Emma Weaver : Interior Design Portfolio 2023

kent state university

BA interior design

I’m an interior design student, small business owner, musician, artist, and writer. My mission is to tell stories in every possible way I can. I believe that a good story can singlehandedly change the course of someone’s life and consequently change the world. As a design student, I aspire to create designs that tell these stories. I chose to study interior design because it allows stories to be activated in a three dimensional space, which provides lots of opportunity for creativity. It also allows designers to tell stories of the user group, the client, and the historical location. To design without considering the stories of the past and future users is detrimental to the success of the project.

I am a storyteller.

My name is Emma Weaver, and this is how I tell stories through design.

1 2 3 4 5 6

a story of workplace

applied drama + autism

empowering youth through design

3 pilgrims move to tokyo

a prison becomes an arts community

creative storytelling

A OFSTORY WORKPLACE

Inspired by the variety of home offices that popped up during the pandemic, the Story of Workplace project aims to design a corporate office for the clothing and lifestyle brand Anthropologie, which provides for 75% remote and/ or hybrid employees. Anthropologie’s mission statement inspired the concept for this design: The Park Typology. This concept focuses on a kit of parts found in parks that can be applied to an office space to allow for employee agency and multifunctionality in a hybrid workspace. This story is told through the narratives of 4 Anthropologie employees, who each have different modes of working in and out of the office. The focal point of the floor plan is the 3-level fashion library and archive that exists in the center of the office and can serve as a "town hall" collaboration space or an individual research zone.

Software used: revit, enscape, and photoshop

Image: concept collage

characters MEET THE

& their home offices

ASHLEY: creative director with a hybrid schedule; lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her husband + kids

HANNAH + ADDIE: remote interns living as roommates in Philadelphia who come into the office biweekly

JACK: personal stylist in the Philadelphia office who is transitioning back to fully in-person

THE

park typology

inspired by Perkins & Will: Special Use Park

SPACE UTILIZATION

meeting: 16% collaboration space

personnel: 27% workstations and offices

ancillary: 12% employee support spaces

amenity: 6% typical recreation spaces

circulation: 35%

“paved” spaces around site

neighborhood 1

A maker space and open office area for 16-20 employees. Partial walls with privacy curtains allow the space to flex with the type of work occurring. Modular desks are available for those employees who prefer a more traditional workplace, while slim tables with bar stools are available for those who are working on a handson project. Acoustic baffles hang from the ceiling with mismatched chandeliers to illuminate the area and reduce echoes. The neighborhoods are situated on the corners of the floor so that they receive the maximum amount of light.

conference room

A meeting space for 20 people with easy remote connection and presentation. Linen curtains allow abundant light to enter the space while also removing glare from the projector screen. Exposed brick walls extend to meet the waffle ceiling, while a drop ceiling and baffles provide acoustic privacy and reduce echoes. A storage shelf with hanging rods exists to hold prototypes and designs that are being discussed in the room.

middle level archive

In between the 12th and 13th floor, there is a smaller level that extends off of the stair landings on each side. The fashion archives on the first floor are stacked so that the second half is accessible through this middle level. The gallery on the middle level has areas for pin-up as well as built-in benches for employees to work. There are plants along the railing that flourish in the natural light. The ceiling of the middle level becomes a collaboration space on level 13.

“ ”

HOW DO YOU COMPETE WITH THE HOME OFFICE?

