Roots and Grounds is an innovative and sustainable approach to a farm-totable restaurant. To create the most functional layout and design intentions, several case studies were used to expand on the information needed, including research on successful existing farm-to-table restaurants, existing demonstration kitchens, circulation paths throughout restaurant plans, and healthy food inequalities in inner cities. From this research, I implemented multiple different tactics to create a successful strategy for Roots and Grounds, including using a seasonal menu that focuses on local ingredients and changes based on the availability of produce throughout each season and a semiprivate floor plan that gives each space the flexibility to be more intimate or more public and open depending on what is needed.
The site is located in a densely urban area of Mission Bay in San Francisco, California. Mostly surrounding this restaurant are various commercial and retail spaces, with residential living spaces located on the floors above these areas. Because of this variety of space types, I wanted Roots and Grounds to appeal to many age ranges, cultures, and customs. Some of the ways I have accomplished this are through the design intent. For example, I used an earthtoned color palette throughout the restaurant and paired this with modern and unique seating and a welcoming and open front entrance. I want people entering the space to feel a sense of healing through the biophilic patterns woven within the design.
ROOTS
CONCEPT STATEMENT: INTEGRATED AND CONNECTED; ESSENTIAL ROLES WORKING TOGETHER
DESIGN STATEMENT:
EVERY PART ASSISTS IN A VITAL SYSTEM, WORKING TOGETHER THROUGH A STRUCTURED MIX OF CONNECTION AND FUNCTION
FORM
INCLUDING CURVILINEAR LINES, CONTINUOUS FLOWING SPACES, AND CLEAN, ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS THAT CREATE AN AMBIENT YET AIRY ENVRIONMENT THAT PROMOTES CASUAL CONVERSATION, COMFORTING SEATING AREAS, AND CONNECTION TO THE INDIGENOUS NATURE SURROUNDING THE BUILDING.
FUNCTION
A SEMI-OPEN LAYOUT THAT INVITES COMMUNITY AND COMFORT WHILE ALSO ALLOWING FOR INTIMATE AND INTENTIONAL CONVERSATION FLOW. A CLEAN AND CLEAR FOOTPRINT THAT BOTH DELINEATES AND JOINS DESIGNATED SPACES TOGETHER.
ECONOMY
HIGH QUALITY, RECYCLABLE, AND PERFORMANCE MATERIALS AND FURNITURE TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE SPACE TO ALLOW FOR LONG LASTING USE AND A LOWER LIFECYCLE COST THAT PROMOTES RENEWAL AND REVITALIZATION.
TIME
FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE SPACES THAT ALLOW THE ENVIRONMENT TO BE USABLE DURING ANY POINT OF THE DAY. PROVIDING CONVENIENT AND SIMPLE FURNITURE CONFIGURATIONS THAT PROMOTE CHANGE AND VERSATILITY FOR ALL USERS.
CONCEPT & STATEMENTS
BAR & LOUNGE
Several design principles were integrated within the restaurant, such as various patterns that mimic nature, contrast between colors, spaces, and texture, and repetition through the different furniture types included within each space. I also implemented movement by understanding how a person’s eye would travel through each space. Roots and Grounds aims to be a leader in adjusting how we think about a restaurant. Not only is this a social place with the primary goal of serving people food, but it should also be a comforting place where community is welcomed and the idea of quality service that centers on the care of both people and the Earth is expressed.
After all, roots are an integral part of any plant in nature. They allow a plant to gather nutrients to sustain itself and continue growing, for as the roots grow deeper into the Earth, so does the plant reach closer to the sun. This is the concept that Roots and Grounds is centered on: a way for multiple facets to come together in one beautiful masterpiece to create a long-lasting design.
SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW WILLOWLEAF
DALTILE FANTASY BROWN SLAB
STEVENSWOOD SIBERIAN OAK
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
HIGH LEVEL OF PRIVACY
MEDIUM LEVEL OF PRIVACY
LOW LEVEL OF PRIVACY
HIGH LEVEL OF PRIVACY
MEDIUM LEVEL OF PRIVACY LOW LEVEL OF PRIVACY
AC TIVITIES DIRECTOR & STAFF
AC TIVITIES STORAGE
ADMISSIONS ASSISTANT W/ WAITING AREA
This project aims to create an assisted-living facility internationally where Zoiros Frontida can expand its site locations, help more individuals, and emphasize the quality and feeling of home. The future facility embraces the Japanese culture of Kanagawa while striving for an elevated design with a consistent sense of home for every resident. Intentional and essential design will be the primary pillars of this project. The goal is to achieve modern and biophilic spaces that connect the interior and exterior environments with functional spaces that bring every person a sense of connection and healing.
