Nina Kwei | 2020 | Bachelor of Interior Design

Design sustainable,

should and

be

functional,

aesthetically

durable,

pleasing

while

providing comfort and safety for the user. Through promoting

simplicity,

flexibility,

elegance

and

healthy lifestyle, design can support and sustain a beautiful and renewable future for all.

Contents

Design is an act of passion combined with compassion that is shaping and being shaped by all interactions.

- Nina Kwei

This portfolio exhibits three years of work from a Bachelor of Interior Design degree.

Senior Thesis - An adaptive reuse project designed to revitalize an underused factory building on a heritage site in Toronto. It transforms the building into a vibrant complex that will promote sustainable living.

The challenges are to transform the old brick factory into a user friendly space while preserving the heritage value and characteristics; to create the most suitable programs that not only compliment existing programs on site but also meets project intent; and to provide educational and memorable user experience through design that can promote and enhance public engagement on sustainable practices.

Solution & Thesis

Problem The growing environmental issues caused by the drastic

Providing interesting educational opportunities on

increase in human activities and the changing lifestyle choices give

environmental topics, offering valuable experience on

rise to sustainability. But the lack of proper knowledge and credible

sustainable living, and improving people’s connection

information sources on sustainability has led to the word being

with nature to increase public engagement on effective

widely abused and misleading.

Pro-Environmental Behaviour and Healthy Lifestyle

Despite the public awareness and effort to be more

Choices that can contribute to mitigating climate change.

‘sustainable’, there is a gap between knowing and understanding,

and an even bigger one between understanding and execution.

•

Produce Less to Pollute Less;

•

Reduce and Reuse to Replace Overconsumption.

Site Project Site: Evergreen Brick Works Address:

550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON

Total of 16 buildings in a 16.5 hectare ecological Evergreen Brick Works

park and natural heritage area.

Aquaponic Farm

A

Building Project Scope:

Building 9, 10, & 11

Total Area:

1,916 sq.m. (20,624 sq.ft.)

Building Age:

Built in 1925, 1891, 1910

Overall Ceiling Height:

± 9 m (± 30’)

Current Function:

Mainly used for storage of

View A

B

heritage artifacts with a small bike shop at south end.

Project Building

View B

Design Concept

Weathering Weathering is the slow alteration process that disintegrates or smooths the rock surfaces in its natural or original position through physical, chemical, and biological processes induced by wind, water, ice, salts, plants, and climate. Over time, large rocks are transformed into magnificent landscapes and small rocks are refined into soil and sand.

The goal of this project is to transform the existing building into a magnificent space through simple and thoughtful details that will offer useful and valuable functions for the users. Through reshaping the interior, it will generate a fluid and enchanting experience for the occupants. The design will create an organic and diversified environment that will produce profound influences to the people and form a sustainable connection to the site.

Program Branding & Features

Geo Environmental Museum

Armelo Creative Cuisine

Belement Living Experience Hotel

• Exhibition 1 - Ecosystem;

• Local Ingredients;

• Modern Primitive Lifestyle Experience;

• Exhibition 2 - Carbon Footprint;

• Regional Characteristics;

• Grow/Pick Your Own Vegetables;

• Exhibition 3 - Sustainability;

• Seasonal Menu;

• Pump Your Own Water;

• Event Hall - Special Exhibition or Program.

• Collaboration with Farmer’s Market;

• Bike Your Electricity;

• Fresh Vegetable From On-Site

• Learn Simple and Healthy Cooking;

Aquaponic Farm.

• Year-Round Program: Park Tour, Hiking, Outdoor Activities; • Summer Program: Biking, Meditation in Nature; • Winter Program: Skating, Ice Sculpture.

Project Criteria Total Area:

Legend 2,667 sq.m. (28,708 sq.ft.)

Geo Environmental Museum

Ground Floor Area: 1,916 sq.m. (20,624 sq.ft.)

Armelo Creative Cuisine & Cafe

2nd Floor Area:

751 sq.m. (8,084 sq.ft.)

