SUPERNOVA
SUPERNOVA PENDANT
FIGURE-GROUND RELATIONSHIPS
GRAPHIC DESIGN

SUPERNOVA
SUPERNOVA PENDANT
FIGURE-GROUND RELATIONSHIPS
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Utilizing parametric design techniques, the Streetcar Pavilion was crafted to accommodate various seating preferences. Its imaginative form not only serves practical purposes but also invites children to explore and climb, adding an element of playfulness. The exterior shell provides shelter, shielding visitors from New Orleans’ rainstorms and the summer sun. The design aims to capture the lively spirit of the city, creating a comfortable waiting space for individuals.
The pavillion consists of two distinct components: an exterior shell and an inner sculpted form for seating. The roofline seamlessly connects the streetcar doors to the opposite pathway, ensuring smooth and efficient movement. The inner seating arrangement was designed to accommodate diverse seating and lounging preferences.
PLAN 3/32” = 1’-0”
The pavilion functions as a vital link between the street and its surroundings, serving as a place for transition. Along its exterior shell, a blank canvas presents an opportunity for a New Orleans‘ artist to craft a vibrant mural. Conceived as an inviting gateway, the pavilion‘s dynamic form lines not only reflects the fluid motion of the streetcar, but also guides and encourages movement through the structure. The pavilion produces a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics, inviting people to engage with both its form and the vibrant atmosphere it helps cultivate.
SECTION B 3/32” = 1’-0”
SECTION A 3/32” = 1’-0”
A formal analysis of the Brugmansia Supernova flower, on paper. The examination reveals the geometry, structure, relationships and density of the flower components. The analysis aims to translate the organic forms of the plant into geometric and mathematical relationships. With a close attention to the natural movement of the flower, the study attempts to display the plant’s threedimensional form on a two-dimensional plane.
Shadow Model Study for Supernova Pendant
Sculptural forms made from card-stock paper were crafted to explore the forms of the Brugmansia Supernova flower. Created using only cuts, folds, and notches, the forms emphasize the flower’s dimensionality and relationship to light, space, and density.
Inspired by the Brugmansia Supernova Angel’s Trumpet, this pendant combines a radially symmetrical armature with delicate textured surfaces.
Illuminated, the “petals” of Tyvek material reveal organic, striated patterns. Assembled by wedging, the repetition of shapes generates an organic pattern and amplifies the play of light and shadow.
AXONOMETRIC
3" = 1'-0"
ASSIGNMENT 3B
After a study of various materials, Tyvek was selected for its qualities of illumination and texture.
Through the addition of ball bearings, the light rotates around its central axis, reinforcing its radial symmetry and movement.
ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS
ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS N.T.S.
Materials Used: Tyvek, museum board, roller ball bearings
Schematic Design for Disaster Relieif Center
Situated in the heart of New Orleans, the Library Annex is a multifaceted hub designed to cater to the community’s needs and seamlessly transform into a disaster relief center during hurricanes or other emergencies. The focus of the renovation was to create a welcoming gathering space for individuals during crises, while simultaneously ensuring utility as a community resource during non-emergency periods.
SINGLE MOM & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Age: 37
Gender: Female
Race: Black
Education Level: Graduate Degree
Religion: Christian
Status: Single
Income: $75,000
• Looking forward to retiring and growing
with her
• Dreams of having a vegetable garden in her backyard
• Wants to take her kids camping in Grand Isle
Values and Interests:
• Fun-loving creative living in New Orleans
• Enjoys making art projects with her daughter
• Works for a design firm that highly values her work
• Moved from Dallas and is trying to assimilate to New Orleans culture
Utilizing census data specific to the New Orleans area, a collection of user personas were created to encapsulate the diverse identities of its residents. These personas then served as the foundation for mapping out the typical day-to-day journeys of New Orleans residents.
Age: 35
Gender: Male
Race: Black
Objectives & Motivations:
• Wants to work her way up in positions at her current firm
• Independently supports herself and her daughter and is saving extra income for home improvements
Pains & Gains:
• Has lingering back pain from a college injury and must dedicate part of her income to PT
• Feels fulfilled by her career and is happy in day-to-day life
• Finds it challenging to balance work, family, and social life
Hopes & Dreams:
• Excited for when her daughter no longer needs a babysitter
• Wants to instill a strong work eithic in her daughter
• Wants to ensure financial security for her daughterʼs future
These user journey maps played a pivotal role in shaping the design approach. The understanding of the pains and gains of the users provided insights to the personsas distinct needs during a disaster. This informed the strategic organization of the space, ensuring it is finely tuned to meet the requirements of the community in times of crisis.
