens social stigma.

Esperanza

Común

The narrow spacebetweenthe firstandsecond U.S. border walls, transformingthis “in-between” zone into a shared landscape. Atits center,we place small pods surrounded bya circular forest, symbolizing continuity where separation was intended. Above it rises a light geometric dome of metal and glass that extends beyond the walls, making them appear smaller and less dominant. The dome represents hope, hope for understanding, reconnection, and a future where people no longer feel forced to cross out of desperation. Rather than encouraging migration, our design reframes the border as a place of possibility instead of division.

U.S.A

In 2020, Tijuana’s total population showed a young structure, with most residents under 40 years old. The distribution of households is fairly balanced between sexes, although most household heads are men. This reflects traditional patterns of household reference and highlights the concentration of young families in the city.

What if the border could connect rather than divide? We intervene in the narrow space between the first and second U.S. border walls, transforming this “in-between” zone into a shared landscape. At its center, we place small pods surrounded by a circular forest, symbolizing continuity where separation was intended. Above it rises a light geometric dome of metal and glass that extends beyond the walls, making them appear smaller and less dominant. The dome represents hope, hope for understanding, reconnection, and a future where people no longer feel forced to cross out of desperation. Rather than encouraging migration, our design reframes the border as a place of possibility instead of division.

The first diagram shows both Mexico and the U.S. closed off from each other. While the U.S. enforces strict border control, Mexico responds defensively, creating the appearance of mutual separation. In reality, however, many Mexicans want to connect with the U.S., recognizing shared history, culture, and values, and the fact that regions like Texas were once part of Mexico. The second diagram shows Mexico open and the U.S. closed. Here, Mexico is willing to engage and allow interaction, but U.S. restrictions prevent meaningful exchange, highlighting the imba- lance in border policies and the frustration it causes for communities on both sides. The third diagram illustrates both countries open, with walls lowe- red and controlled passage allowed. This scenario symbolizes mutual acceptance, cultural exchange, and cooperation, empha- sizing the potential for connection when barriers are minimized and shared values are recognized.

MEXICO

THRESHOLD THRESHOLD IS A MOBILE HOME DESIGNED TO BLUR THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SPACES. THE PROJECT EXPLORES HOW A COMPACT HOME CAN FEEL SPACIOUS BY CREATING A CONTINUOUS CONNECTION WITH THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT. LARGE GLASS WALLS SUPPORTED BY A SIMPLE TIMBER STRUCTURAL FRAME MAXIMIZE NATURAL LIGHT, PROVIDE UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS, AND ALLOW NATURE TO BECOME PART OF THE LIVING EXPERIENCE. A KEY FEATURE OF THE DESIGN IS THE ROTATING WALL THAT SEPARATES THE INTERIOR FROM THE OUTDOOR DECK. WHEN OPENED, IT TRANSFORMS INTO A CANOPY, EXTENDING THE LIVING SPACE BEYOND THE ENCLOSED VOLUME AND CREATING A SEAMLESS TRANSITION BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. THIS ADAPTABLE ELEMENT ALLOWS THE HOME TO RESPOND TO DIFFERENT WEATHER CONDITIONS AND USER NEEDS WHILE MAKING THE OUTDOOR DECK FEEL LIKE AN EXTENSION OF THE INTERIOR. THE PARALLEL FACADE AALSO HAS SLIDING VERTICAL WOODEN ELEMENTS TO CONTROL THE LIGHT INTAKE.

THE INTERIOR IS INSPIRED BY THE SIMPLICITY AND BALANCE FOUND IN KOREAN MINIMALIST DESIGN. A RESTRAINED MATERIAL PALETTE OF NATURAL WOOD, GLASS, AND SOFT FINISHES CREATES A CALM AND TIMELESS ATMOSPHERE. FURNITURE IS KEPT TO A MINIMUM, WITH EVERY ELEMENT SERVING A PURPOSE. EMPTY SPACE IS TREATED AS AN INTENTIONAL DESIGN FEATURE RATHER THAN UNUSED SPACE, ENCOURAGING FLEXIBILITY, TRANQUILITY, AND A SLOWER WAY OF LIVING. THE RESULT IS A SMALL YET FUNCTIONAL HOME THAT FEELS OPEN, ADAPTABLE, AND DEEPLY CONNECTED TO ITS NATURAL SURROUNDINGS.