Belement Living Experience Hotel

Operation Hours:

Museum & Shop - 9am to 6pm

BOH

Restaurant - 11am to 10 pm Café - 8am to 6pm Hotel - 24 H

Ground Floor

Project Criteria Total Area:

Legend 2,667 sq.m. (28,708 sq.ft.)

Geo Environmental Museum

Ground Floor Area: 1,916 sq.m. (20,624 sq.ft.)

Armelo Creative Cuisine & Cafe

2nd Floor Area:

751 sq.m. (8,084 sq.ft.)

Belement Living Experience Hotel

Operation Hours:

Museum & Shop - 9am to 6pm

BOH

Restaurant - 11am to 10 pm CafĂŠ - 8am to 6pm Hotel - 24 H

2nd Floor

Ground Floor

2nd Floor

B

C Focus Area

A

A

B

Program Used: SketchUp V-Ray

C

A C

B

Focus Area

A

B

Program Used: SketchUp V-Ray

C

Focus Area

A

B C

A

B

Program Used: SketchUp V-Ray

C

A restaurant project that also involves creating its branding that will suit the neighbourhood and demographic characteristics of downtown Toronto’s Entertainment District. There are specific seating capacity requirements and spatial needs.

The challenge of this project is to create proper separation for each space while maintaining good connections and providing logical circulation and access. The target clienteles are young working crowd and professionals that enjoy fine dining experience.

Design Concept

Chandelier

- To Dazzle and Fascinate

Chandelier is a representation of wealth and royalty since the medieval times. It is a symbol of luxury and status that is sumptuous and mesmerizing. Lighting up a room by refracting the lights from

the crystal glass, it induces excitement and stimulates sensations.

This beautiful creation never ceases to amaze us with its diversity and everlasting glamorous.

Restaurant is a place where people come to indulge their senses. The space shall reflect the enchantment of the neighborhood and the exquisite menu. Through combining the classic elegance and luxury with the refined urban elements to form a polished and sophisticated space, the restaurant will be a stylish and stunning destination that will fascinate every customer.

Ideation & Massing Model

Project Criteria Total Area:

295 sq. m.

Front of House:

226 sq. m.

Kitchen (N.I.C.):

69 sq. m.

Capacity:

Dining - 68 Seats Bar - 14 Seats

Orientation:

South Facing

Dining Area

Entry Program Used: SketchUp V-Ray

Bar

This is a group project of a team of two. Through close collaboration we are able to analyze, synthesize, and apply creative thinking to design a portable emergency shelter that can support those who are affected by 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

The challenge of this project is to create a shelter that gives people comfort and hope while being easy to assemble and disassemble. The design needs to address the social and cultural characteristics of the area.

Concept Model

Configurations Design Concept

Plum blossom is one of the most beloved flower in Chinese culture because of its bravery and elegance. It is the only flower that blooms in winter time and this unique

P Plus houses comes in 2’-0” increments. It can be extended or shortened to fit different applications.

characteristic signifies hope. Its non competitive virtue symbolizes purity and its endurance and perseverance encourage people to be fearless in hardships.

Emergency shelter should be a safe and positive space that provides relief and comfort for those in need. The structure shall have great resilience to weather conditions and high tolerance to environmental situations, and the

design should be simple yet functional to provide ease for every user. The shelter shall not only creates physical protection for people in distress, but also provides hope for them to prevail over difficult times.

Full Scale Model

‘Pentagon’ bridging unit can be added to join two houses for large additional space requirements.

Bridging unit also available in square shape for linear configuration.

Hope Creating a positive space to provide comfort and to generate hope. Designing to enhance human well-being, and to support growth and

Purity

connections.

Endurance

Focusing on simplicity and

Building a shelter that can

the fundamental living

withstand harsh weather and

needs. Assisting human on living a harmonious life with

Design

the environment.

difficult conditions. Producing a safe environment that offers protections to people in need.

Intent Longevity Increasing the durability of the design, maximizing the functionality of the space, and enhancing the flexibility of the shelter to promote a sustainable future.

Perseverance Establishing a healthy environment to stimulate bravery and strengthen spirits.

Generating a vigorous atmosphere to encourage people to prevail over hardships.