Education Level: High School
Religion: Christian
Status: Married with 3 kids
Income: $40,000
COLLABORATORS: RIN HU, OLIVIA ROGINSON
Values and Interests:
• Holds a leadership position at his church and volunteers when possible
• Family Oriented and enjoys caring for his children
• Works hard to provide for his family
Objectives & Motivations:
• Aims to support his family financially while still being present
• Wants to give his children top-tier education opportunities, including saving for future college endeavors
• Making date night with his wife a priority
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Race: Asian
Education Level: Current undergraduate
Religion: Not religious
Status: Unmarried
Income: $12/hour at part-time job
Values and Interests:
• Volunteers at local health clinic for experience and service hours
• Enjoys visiting her family, who live in Baton Rouge
• Explores the local music scene with her roommates
Objectives & Motivations:
• Planning to graduate in four years
• Wants to soak up New Orleans experiences and take advantage of network and resources available
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Age: 29
Gender: Non-binary
Race: Black
Education Level: Masters in Social Work
Religion: N/A
Status: Single
Income: $65,000
Values and Interests:
• Making a positive impact on their community through his work
• Using eco-friendly practices and products in daily life, such as biking to work when possible
• Getting involved in the art scene in the Bywater
Objectives & Motivations:
• Incorporating eco-friendly practices into their office environment
• Working with local organizations to help teach young people about gardening, recycling, and sustainability
• Hopes to move to Miami one day to advance her career, but plans to do this after her daughter moves out
Pains & Gains:
• Feels unfulfilled by his work, but appreciates the financial stability and flexible hours
• Wishes he could visit his family in Texas, where he is from originally
Hopes & Dreams:
• To move into a bigger house with a backyard for his children
• To move up at his company, where he can hold a stronger leadership position
Pains & Gains:
• First person in her family to go to college and struggling to navigate proper resources
• Receiving top-tier education, but accumulating student loan debt
• Undecided on career path after graduation and researching potential internship opportunities
• Finding balance between work and socializing
Hopes & Dreams:
• Pursuing a graduate degree in clinical psychology
• Own her own private practice
• Move out of New Orleans to larger city with better resources in field of psychology
Pains & Gains:
• Finds their work highly rewarding, but has a hard time managing a work-life balance and meeting people outside of the office
• Deals with emotional and traumatic cases professionally, and struggles to separate work from their personal wellbeing
Hopes & Dreams:
• Creating a sustainable support system for people in New Orleans through their work
• Finding a partner who shares their values and outlook on community involvement
Age: 72
Gender: Male
Race: Black
Education Level: Junior college degree
Religion: Christian Status: Married
Income: $60,000
Values and Interests:
• Active church member who loves being part of a larger community
• Enjoys fishing in his free time, and often goes on weekend trips his son and grandchildren
• An avid Saints fan who has had season tickets for years
Objectives & Motivations:
• Because he is tenured at work, Benʼs objectives lie mostly in his personal life
• Spending quality time with his grandchildren
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying active
Pains & Gains:
• Dealing with growing health concerns
• Wants to support kids and extended family financially but struggles to make ends meet for himself
• Business has slowed due to technological advances, and he struggles to keep up with new products
Hopes & Dreams:
• Wants to retire by 80 years old
• Hopes to take his entire family on vacation and enjoy quality time
• Wants to spend more time with his wife and manage his health
MORNING
Shawn and his wife wake up early, get dressed and ready for the day, and get their kids ready for school. The family has breakfast together before Shawn goes to work.
& GYM
Shawn drops his kids off at school. He has a bit of free time before he needs to be at work, so he goes to the gym.
Shawn works from 9-5 as an electrician. He either works in the office, makes house calls, or manages large projects.
Shawn meets his family at Church, where he holds a leadership position. He meets with other volunteers to discuss a new community outreach project.
