essence.morgan@hotmail.com
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AutoCAD
Revit
Adobe Photoshop
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Manitoba Design Expo/PIDIM
Info Ambassador
Oct 11, 2023
Doors Open Toronto
Cumulus Architects
Info Ambassador
May 19, 2019
CSC Building Expo
Info Ambassador
February 28, 2018
Doors Open Toronto
FIRMA/Lia Maston Architects
Info Ambassador
May 27, 2017
I am a Master of Interior Design student at the University of Manitoba. Passionate about human centered and sustainable design, I am eager to gain hands on experience. I hold a positive mindset and sound level of adaptability, by staying true to my considerate and driven nature.
November 2022 – April 2022
Architectural Technologist • Baldwin & Franklin Architects
Prepare architectural drawings: plans, sections, elevations. Coordinate architectural documents with other disciplines. Support project architects with data and calculations. Develop construction details in draft for review. Assist in preparing building permit applications.
June 2018 – August 2020
CAD Operator • Pretium Engineering Inc
Collaborate with project coordinators and managers on projects to provide neat and precise drawings up to company CAD standards. Attend site visits and conduct measurements.
Master of Interior Design • September 2023 - Present University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
Bachelor of Architectural Science • 2022
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Burnaby, BC
Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology with Honors • 2018
George Brown College, Toronto, ON
Project Details
Course: Architectural Tech Studio 4
Date: Winter 2021
Contributors: Hayley Pateman, Julia Dronsejko
Project Details
Course: Directed Studies
Date: Spring 2022
Contributors: Keshia Laisianto, Raeesah Majeed
It is vital that sufficient space is provided for individuals of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in order to navigate spaces effectively. Users must be provided with ample space to sign comfortably, and engage in non-verbal communication while, sitting, standing or walking. Visual connection to spaces is an important factor in creating a safe and comfortable enviornment. As Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals hold significant reliance on visual indications to understand spaces, open sightlines must be maintained. This is why open plan layouts with no visual barriers must be implemented in transit station design.
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Maintain open consistent sightlines throughout the building, making sure that Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals are able to understand use and comfortably occupy spaces by using their sight.
Seating arrangements that accommodate the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, through circular layouts, differing heights, adequate spacing, and casual temporary storage.
Designing circulation spaces like corridors, ramps, stairs and elevators in a way that reduces obstacles for Deaf and Hard of Hearing users while in transitioning from space to space .
Proxemics refers to the study of spatial distances between individuals as it relates to cultural, behavioral, and sociological aspects. Deaf and Hard of hearing individuals require a larger space between one another when engaged in conversation. This allows them to maintain an appropriate view range, where they are close enough to read subtle face expressions, and far enough to see signing hand movements. To accommodate for Deaf Proxemics, visual barriers must be eliminated. There must be adequate space around the arm area for comfortable signing, and areas must remain barrier free in the case that physical contact is needed in the conversation.
Arm space for comfortable signing
Distance allows the legibility of subtle facial expressions
The use of automatic sliding doors allows individuals to continue their conversation while they walk, eliminating the need to pause communication to open a door. It is important that these doors are fully glazed so that individuals of all heights are able to see through them and know when someone is approaching. It is also beneficial to use high contrast colours beside glazing as this clear distinction of materials improves spatial awareness. The glazed entryway creates a lantern effect in the night time and makes it easy to spot from afar. Reference: DeafSpace Section 2.3.1 Glazed Entrances.
It is vital that the building is relatively open so that individuals are able to easily navigate spaces within the station. There should be no obstructions blocking major destination points, as clear visibility should be provided at varying points in the building. An open plan layout as well as glazing should be used for increased visibility.
Reference: DeafSpace Section 2.1.5 Visible Destinations Within Buildings
Utilize seats that are light and flexible, as this will allow for the alteration of seating arrangements as groups expand. Elements that restrict movement like arm rests should be avoided. Reference Deafspace Section 1.3.7 Flexible Casual Seating.
Seating arranged in a circular layout provides continuous visibility for individuals engaging in conversation, while accommodating for larger groups. This way, one is able to make eye contact, and maintain a visual connection with all parties. Reference DeafSpace: Section 1.2.1 Groups & Seating Arrangements.
The use of chairs and stools at differing heights establishes clear visual communication. A standard seating arrangement with identical heights poses the issue of visual barriers. With varying heights of seating, individuals are less likely to block each other and prevent another from engaging in conversation. Reference DeafSpace Section 1.3.8 Fixed Casual Seating Arrangements.
Exterior Connection
It is ideal to establish a connection to the outside, especially in areas of exterior circulation. This way, users are able to see when others enter the station and maintain a clear understanding of their surroundings. Reference: DeafSpace Section 1.3.6 Linking Exterior & Interior Spaces.
Seats must be spaced appropriately so that individuals may sit between 18in - 3ft apart. This spacing provides adequate room for individuals to sign comfortably, and circulate freely. Reference: DeafSpace Section 1.3.8 Fixed Casual Seating Arrangements.
18in - 3ft
Pedestals and shelves should be provided to place ones belongings so that they are able to engage in conversation, without placing their items on the ground. Provide a variety of shelves and pedestals, at the approximate height of a chair or railing for casual use in typical conversation spaces like the seating area. Reference: DeafSpace Section 1.3.9 Conversation Pedistals & Shelves.
Tables that seat over four people should be circular for optimal sightlines. To cater to larger group settings, it is more beneficial to use a larger quantity of small tables rather than a lesser number of large ones. This setup allows flexibility of the furniture, and a smaller group setting prevents the possibility of visual obstructions.