Assembly Process

Package Components

Step 1: Foundation & Floor

Step 2: Wall Framing

Step 3: Wall Cladding

Step 4 : Openings

Install piers, beams and floor joists.

Install posts, beams, and wood

Install insulation, roof panels and

Install door, windows and

Install floor panels.

studs.

wall panels.

louvers. Apply waterproof sealant

All framing components designed with

Structure components are reinforced

All wall panels and claddings are

at joints and edges.

lap joints and dovetail joints for fast

with bolting connections to provide

installed by fasteners. Glue free

and accurate assembly. The shelter can

strong and durable construction that

and nail free design provide the

Step 5 : Equipment & Interior

be disassemble and relocated easily.

can be reused in the future.

flexibility to remove, replace and

Install solar panels and rainwater

relocate the panels easily.

collection system. Complete interior

Package A for Step 1 & 2

millwork, partition and lighting installation.

Package B for Step 3 & 4

Cypress

Program Used: SketchUp V-Ray

Paint

Aluminum

A workspace project to design a new Business + Studio Office for a popular video game company UBISOFT. The goal of the design is to create an innovative work environment that stimulates interaction and enhances opportunities for collaboration.

The challenge of this project is creating the most effective layout and circulation that satisfy specific adjacency and privacy requirements.

The workspace should offer flexible collaboration opportunities and diverse features to enhance productivity and employee’s well-being.

GAME ZONE

LOUNGE PRESIDENT

COMPUTER STORAGE ROOM

SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS

MARKETING

IT SERVERY

Design Concept

Fiber - Enriching Lives

LUNCH ROOM FINANCE

RECEPTION MAIL/COPY

VP FINANCE

FILE ROOM

tissues, mineral substances, textiles and

transmissions. Natural fibers support growth and health; synthetic fibers enhance strength and quality; and optic fibers produce communication and connection. This flexible strand offers benefits, strength and connections that supports and enriches human lives.

Workspace design should enrich the user experience. The space should be comfortable and flexible to satisfy different users while promoting healthy interactions. The environment shall strengthen the company spirit and support efficiency, functionality and creativity. The workspace shall become a subtle medium to improve communication, relationships, productivity and human well-being.

LEGEND TRAINING ROOM

MEETING ROOM

PUBLIC AREA DEPARTMENT

COMMON AREA IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT

HR SALES

Fiber is a thread that forms vegetable

CONFERENCE ROOM

IMPORTANT ADJACENCY REASONABLE CONVENIENCE

Project Criteria Building Site:

11 Adelaide Street W., Toronto

Project Scope:

2 Floors of A 4 Storey Building

Total Area:

17,532 sq. ft.

(8,766 sq. ft. per floor)

Orientation:

North Facing

1st Floor

2nd Floor

Human Resource

Meeting Room

Flexible Workspace Green Zone

1st Floor

2nd Floor

Software Developer

Town Hall Stairs

Conference Room

Library

VP Finance

Lunch Room

Program Used: SketchUp V-Ray

Flexible Workspace - Calm Zone

Finance

Human Resource

Lunch Room

Sales

Flexible Workspace Green Zone

Training Room

Green Zone

Town Hall Stairs

A hospitality project of designing a boutique hotel located in Niagara Falls that meets the new branding and caters a wide range of clientele.

The challenges of this project are to work around the extensive column grid and to create functional and efficient layout; and to integrate diverse and suitable hotel amenities to attract different demographics.

Design Concept

Bridge - To Connect

Bridge is a structure built to provide a passage over the obstacle without disturbing the passage underneath. It is a solid medium that offers connection while enhancing and expanding the view of the area. It can be a journey or a destination that anyone can enjoy.

Hotel shall be a place that embraces connections and engagements.

The design will blend existing elements with simple and functional details to create a place that is elegant and welcoming. Diverse amenities will be incorporated to cater a wide range of populations. The existing building will become a down-to-earth space that welcomes everyone and offers memorable experiences for every user.

Project Criteria Building Site:

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Total Area:

50,480 sq. ft.

Ground Floor Area: 17,715 sq. ft.

2nd Floor Area:

17,715 sq. ft.

Basement Area:

15,050 sq. ft.