Hope wakes up in her dorm and prepares for class. She gets dressed, eats breakfast, and cleans her room. She attends her first class at 10:00am. WAKE UP
WAKE UP
Charlie wakes up early to drink a cup of coffee and watch the sunrise. Post-sunrise, they gets dressed, makes breakfast, and prepares for the day.
PART-TIME JOB
After class, Hope drives to work at her part-time job at a local bookstore, and stays at work for the afternoon.
She drives back from work and attends her afternoon classes. She has two classes left, and the are back-to-back.
Once all of her classes are done, she volunteers at the local health clinic in the early evening for 2 hours.
DINNER
Shawn and his family drive home from Church to make dinner. At home, Shawn and his wife cook while the kids play together and watch television.
BEDTIME
After dinner, Shawn and his wife organize the house. Shawn does laundry and cleans up from cooking dinner, while his wife gets the kids ready for bed.
WAKE UP
Ben wakes up, reads his newspaper and makes his breakfast. His wife packed a lunch for him to take to work.
They drive to work where they are a licensed social worker. They meet with a patient who needs help navigating a family memberʼs cancer diagnosis. APPOINTMENT
After the meeting, Charlie researches how to help their patient. He focuses on ways to bring in more income while experiencing a health emergency.
Charlie takes a lunch break in city park. They eat in the park and then wander in the sculpture garden. Their next appointment is in the afternoon.
Hope returns to her dorm and relaxes. She finishes her homework, watches TV, and cooks dinner for herself before taking a shower and getting ready to go out. WAKE UP
LOCAL MUSIC
Hope meets her friends after dinner. They head to a local music venue to explore the music scene. After the concert, she goes back to her dorm and goes to bed.
Charlie returns home and prepares for tomorrowʼʼs appointments. Charlie heats up a frozen Lean Cuisine meal and dines in front of the tv.
After dinner, Charlie showers and gets ready for bed. They have a cup of tea and read about environmentalism in the news, then go to bed.
Ben drives to work at the car dealership, where he has worked for 40 years. He begins by counting inventory then managing appointments.
He works with customers, meets with other staff members, and goes on a lunch break. Ben typically works until 3 PM.
After work, Ben returns home and goes for a walk with his wife. They call one of their children and discuss potential vacation ideas.
DINNER
Ben and his wife invite friends from church over for dinner. They have a Bible study and enjoy each otherʼs company.
Ben cleans up from dinner and watches an episode of television before going to bed. He prefers to go to sleep early.
Drawing from the user personas, a comprehensive list of essential spaces for a disaster situation was developed. The list encompasses designated areas for children, medical assistance, information technology, quiet zones, sleeping quarters and personal storage. Informed by user persona research and first-hand accounts from those who have weathered hurricanes in New Orleans, it became evident that crafting a space that prioritized community gathering is the most effective approach for providing support and assistance.
Moreover, when these spaces are not in use for disaster response, the medical area can serve as counseling spaces, the kitchen can host cooking classes, and the gathering spaces can be utilized for community events.
A 1/8” =
B 1/8” =
MEETING AREAS
The community center/disaster relief materials draw inspiration from children’s spaces and nursery schools, aiming to establish a palette that fosters both a calming and uplifting atmosphere. Intended for enjoyment by the entire community, these materials are selected with a focus on durability and ease of maintenance.
Incorporating woven performance fabrics, terrazzo flooring, and maple wood casework, the chosen materials stand out for their robustness, ensuring resilience against heavy usage over time. This careful selection not only aligns with the aesthetic goal of creating a soothing and uplifting environment but also addresses practical considerations, making them highly suitable for the community center and disaster relief setting.
Based on the principles put forward in Bruno Munari’s Flight of Fancy, I placed 13 dots on a page as the starting point for 10 related interpretations of nature. Using Adobe Illustrator, my narrative focuses on the ways in which patterns can be found at different scales, from the macro level of landscapes and ecosystems, to the micro level of cells and molecules. The resulting illustrations capture the intricate and complex ways in which patterns are present in the natural world. This project employed creative problem solving to explore possibilities for variation, posit alternative solutions, and stress the importance of divergent thinking.
Inspired by the combination of a magazine holder and a desk, the “by-my-side” aims to explore the beauty of basic geometry, minimalist lines, and orthogonal relationships. Constructed from 3/4” thick Okoume plywood and held together with mechanical fasteners, the “by-my-side” features 10-degree angled cuts and slanted relationships that add complexity and intrigue to its otherwise simple geometry.