191

133

37 48

44 80

1:20 400mm

400mm

800mm

1200mm

1600mm

2000mm

SECTION AA 840.0 cm 40

400.0 cm

STRUCTURAL PLAN

1:20 0

400mm

800mm

1200mm

1600mm

2000mm

TACHIKOMA

TACHIKOMA IS A PROJECT I DEVELOPED IN MY FAB LAB COURSE, CENTERED ON FABRICATION METHODS LIKE 3D PRINTING AND LASER CUTTING. THE ASSIGNMENT WAS TO DESIGN AN “ESCAPE POD,” AND I DECIDED TO CREATE A SUBMERSIBLE THAT COULD EXIST IN ITS OWN IMAGINED WORLD. I DESIGNED THE ENTIRE PIECE FROM SCRATCH, STARTING WITH HAND SKETCHES AND BUILDING A COMPLETE 3D MODEL BEFORE PRINTING IT. I PRODUCED TWO DIFFERENT PROTOTYPES AND LASERCUT WOODEN PARTS TO TEST STRUCTURE AND PROPORTIONS. THIS PROJECT BECAME A DEEP DIVE INTO BOTH DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL MAKING, AN EXPLORATION OF HOW CONCEPT, CRAFT, AND STORYTELLING MERGE THROUGH FABRICATION.

LASER CUT

Flattened Surface Layout 3mm wood– AutoCAD file

Flattened Surface Layout 1mm cardboard – AutoCAD file.

(FINAL)

LASER CUT SAMPLES SCALE 1:50

3D & MODEL

SCALE 1:50

RENDERS

Pedestrian Paths Map

2. Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway — Mark Thomas Architects + Henry Fagan & Partners, Cape Town, 2015 Is a steel-and-timber elevated path inspired by the form of a snake. Its lightweight structure weaves through Cape Town’s botanical gardens.

The pedestrian map shows a fragmented network, with sidewalks mainly concentrated along primary streets and around transit nodes such as Romolo metro station. While some streets are walkable, pedestrian continuity is often interrupted by wide crossings, parked cars, and traffic-dominated intersections. The key problems are poor pedestrian priority, unsafe crossings, and a lack of attractive public spaces that encourage walking.

3. Walk-On Balcony — Zalewski Architecture Group, Poland, 2015 Reclaims unused façade space as a narrow, grass-covered walkway flowing along the exterior of an office. This playful intervention offers greenery and fresh air, promoting well-being through micro-mobility and outdoor access.

Bike Roads Map The bike road map reveals a weak and discontinuous cycling infrastructure in the Romolo area. Existing bike lanes are limited, often shared with vehicular traffic, and poorly connected to the broader Milan cycling network. The main issues are safety concerns for cyclists, lack of dedicated lanes, and insufficient integration with public transport, which discourages daily bicycle use.

Car Roads Map The car road map highlights Romolo as a traffic-intensive area, dominated by major arterial roads such as Viale Liguria, which connect the neighborhood to the wider Milan road network. These roads carry high volumes of through-traffic, creating congestion during peak hours. The main problems are traffic noise, air pollution, and limited road space for other users, which reduce overall urban comfort and safety.

SCALE 1:250

Transforms a former highway into a planted enhances pedestrian corridor. The project biodiversity, walkability, and public accessibility around Seoul Station.

The greenery map indicates the presence of accessible parks and public green spaces within the Romolo area, offering important recreational and environmental value. However, these green areas are poorly connected to each other and to surrounding neighborhoods due to major roads, rail infrastructure, and fragmented urban blocks. The main problems are the lack of continuous green corridors, limited pedestrian and cycling connections between parks, and weak integration of greenery into everyday mobility routes, reducing the overall effectiveness of the green network.

Greenery Map

Maples

Characterized mainly by urban vegetation typical of Milan, with a predominance of street trees, commonly used along major roads and sidewalks.Public parks and green spaces include lawns, shrubs, and mixed deciduous trees. Vegetation is primarily functional and decorative rather than ecological, with limited biodiversity and few natural or spontaneous plant communities.