AND APPLIED DRAMA AUTISM

The Center for Applied Drama and Autism in Akron, Ohio focuses on applied drama and creative writing to help their students on the Autism Spectrum develop social and life skills and gain self confidence. In order for this space to represent CADA’s vision and the belief system upheld by their unique teaching method, the concept of unstructured: a paradoxical approach to sensory design, will be applied. This is achieved in the environment by creating contrasting spaces of high structure and seemingly unstructure (although unstructure is really just structure at the molecular level). Design strategies to convey this concept include layered textures, colors, form, patterns, lights, and acoustics, and will allow the students to find refuge, release energy, or be with others to find comfort. These gradients of layering will address the hypo and hypersensitive needs of individuals with ASD, while also giving them the opportunity to explore different sensitivity levels. By designing an environment that adapts to their growth, this unstructured space will encourage students to explore the interactive interior at their own pace. Since unpredicted change is stressful for people with ASD, the layout and program of the space will stay consistent, legible, and repetitive, and the sensory details will be infused throughout the space with responsive and adaptable forms. These forms will have the ability to flex and adapt to the current sensory need, creating an inclusive environment for students and staff on the Autism Spectrum.

Software used: revit, enscape, photoshop, illustrator, indesign

Image: concept collage

interior design studio 5: fall 2022

partner: kara mayor

neurodiversity DESIGNING FOR

inspired by “Design Across the Spectrum”,

written by Dr. Ceridwen Owen

unstructured

a

paradoxical approach to sensory design

“

WHEN I LOOK AT NATURE, I RECEIVE A SORT OF PERMISSION TO BE ALIVE IN THIS WORLD

naoki higashida, The Reason I Jump

Inspired by this quote from Naoki Higashida’s documentary, The Reason I Jump, the concept for this project aims to mimic the seemingly unstructured feel of nature while actually being extremely structured. By taking this paradoxical approach, the students who enter CADA won’t feel like they are walking into a facility specifically for people with Autism, but instead are walking into a space that is theirs, personally. They will be able to feel comfortable and focus on learning through applied drama because their environment won’t hinder their senses and overwhelm them. It’s a sanctuary for these students where they can be completely themselves without being ashamed of their neurodiversity.

space planning applied research

The space plan for CADA is laid out in a way that provides repetition and predictability for the users. This ensures that students with autism won’t be confused by the spatial layout and programming so that they can focus on their learning. This is done by stacking spaces on the floor plan that relate to each other, such as the classrooms or the staff space. A parametric ceiling element that begins on the main floor and flows into the lower level through the atrium connects the spaces in a functional, aesthetic way.

1: student entrance

2: reception + check in

3: screening room

4: sensory nook

5: private office

6: private office

7: staff lounge

8: hyposensitive classroom

9: universal restrooms

10: prop studio

11: creative community atrium

12: open offices

13: auxiliary entrance + stairwell

14: recording studio

15: hypersensitive classroom

16: universal restrooms

CEILING ELEMENT AXON

prop studio

The decision to add a prop/set/costume design studio to the program originated from the idea that not all students like to perform on a stage, and would rather contribute in other introverted ways. CADA teaches through applied theatre, which can include the crafting of stage elements in order to help tell the story along with the performers. Specific elements of this space include the craft storage wall at the back with a pegboard, a couple of clothing racks for costumes, 2 communal studio desks with variable seating, and acoustic baffles with task lighting.

community atrium

This atrium was designed to serve as a visual connection between the two floors, as well as a community landing pad where CADA students can interact with the community in a controlled and comfortable environment. On the first floor, there is a small library, lounge space, and informal stage for impromptu performances. On the top is the reception and entry followed by a screening room and a sensory nook. Connected by a large acoustic ceiling element that doubles as art, this atrium gives the chance for hypersensitive and hyposensitive students to interact with each other even though their classrooms are on different floors.

EMPOWERING THROUGH DESIGN YOUTH

30,000 feet is a non-profit, after school program for African American Youth in St. Paul, Minnesota. 30k uses art and technology to encourage students to advocate for themselves and for their future. They are inhabiting an old bank with a new addition being built on one side. In their new space, 30k needs art and tech studios for youth aged 5-18, along with a cafe and cowork area. They also need an urban garden that will allow them to produce their own food and teach the youth about sustainable living.

Research was done on the school to prison pipeline, youth in segregated communities, and the history of the site of St. Paul. This research informed the concept of the design and the program.