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC
The “by-my-side” was created with manufacturing in mind. It features a flat pack design for easy assembly, all fitting neatly into a single box. Crafted from a single sheet of Okoume plywood, it consists of seven pieces securely joined together with screws.
DESIGN INTERATIONS
During the initial design iterations, functionality was the primary focus, resulting in designs that were practical but bulky and awkward. However, as the project progressed, equal importance was given to the user experience and the object’s aesthetic appeal even when not in use.
The design iterations explored various angled relationships and the mechanics behind fastening the pieces together. Initially, two seats were included - one positioned 10 inches off the ground, and the other at 20 inches, both with a seat depth of 14 inches. Adjustments were made to cater to a broader audience, and the leg width was halved in the final design, resulting in a significant improvement in dynamic and aesthetic appeal.
The ultimate concept showcases a versatile seating arrangement, comprising either two seats or a seat and a table. The lower seat sits 15 inches above the ground while the higher one stands at 25 inches, creating an alcove in-between, ideal for storing books and magazines. This design lends itself to further exploration with alternative materials including steel and glass.
The Spacial Cube was built with the constraints of having no primary orientation, is able to stand on all sides, and fits within a 6 x 6 x 6 cube. By designing the cube with no primary orientation and the ability to stand on any of its sides, the piece communicates a dynamic and unpredictable energy that invites the viewer to explore and interact.
The cube is constructed from chipboard and glue, which gives it a strong and sturdy structure. Additionally, this choice of materials allows for manipulation of light and shadow. As the viewer moves around the cube, the interplay between light and shadow changes, creating a shifting visual experience. The use of chipboard and glue not only provide the durability to the structure but also compliments the dynamic nature of the structure.
The objective of this redesign was to create a cohesive and dynamic workspace that stands out as an enjoyable place to work. The client, an architecture firm, aimed to cultivate a more creative and stimulating environment for their team. The primary focus was to foster collaboration among employees by reducing the number of individual desks and adopting a more open and interactive workplace design.
With approximatly 50% of employees in the office at any given time, the new design effectively caters to the hybrid workers by offering more informal working spaces. Additionally, the design incorporates various opportunities for project teams to convene in areas beyond traditional conference rooms, encouraging alternative meeting spaces.
Furthermore, the designs take into account innovative methods for project teams to store and exhibit their project materials, allowing for a more organized and visually appealing showcase.
+ PROJECT NAME
CREATIVE OFFICE WORKSPACE
+ LOCATION
NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MA
+ TYPE
TENANT IMPROVEMENT
+ SQUARE FOOTAGE
7,510 SQ FT
In Gensler’s 2023 workplace survey, it was discovered that 88% of office workers in high-performing workplaces have the freedom to choose their workspace. This informed the decision to create a mix of workspaces consisting of creative group work, individual work, and spaces to reflect and restore.
Responding to the specific needs of the client, I conceptualized four distinct work zones—production, collaboration, creative, and meeting. Each zone is tailored to address the unique requirements of the project teams, with considerations such as, additional storage for materials or a “working wall” designed to visually showcase project materials and mood boards.
EXISTING TO REMAIN
EXISTING HEADCOUNT: 57
EXISTING TO REMAIN
OPTION 1 HEADCOUNT: 46 EXISTING TO REMAIN EXISTING TO REMAIN
EXISTING TO REMAIN
EXISTING HEADCOUNT: 57
EXISTING TO REMAIN
OPTION 2 HEADCOUNT: 47 EXISTING TO REMAIN EXISTING TO REMAIN
OPTION 1
EXISTING TO REMAIN
OPTION 2
EXISTING TO REMAIN
EXISTING TO REMAIN
EXISTING TO REMAIN
TESSELLATION PATTERN, MADE IN ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
The design explores form and how to utilize positive and negative spaces in a way to create a dynamic composition.
The design features a series of hands that are arranged in a repeating pattern, with some of the hands pointing at each other in a friendly or confrontational manner. The pattern creates a dynamic and intriguing visual composition that invites the viewer to consider the various ways in which we can interact with each other and the impact our actions can have on others.
The organization Education With No Limits is dedicated to ensuring that all schools in the Greater New Orleans area have the necessary resources to provide a higher standard of education. We achieve this by recruiting experienced and highly-qualified teachers for underserved school districts, who are passionate about making a positive impact on the New Orleans education system.