The concept for this project is to create a space that not only embraces Japanese culture, but also elevates the traditional way of life. Datsuzoku is the name of the new assisted living and the concept model of which my designs have followed. Datsuzoku means to step out of the ordinary or out of routine. For this assisted living, that means stepping away from typical spaces, furniture, layouts, etc., and stepping into unique spaces, functional environments, and a creative way of shaping an assisted living facility. For example, interior gardens/atriums are included on several floors within the building to provide a sense of healing and connection to nature. Another way my designs have accomplished the concept is through an Earthtoned palette that mirrors many of the colors seen all throughout Japan. The entrance and reception is a statement space that I designed to be simple, yet enhancing. The textured wood baffle ceiling elements paired with the washi cream wall coverings offer sensory exposure that allows the eye to explore the space.
RECEPTION
VALLEJO RESIDENCE
PROJECT TYPE: HOUSE & APARTMENT | RESIDENTIAL
LOCATION: SAN FRANCISCO, CA
SOFTWARE USED: REVIT, ENSCAPE, ADOBE SUITE
The Vallejo Residence is a dual-property opportunity where the client has specified the lower level to be rentable for someone with potential disabilities. My inspiration in designing this space was to create an environment that felt like a classical luxury connection to the main residence with an open layout and extra bedroom that can function interchangebly between an office, guest suite, bedroom, etc.
The color scheme is neutral with bold accents of blue and green gem tones. Elegant slab stones, touch-latch cabinetry, and wall moldings were a few of the design elements that I have included in this space. Extra storage areas and undermount lighitng are also added features to elevate the lower level residence.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HEADQUARTERS
PROJECT TYPE: OFFICE | COMMERCIAL
LOCATION: SAN FRANCISCO, CA
SOFTWARE USED: REVIT, ENSCAPE, ADOBE SUITE
The Presidio of San Francisco, CA, initially established as a Spanish military post, is now a historic landmark district and national park. This beautiful area includes 15,000 acres of forests, creeks, and beaches, collections of artifacts related to military history, and the oldest national cemetery. Before the birth of its time as a military post, this land was native territory for the Yelamu, a local tribe of the Ramaytush Ohlone people. These people are still indigenous to the area today.
The Presidio merged with Golden Gate National Park in 1994 and, four years later, began fully operating. Three organizations support this area through Partnership for the Presidio, a name that includes support from two federal agencies and a non-profit conservancy. This partnership has opened the doors to several revitalizing tactics for the Presidio, including “restoring hundreds of historic buildings first used by the Army to be now used as homes, workplaces, and visitor destinations; renewing the Presidio’s forest and wild open spaces; and improved trails, beaches, and other amenities to make the area welcoming to all.”
Currently, the Presidio is an active small town, home to approximately 3,000 people and 200 organizations. The trust invests all of its earnings back into the Presidio to help continue sustaining the area while remaining welcoming to all people.
RECEPTION & LOBBY
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HEADQUARTERS IS A STATEMENT OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THE BEAUTIFUL WORK THAT THIS COMPANY DOES FOR THE WORLD, WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY CREATING A HAVEN ENVIRONMENT FOR EMPLOYEES AND GUESTS TO ENJOY.
THE RECEPTION AND LOBBY IS THE FIRST SPACE THAT PEOPLE WILL ENCOUNTER, WHICH IS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO DESIGN A LAYOUT THAT EMBODIES THE CONCEPT AND GOAL FOR THIS PROJECTTO CREATE A STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT THAT INCLUDES EXCITING ELEMENTS THAT SPARK CURIOSITY TO CONTINUE EXPLORING THE BUILDING WITH VIGOR
THE GRAND RECEPTION DESK WAS INSPIRED BY THE IDEA OF A GEODE; A ROCK THAT, WHEN OPENED, CONTAINS MAGNIFICENT CRYSTALS THAT ARE PLEASING TO THE EYE.