Reference: DeafSpace Section 1.3.7 Flexible Casual Seating.
Primary corridors must span a minimum width of 8 feet, while secondary corridors must measure at least 6 feet. This width allows individuals the space necessary to engage in sign conversation while spaced at a sufficient distance apart. It is also beneficial to provide conversation nodes along the pathway, so that individuals may communicate comfortably, outside of the path of travel.
Reference: Deafspace Section 3.1.1 Corridor Dimensions.
Where possible the use of ramps is beneficial in eliminating the need to pause before transitioning to a new space. Signers are therefore able to continue a conversation while travelling on the ramp. Reference: Deafspace Section 3.2.5 Ramp Configuration.
Stairs should be open and provide users with visual connections to their surroundings. Where possible, a window should be placed in this area to combat the feeling of confinement and aid in wayfinding through connections to the outside. Reference: Deafspace Section 2.3.5 Stair Enclosure.
The use of glazing for elevators maintains visual connections during the journey up or down, and increases the level of safety. Reference: Deafspace Section 2.3.4 Glass Elevators
The new retail stall provides open sightlines, in place of the large convenience stand which created a visual barrier.
Seating is provided in a circular layout to maintain eye contact and provide sufficient space for comfortable sign conversations.
Compass card and ticket machines have been pushed outside of the central area, as this area experiences a high level of pedestrial traffic. Entrance Doors Seating Design New Floor Plan with Design Implementation
The swing entry doors have been replaced with sliding doors to provide visibility, and allow conversations to continue while entering the station.
WHILE MORE THAN 50% OF VANCOUVER’S POPULATION IDENTIFY AS PEOPLE OF COLOUR LESS THAN 20% ARE REPRESENTED IN GALLERIES
the purpose of this project is to build artist studio and housing units in a way that dignifies the low income BIPOC community so that the art industry is able to take on a more inclusive nature
PRESENCE
RACIAL REPRESENTATION OF ARTISTS IN LOCAL COMMERCIAL GALLERIES
WHAT DOES A CHANGE LIKE THIS LOOK LIKE? WHAT DOES IT TAKE?
BLACK INDIGENOUS OTHER POC WHITE
Project Details
Course: Graduating Project
Date: Winter 2022
BIPOC PRESENCE (RESTAURANTS, GROCERS, COMPANIES AND CULTURAL MAGNETS)
ARTISTS HUBS (GALLERIES, SCHOOLS, ART ORGANIZATIONS)
The Fragment was designed for building community, and as such, the kitchen, living room, and art studios are shared spaces. It is however, important as a part of dignified living to have a space where individuals can retreat and simply enjoy their own company.
The studio unit is designed to comfortably house one artist resident.
Soft tones and pops of colour are used in combination to gently welcome residents, inviting moments of inspiration while encouraging rest. The furniture choices were made with the common theme of curved geometry, to embody fluidity. Many of these pieces are asymmetrical, which elludes to the release of limiting beliefs that are often associated with the concept of perfection.
Reclaimed wood flooring adds texture while acknowledging the importance of preservation in all aspects, from recycling materials to ideas.
The St Norbert Arts Centre located at 100 Rue des Ruines du Monastere serves as the site for this project and tells a story of rich historic significance as one of Winnipeg’s oldest Heritage landmarks. Music is the sacred element, and as such a museum is designed to inhabit the guest house, walking visitors through the evolution of music formats across time. This project will be the main space for Manitoba Music events that connect the music industry through performances, workshops, and artist residences. This will establish a base that community members can return to, so that individuals get the chance to familiarize themselves with each other, building relationships within the industry, and promoting their own art.
Project Details
Course: Masters Interior
Design Studio 2
Date: Winter 2024
GWB @ 3190mm A.F.F
GWB @ 2340mm A.F.F
GWB @ 3330mm A.F.F
GWB @ 2600mm A.F.F
GWB @ 3360mm A.F.F
GWB @ 3330mm A.F.F
GWB @ 2920mm A.F.F
GWB @ 3330mm A.F.F
GWB @ 3260mm A.F.F
GWB @ 3360mm A.F.F
GWB @ 26000mm A.F.F
GWB @ 2600mm A.F.F
GWB @ 2600mm A.F.F
The Haven House serves to provide a safe space for those who are unhoused and living with Cognitive and Developmental disorders. This housing unit takes on the Housing First approach, in alignment with the belief that everyone is deserving of shelter, and once that is taken care of, the ability to focus and grow in other facets of life becomes available. The user group may experience auditory, visual and tactile sensitivities, and as such materials were selected and sensory design methods applied to ensure holistic user comfort. Flowing curves embody the design language through furniture choices and casework, in response to the user specific discomfort one may feel from sharp edges, and harsh corners. Lounges are placed on each floor to foster community and encourage social interaction, keeping open sightlines for ease of navigation between spaces. The home aimes to cultivate a collection of spaces that caters to the user’s needs, in a built world that often ignores the necessities of this demographic.
Project Details
Course: Masters Interior
Design Studio 1
Date: Fall 2023
HAVEN HOUSE MAKES SPACE FOR INDIVIDUALS AGES 18-65 YEARS OLD WHO ARE EXPERIENCING
HOUSELESSNESS AND LIVING WITH COGNITIVE & DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
These primarily affect ones ability to learn and understand through thought, experience and the senses
Includes: Autism, Down Syndrome
DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
These involve physical and intellectual impairments that result in delays or setbacks in developmental milestones
Ex. first words, first steps
Includes: Autism, Cerebral Palsy
Visual: Soft colours and lighting
Auditory: Acoustic quality
Tactile: Textures that reflect comfort and stability