Software used: revit, enscape, photoshop, illustrator, indesign, hand crafting

Image: concept collage

situating to THE SITE

The scholars at 30k face many barriers everyday, but could be unaware of the invisible barriers created by the site. This space aims to provide a space for liberation, joy, and personal development in a location where they previously had none of that. It’s an opportunity to re-root themselves in the arts and technology.

This space will be realized through the application of Gloria Ladson-Billings culturally relevant pedagogy. Spatial Agency will be given to the scholars in regards to their chosen discipline, and subsequently the spaces they will inhabit. By designing for joy, the scholars and staff will be able to fully realize their potential and focus on their personal growth because the space is advocating for them. Rather than letting the site create a situated tendency, the site is transformed in a joyful manner.

-amphitheater, lakeside activity center, golfcourse, lake, waterfall

CREATIVE ENTERPRISE ZONE -recognized center of creativity and enterprise, a place where people make a living by their creative capacities.

LOWERTOWN LOFTS ARTIST COOPERATIVE

-7 min drive from 30k -provides affordable live/work studios for a community of artists in saint paul’s historic warehouse district

SITE CREATES SITUATED TENDENCIES.

sites, situations, and other kinds of situatedness

JOHNSON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL -aerospace and engineering high school

FARNSWORTH LOWER CAMPUS -pre k through 4

PHALEN PARK

space planning

The scholars at 30k face many barriers everyday, but could be unaware of the invisible barriers created by the site. This space aims to provide a space for liberation, joy, and personal development in a location where they previously had none of that. It’s an opportunity to re-root themselves in the arts and technology.

This space will be realized through the application of Gloria LadsonBillings culturally relevant pedagogy. Spatial Agency will be given to the scholars in regards to their chosen discipline, and subsequently the spaces they will inhabit. By designing for joy, the scholars and staff will be able to fully realize their potential and focus on their personal growth because the space is advocating for them. Rather than letting the site create a situated tendency, the site is transformed in a joyful manner.

MAIN LEVEL

1: art studios

2: reception + retail

3: prep kitchen

4: loading + staging

5: restrooms

urban garden

Since St. Paul has an arctic climate, keeping a garden outside will only allow it to be used for a small portion of the year. By putting the garden on the roof in a covered greenhouse, scholars and staff will have access to it year round. This greenhouse will have two separate areas for plants needing a humid, tropical climate, while the main area will be a temperate climate. The garden will be available for scholars to study in, or for staff to hold class in if they want to get out of the studios. In the middle of the space is a 20’ custom table made from hempcrete and mycelium, which are sustainable alternatives to concrete and timber. The center of the table is a hollow planter with small trees planted within the table legs. This table inspires students to think outside of the box, while also serving a physical function.

MYCELIUM TABLE TOP

3”X3” strands of mycelium adhered to each other to form a table top. An extra strand is grown underneath on each side to add more support.

RENDER

PHYSICAL

HEMPCRETE PLANTER

Hempcrete molded into a planter shape with hollow legs. The top part is permeable to allow the mycelium to grow through it.

SECTION MODEL SECTION

3 PILGRIMS MOVE TO TOKYO

The task was to design a space for a potter, musician, and astronomer to live and grow together in. Each of the pilgrims were to have their own space where they could reach a level of self-fulfillment in their career and personal life. The site was Tokyo, Japan.

Research was done on Japanese culture, Sou Fujimoto, and each of the pilgrims before any design work was done. That research was the basis for the entire project. Understanding each of the pilgrim’s needs and what it meant to live in . Tokyo was crucial to the success of the design. Fujimoto was to be an ally, an influence.

Models and drawings were derived from that research to reveal a conceptual space for those 3 pilgrims.

Software used: rhino, vray, photoshop, hand crafting

Image: atmospheric collage

Vaulted, tectonic roof to mimic a concert hall, giving the pianist a chance to achieve their wildest dreams. lots of filtered sunlight. they simultaneously feel at peace, and like a rockstar.