Lindens

Plane trees

Slow

Stop

SCALE 1:500

1. Seoul ‘Plant Village’ — MVRDV, Seoul, 2018

COUSE: URBAN DESIGN CECILIA FERNANDEZ

Fast The surface beneath our feet constantly shifts in the Romolo area, from smooth asphalt along main roads to patterned tiles near university entrances and softer, irregular paths within parks. Each pavement material shapes a different rhythm of movement. Asphalt supports fast, continuous motion, prioritizing efficiency and directing attention toward destination rather than bodily awareness. In contrast, stone tiles and brick surfaces introduce texture and joints that naturally slow walking, increasing sensitivity to movement and space. Within parks, compacted soil and grass create a softer, uneven ground that responds to weather and use, encouraging slower, exploratory movement rather than transit. Even crossings, where asphalt meets painted markings, create brief pauses that heighten awareness and negotiation between movement and safety.

URBAN AËRIA

THIS PROJECT FOCUSES ON IMPROVING CONNECTIVITY WITHIN THE NAVIGLI AREA BY DESIGNING A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE LINKING KEY UNIVERSITY ZONES. THE INTERVENTION RESPONDS TO EXISTING URBAN CONDITIONS, AIMING TO CREATE A FUNCTIONAL AND ACCESSIBLE CONNECTION ACROSS THE SITE. THE DESIGN PROCESS BEGAN WITH SITE ANALYSIS AND CONCEPTUAL SKETCHES, FOLLOWED BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FULLY DETAILED 3D MODEL IN RHINO. THE BRIDGE WAS DESIGNED ENTIRELY FROM SCRATCH, INCLUDING DIMENSIONS, PROPORTIONS, AND MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS. PARTICULAR ATTENTION WAS GIVEN TO HUMAN SCALE AND USABILITY, INCLUDING THE CALCULATION OF STAIR DIMENSIONS, SLOPE, AND CIRCULATION FLOW. THE FINAL MODEL REFLECTS A BALANCE BETWEEN STRUCTURAL FEASIBILITY AND SPATIAL INTEGRATION WITHIN THE SURROUNDING URBAN CONTEXT.

FLOATING GROUNDS CHILDREN Family | Child User

A THIRD PLACE. A social environment that exists outside of home and work, a place where people can gather, talk, relax, and connect with others in an informal way. The third place is everything in between cafés, parks, community centers, barbershops, libraries, pubs, gyms, even some online spaces. Third-places require specific design and social features to attract and retain users, fostering a sense of personalization and ownership.

Communication Space:

Age: 0–12 years

Required Space:

Presence at the Space:

Usage of Public Space:

25%

Needs: * Shallow pool * Family changing rooms * Seating for parents * Shade & safety * Warm showers * Slip-resistant surfaces

Way of Living: Supervised

Daytime use Family-oriented

CONCEPT IDEA.

TEENAGERS Communication Space: Required Space:

Our proposal reimagines Piscina Argelati as a dynamic, multifunctional space that fosters community interaction, sports, and cultural engagement throughout the year. Building upon the existing organic and circular architecture of the site, we extend these forms into the surrounding Parco Segantini, creating a seamless relationship between the pool and the park and offering shaded, comfortable areas that encourage people to linger, relax, and socialize. The redevelopment introduces a year round gym and sports facilities, designed to serve university students from nearby campuses such as NABA and IULM, as well as local residents. Complementing the gym, a sports center area provides courts for volleyball, basketball, and football, while modernized changing rooms improve accessibility, comfort, and user experience. A key aspect of our design is the ability to activate the pool in both summer and winter. By incorporating lightweight fixed and floating platforms, the water itself becomes a stage for performances, gatherings, and events, allowing

Usage of Public Space:

20%

Needs:

* Affordable entry * Lockers * Group seating * Snack & drinks area * Social zones * Evening activities Way of Living:

Why They Come:

Event-driven

* Recreation with friends * Outdoor summer activity * After-school sports / gym * Group events

Group-oriented

Social

UNIVERSITY Studend | Hybrid STUDENTS

visitors to experience the pool as both a recreational and cultural space. Through these interventions, the proposal positions Piscina Argelati as a Communication flexible social hub, blending sport, leisure, and cultural activity while Space: maintaining the organic architectural identity of the original structure. Our goal is to create a space where diverse users from children to students Required Space:

Age: 18–26 years Presence at the Space:

to adults and seniors can come together, interact, and share meaningful Usage of Public Space: experiences. MoInstteitcueton eri

30%

Needs: * Fast Wi-Fi * Charging stations * Lockers & showers * Discounted memberships * Coffee & lounge * Extended hours

Asilo Nido scAuToCl a PuSbcbuloicleh e

Educational Institutions

Schools and academies in Navigli bring a youthful and creative energy to the district.They support daily activity,foster cultural exchange, and strengthen the area’s role as a center of learning and innovation.