GF Capacity:

13 Guest Rooms

(1 Barrier-Free) 2F Capacity:

12 Guest Rooms + 4 Suites

Orientation:

South West Facing

The yellow shaded areas that are open to the public can be accessed through this separate entrance without disturbing hotel guests and services.

Ground Floor

LEGEND COMMON AREA

GUESTROOMS / SUITES PUBLIC ACCESSIBLE AREA BOH / SERVICE AREA

2nd Floor

Basement

Lounge Area

Guest Room Corridor

Typical Guest Room (View from entry)

Typical Guest Room

Program Used: SketchUp V-Ray

A renovation project of a detached house for a family with three generations living together. The family requires a combination and balance of separations and communal space. Privacy and function are important aspects for each family member.

The challenge of this project is to provide good separations while maintaining good connections. Flexibility is one of the major considerations that can satisfy the changing needs of a multigenerational family.

Design Concept

Shore - Embracing Tolerance A shore is the fringe of land bordering a large body of water. It

embraces the constant modification by the movements of the water and demonstrates high tolerance to surrounding landscape. It is a beautiful natural phenomenon that is diverse and flexible while providing a stable land for things to settle down.

A multi-generational home requires flexibility and tolerance for changes and diverse needs. It should provide a welcoming environment for the family members to feel safe and comfortable building their lives in.

The design shall enhance harmonious interactions between different generations while allowing for necessary separations to satisfy distinct demands.

Project Criteria Total Area:

5,743 sq. ft.

Ground Floor Area:

1,975 sq. ft.

Client Profile

2nd Floor Area:

1,838 sq. ft.

Michael (44): TD Bank Branch Manager

Basement Area:

1,930 sq. ft.

Alice (43): Freelance Bookkeeper

GF Ceiling Height:

8’ - 2”

Marcus (16): Son

2F Ceiling Height:

7’ - 11”

Agnes (14): Daughter

BSMT Ceiling Height:

7’ - 11”

George (76): In wheelchair stays at home

Orientation:

North Facing

Diana (72): Freelance Artist

2nd Floor

Ground Floor Patio

Basement The shaded area can be turned into a 1+1 basement apartment for rent in the future if they no longer need the home office and studio in the basement.

This project is designing a wheelchair accessible apartment for a couple in their early 60s. The building was built in the 1920s, and the existing structural details shall be incorporated into the new design.

The challenges of this project include applying all the accessibility requirements into the space while creating an efficient and functional circulation, and providing ease of use for all occupants.

Tolerance and storage are important consideration to enhance the usability of the apartment.

Design Concept

- Nurturing & Sustaining Life H2O, the chemical formula of ice, water and steam. It is the most abundant and the only common substance to exist in solid, liquid and gas on earth.

Its adaptability generates function; flexibility yields potential; and versatility empowers transformation.

Significant in its fluency and purity, it is a subtle yet powerful element that nourish and sustain lives.

Home is the place that provides energy and support for lives. It should be flexible to support transformation, and versatile to satisfy diverse living needs. The design will enhance accessibility through fluent circulation, and increase durability through

adaptability. The existing space will be transformed into a harmonious living environment through subtle integration of old and new that not only generate serenity but also encourages a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Project Criteria

Client Profile

Building Site:

Richard (62): Former Ford Sales Manager;

Midtown Manhattan,

Now in wheelchair stays at home.

New York City

Grace (60): Former VP Assistant at A Garment Company;

Total Area:

1136 sq. ft.

Building Age:

Built in 1920s

Now running a small online baking business

Ceiling Height:

16’ - 0� A.F.F.

from home.

Orientation:

North Facing

B

C

A

A

B

Program Used: SketchUp V-Ray

C

Utilizing the regulations as described in the Ontario Building Code and ideas expressed within accessibility standards to design a residential universal washroom is a valuable exercise that improves the understanding of building codes and its application.

Program Used: AutoCAD

Model making is a learning strategy that allows for enhanced structure understanding and 3D exploration. This to scale wood structure house model was created with proper construction details, such as floor joists, rafters, wall studs, roof joists, and soffits.

Construction detail development is a critical part to ensure that the design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and feasible.

Program Used: AutoCAD

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