Our focus on placing certified and skilled instructors throughout the school districts promotes equity and equal opportunities for children to access a superior learning environment. By providing quality educators to all schools, we are working towards an education system that is fair and just for all students in the area.
COLLABORATORS
+ MADDIE RUBIN
+ IZZY SCHMIDT
In the years leading up to Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans’ public schools were struggling, and the high school graduation rate was a mere 50%. The devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina served as a wake-up call for state and local officials, who quickly realized they had an opportunity to reform the city’s educational systems. They sought to accomplish this by creating charter schools and establishing the Recovery School District (RSD). The RSD was tasked with taking over failing schools and working to improve them.
Since its creation in 2003, the RSD has taken over dozens of public schools in New Orleans, converting them into independent charter schools. Data shows that this approach has had a positive impact on schools, as test scores have been on the rise and expulsions have decreased. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean the system is perfect. New Orleans schools still score lower than the national average in certain areas of education. The Louisiana Department of Education’s rating system shows that, out of around 90 schools, less than 20 have a grade of A or B in the New Orleans area. Our organization, Education With No Limits, believes that this is due to a shortage of quality teachers in the system. As a result, schools often have to rely on inexperienced, un-certified, and poorlypaid or motivated staff.
We aim to address this issue by raising funds to support experienced teachers working at schools that are lower on the Louisiana Department of Education’s grading scale for New Orleans. We believe that introducing experienced and knowledgeable teachers into these lower-performing schools will help motivate students, improve the quality of education, and foster better relationships between students and educational staff. We are hopeful that this will lead to a more conducive learning environment for students to thrive.
The brand guide for Education With No Limits showcases a modern and dynamic visual identity that reflects the company’s commitment to providing high-quality education for all students in the Greater New Orleans area.
The initial designs incorporate the letter “E” in various creative ways, and include iconography related to education, such as books, and lettered blocks. The use of bold colors and clean lines creates a distinctive and professional look that is both intriguing and identifiable. Overall, the brand guide presents a cohesive and compelling visual brand that conveys the company’s mission and values.
TYPEFACES:
Futura Medium:
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890
Futura Bold:
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890
Graphik Regular: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890
TYPOGRAPHY LOGO - ALTERNATE COLOR SCHEME
Subtitle Graphik Regular 40 pt
Heading 1 Futura Bold 32pt
Heading 2 Futura Bold 27pt
Heading 3 Futura Medium 20pt
Body Graphik Regular 19pt
Industry internship with Charles Rose Architects, Somerville, MA.
A proposed residential interior design solution made during my time with Charles Rose Architects. The musically inclined clients wanted a space that can serve as a living room and environment for bimonthly musical salons. My responsibilities included selecting and sourcing materials, furniture, and art for client presentations and discussions.
SELECTED PIECES:
1. GREGORY SECTIONAL - FLEXFORM
2. FLOATING CURVED SOFA - VLADIMIR KAGAN
3. GUERIDON WAVE - PIERRE RENART
4. CUSTOM COFFEE TABLE - CHARLES ROSE ARCHITECTS
5. PALANQUIN PERCHÉ FLOOR - SWADOH
6. STEMLITE TABLE LAMP - DESIGN WITHIN REACH
7. ALICE CHANDELIER - JIMMY RAIDEN
9. DEVINE CARPET, LAGOON - LANDRY AND ARCARI
8. COSMOPOLITAN WHITE - CAESARSTONE
The main goal of this project was to create a personal logo that represents my identity as a creator and showcases my taste in art and design.
The design was constructed using circles that follow the proportions of the golden ratio. The placement of the circles within the logo, such as around “G” and “C” helps to create a pleasing visual relationship while communicating my design process.
The logo is built around the imagery of a sun and crescent moon. The use of clean lines and a limited color palette gives the logo a sleek and timeless design that is both recognisable and memorable. The overall effect is a logo that is visually striking and representative of my style.
Source Sans Pro Light
Source Sans Pro Regular
Source Sans Pro Regular
Source Sans Pro Black
LOCKUP VARIATIONS
C OOK
GEORGIA C OOK
C OOK
617-849-2890
GEORGIACOOK021@GMAIL.COM