Social User

Age: 13–18 years Presence at the Space:

Why They Come:

Way of Living:

Hybrid work-study * Gym membership * Co-working lifestyle

* Group projects * Events & talks * Relaxation by the pool

Shared living

Community-driven

Flexible schedules

IULM

Communication Space:

Age: 27–45 years

Required Space:

Resturants

Presence at the Space:

Usage of Public Space:

Canal-side bars and restaurants shape Navigli’s social identity. They transform the waterfront into a lively meeting place, connecting residents, students, and visitors through Milan’s culture of conviviality.

15%

Needs: * Quiet gym areas * Reliable lockers * Private changing cabins * Professional meeting rooms * Healthy food options

Way of Living:

Why They Come:

Semi-private lifestyle* Gym & wellness

* Co-working meetings * Weekend pool use * Parent-friendly activities

Porta Ticinese Darsena S daAenlllNeta vigalziieaio aG Mrar ArSmiloasni/ Museo Diocesano Mudec GPeonrotava LaVvicaonldoa i B ase Landmarks

Routine-based Health-oriented Work-lifebalance

Communication BSaansitl’iEcau sotfo rgio Space: Museo Required Space: Usage of Public GChoitetasrad S o aanl Corso Space:

Historic canals, churches, museums reflect Navigli’s transformation from a working waterway to a cultural icon. These landmarks preserve Milan’s heritage while anchoring the district’s urban character.

Wellness User

ADULTS

NABA Oriani AcaMdeilmany Art

OLDER ADULTS

Age: 45–75 years Presence at the Space:

10%

Needs: * Ramps & lift access * Warm pool entry * Non-slip floors * Seating & rest zones * Easy-to-reach lockers * Quiet areas

Murales Via Gola Murales

delMl’Aenrctiaqtuoanreia to u deaerizlnioleiCAldaSa AartsiaCS.naMtravriragaiogdioi SMp aa

Way of Living:

crihaina SPaanr rCoicp

Why They Come: * Wellness swimming * Light gym training * Social activities * Cultural events

Health-focused

Thesis by Anastasiia Petkova, Cecilia Fernandez Low-noiselifestyle

Thesis Advisor Maurizio Scalzi

Wellness User

NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Milano Diploma Accademico di primo Livello Corso di studi in Design Anno Accademico 2025/2026 In collaborazione con Milanosport e il comune di Milano

Community-oriented

Routine-based

Porta Ticinese

Istituto Monteceneri

Darsena

Porta Genova Armani/Silos

Asilo Nido

Santa Maria delle Grazie Al Naviglio

Mudec

Vicolo Lavandai

Base

ATC scuola

Museo Diocesano Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio Museo Chiesa San Gottardo al Corso Scuole Pubbliche Murales Via Gola Murales Santuario S. Maria di Caravaggio

IULM Mercatone dell’Antiquariato NABA

Parrocchia San Cipriano

Milan Academy Art

Spazio Alda Merini Casa delle Arti

Oriani

Educational Institutions

Bars and Resturants

Historic and Cultural landmarks

Schools and academies in Navigli bring a youthful and creative energy to the district. They support daily activity, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen the area’s role as a center of learning and innovation.

Population Density

The population density map provides a reading of the residential distribution, with particular focus on the area surrounding Piazza Argellati. The analysis reveals a compact urban fabric shaped by a mix of mid-rise housing blocks, former industrial plots converted into residential developments, and smaller neighborhood streets. Higherdensity clusters indicate areas where everyday life is strongly concentrated, suggesting active streets, frequent pedestrian movement, and a continuous presence of residents throughout the day. Such conditions typically support local commerce, neighborhood services, and informal social encounters - all essential components of a socially sustainable urban structure. At the same time, density alone does not guarantee the quality of social life. Without adequate public spaces and shared environments, highly populated areas risk experiencing anonymity and reduced community interaction. For this reason, the mapping of demographic intensity becomes a critical tool in identifying where new social infrastructure may be most impactful. Positioned within this context, the project site has the potential to operate as a connective element in the neighborhood a place capable of absorbing daily flows while offering opportunities for pause, interaction, and collective use.