Low, horizontal space to be physically close to the earth. includes a firing kiln to allow the potter to finish their process. they feel like a friend to the earth, as if they help each other throughout the day.

musician potter astronomer

Vertical space to physically and intellectually ascend to the stars. many layers to view the stars from different perspectives. they feel inspired by the magic of space and the unknown. “ ”

HOW CAN ONE SPACE PROVIDE FOR 3 COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NEEDS AND PATHS OF LIFE?

A PRISON BECOMES AN ARTS COMPLEX

Located in historic Florence, Italy, the Le Murate complex is a site full of culture and experience. It originally served as a convent before transitioning into a prison, and is now a center for the arts and a series of apartments. What had previously been an inmate courtyard is now the home to the popular cafe, Cafe Letterario. For this project, Cafe Letterario was to be redesigned in partnership with IDeAL (Italian Design and Arts Lab) to become a large celebration of the arts. The entire complex needed to serve the communities’ needs as well as represent the rich artistic history of Florentine architecture and industrial design.

Heavily inspired by the radical design group Superstudio, this design aims to inspire younger generations of artists through the use of history, representation, and playfulness.

Software used: sketchup, enscape, photoshop, indesign

Image: exterior addition rendering

interior design studio 4: spring 2022; florence, italy

THE

courtyard kiosk

to be deployed in the cafe letterario courtyard

A kiosk designed to be a point of information for IDeAL that can be closed and moved to new locations across Florence to advocate for the arts. Consisting of 12 individual pieces to form 6 different functions, this kiosk is multifunctional when opened. When closed, it is a monolithic cube resemblant of Superstudio’s Continuous Monument.

Multiple levels

3 display cubes

2 slanted surfaces

Lightweight + portable Interactive screens

3 different sizes

Multifunctional art piece

4 display cubes

Optional screen

HOW CAN A HISTORICAL BUILDING BE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE THROUGH PLAYFULNESS AND CHILDHOOD NOSTALGIA?

RENDERED FLOOR PLAN

spatial layout

Taking inspiration from the multifunctional kiosk, the design of this plan aims to create a seamless path of travel through each space. The exhibit and cafe provide an impactful entrance before guests continue through the space into the outdoor area, second exhibit, or the workshop/lecture space at the back.

CONCEPTUAL SPACE PLAN

cafe letterario

This renovated cafe is set in the existing footprint of the current Cafe Letterario. The cafe needed to be able to function independently from the rest of the space, so it was given a second entrance for guests who wish to only get coffee and leave. The grid design of the kiosk that exists in the adjacent courtyard continues into this cafe to provide a seamless transition.

cafe exhibit

In between Cafe Letterario and the outdoor courtyard is a redesigned extension of the existing structure. The exterior reacts to the design of the kiosk, while the interior serves as a temporary exhibit space for short term exhibits. This exhibit space is interactive and matches the playfulness of the interior structure.

CREATIVE STORYTELLING

My favorite part of the design process is the presentation and representation where designs come to life through graphics, technology, and manual techniques. I love being able to tell the story of a space through these unique mediums.

I also explore different creative techniques outside of class through my Etsy shop. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I started an online shop to sell art prints and it has given me so many opportunities to develop my storytelling skills. Along with running my shop, I take custom orders and freelance graphic design projects as well.

Software used: photoshop, illustrator, procreate, rhino, enscape, vray

Image: render done in a guest workshop; inspired by the film “My Neighbor Totoro” by Studio Ghibli

media exploration

MIDDLE LEFT: interactive children’s exhibit render

BOTTOM LEFT: collage based on environmental repair

TOP RIGHT: realistic enscape render

MIDDLE RIGHT: retro perspective render

BOTTOM RIGHT: Nerdy Bird Print Co. art prints