Very high

High

Moderate

Low

Vegetation and Ecology Oak

(Quercus)

Existing Vegetation

The area around Piscina Argelati features a mix of urban and park vegetation. Trees include mature specimens along Via Argelati and within nearby Parco Segantini, such as lime (Tilia), plane (Platanus), oak (Quercus), and wild cherry (Prunus). Shrubs and groundcover are present in informal planting areas, community gardens, and along pedestrian pathways. Riparian vegetation lines the small canals and drainage channels, creatinggreencorridors that connect the park to the surrounding urban fabric. Plane (Platanus)

Ecological Significance of the Site The combination of parkland, street trees, and riparian vegetation forms a small but important urban ecotone. It contributes to biodiversity by providing habitat for birds and insects, supports microclimate regulation through shading and evapotranspiration, and enhances visual and acoustic comfort for residents and visitors. The site is also part of a larger green network linking Parco Segantini to the Darsena and other city parks, reinforcingecological connectivity.

Potential for Ecological Restoration or Enhancement

Lime (Tilia)

The site offers opportunities to restore and enhance ecological functions. Potential interventions include: • Planting additional native trees and shrubs along pathways and pool perimeters.

• • • Wild cherry (Prunus)

Strengthening riparian vegetation along canals to support wildlife corridors. Introducing pollinator-friendly groundcover and flowerbeds in open spaces. Enhancing connectivity between Parco Segantini, street greenery, and pool-adjacent areas to reinforce the ecological network and improve pedestrian experience.

Urban Accessibility Analysis

Walking Routes

Parking lots & Roads

Metro & Tram

Bus Routes

The mapping of transportation networks surrounding Piscina Argelati reveals a strong presence of public mobility systems within the immediate urban fabric. Bus routes are particularly dense, with multiple lines operating in close proximity to the site and stops distributed at short intervals throughout the neighborhood. This concentration of bus infrastructure suggests that bus transport represents the most accessible and reliable mode of public transit for reaching the pool, reinforcing its potential inclusivity across different user groups. In contrast, metro access is present but less immediate. The closest metro connection is the M2 (green line), running between Romolo and Porta Genova, which situates the site within Milan’s broader rapid transit network while still requiring a short secondary movement (walking or bus) to reach the facility. Tram lines are comparatively limited in the immediate vicinity, indicating that tram connectivity plays a less significant role in direct access to the pool. The analysis of cycling infrastructure shows a mixed condition. While the surrounding streets allow for bicycle movement and informal cycling along sidewalks or shared roadways, there is a relative lack of dedicated, protected bike lanes directly adjacent to the site. This suggests that although cycling is possible, it is not structurally prioritized through clearly defined bike corridors. Overall, the maps demonstrate that Piscina Argelati is well integrated into Milan’s bus network, moderately connected to the metro system, and less strongly supported by tram and dedicated cycling infrastructure. These mobility patterns directly influence how the space can function as a third place, shaping who can access it easily and how frequently it can be incorporated into everyday routines.

THIS ONGOING THESIS PROJECT EXPLORES THE REDEVELOPMENT OF PISCINA ARGELATI, REIMAGINING IT AS A CONTINUOUS, YEAR-ROUND PUBLIC SPACE DESIGNED TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY USE ACROSS ALL SEASONS. THE INTERVENTION INCLUDES THE FULL REORGANIZATION OF INTERIOR SPACES AND A STRONGER INTEGRATION WITH THE SURROUNDING PARK, CREATING A SEAMLESS INDOOR–OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT. THE PROJECT IS GROUNDED IN ON-SITE DATA COLLECTION, INCLUDING DIRECT MEASUREMENTS AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS. FROM THIS, A COMPLETE SET OF TECHNICAL DRAWINGS WAS PRODUCED, INCLUDING FLOOR PLANS, SECTIONS, AND ELEVATIONS. BASED ON THESE DRAWINGS, I AM DEVELOPING A DETAILED 3D MODEL OF THE EXISTING AND PROPOSED STRUCTURE. THE PROCESS FOCUSES ON ACCURATELY TRANSLATING 2D TECHNICAL INFORMATION INTO A COHERENT DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT, WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO SCALE, MATERIALITY, AND SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS. THIS WORK EMPHASIZES PRECISION, CONSTRUCTABILITY, AND THE REALISTIC REPRESENTATION OF ARCHITECTURAL SPACE.