Portfolio_2024

PORTFOLIO

Soojee Choi

BFA Interior Design

Soojee Choi is an Interior Designer with WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) who believes Interior Design has a very intimate relationship with our life, affecting our experiences, ecological conditions, and daily routine since it is where people spend most of their time. “Interior with impact,” which is to create a space where human beings can coexist sustainably with nature and also create a positive influence on the human body itself, is exactly what she aspires to do as a designer.

She recently graduated from California College of the Arts with BFA Interior Design. She was born and grew up in Nagoya, Japan and immigrated to the Bay Area in 2017.

Hotel

Much like the rebuilding inherent to San Francisco’s history, mosaics have a unique way of transforming broken pieces into something breathtakingly beautiful. They weave together resilience and artistry, much like the city itself. Just as a mosaic takes individual pieces and assembles them into a captivating masterpiece, Hotel Mosaic blends the colors, flavors, and stories of San Francisco’s past and present to create a unique and unforgettable guest experience.

Welcome to Hotel Mosaic, where the vibrant tapestry of San Francisco’s array of cultures and rich history comes together in a harmonious mosaic of hospitality. Designed for the spirited young explorer, the affordable and activating spaces cater to those seeking shared experiences with friends, and it is not just a place to stay; it’s a celebration of the city’s spirit, echoing its legacy of embracing people from all corners of the globe. From the moment you step into the lobby, you’ll embark on a journey that weaves together the threads of culture, art, and community that define this incredible city. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, Hotel Mosaic offers you an array of moments, each one carefully crafted to reflect the diverse, dynamic, and everevolving mosaic of San Francisco itself. The design of Hotel Mosaic is deeply influenced by the concept of a mosaic, not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its impact on programming, architecture, and materiality. The mosaic theme is not merely a visual motif; it’s a guiding principle that shapes every aspect of the hotel’s design. The design invites you to become a part of the living mosaic of the hotel, where the beauty of diversity and the strength of unity converge to create an experience like no other. Here, every visit is an opportunity to contribute to and celebrate the lively masterpiece that is San Francisco.

Logo

Teams Invite

JOIN YOGA CLASS @ MOSAIC HOTEL!!!

Recycled Wood Planks

Render View: Lobby

Ground Plan

Ground floor is where culture, food, and art converge. The lobby is the vibrant heartbeat of the hotel, a space where patrons and locals seamlessly interact.

Way finding color tile outlines the space of the first floor by weaving and overlapping colors with tiles from Heath Ceramics.

= 1'-0"

1 LEVEL 4 - TYPICAL PLAN

1. RECEPTION DESK

2. WAITING LOUNGE 3. EXHIBITION 4. GRAB&GO CAFE

5. LOUNGE

6.MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM

7. COURT YARD

8. BACK OF HOUSE OFFICE

Maintain original hardwood for lower level for sustainability and added character

Mesh stair and railings allows the loft to peek through like buildings in the fog

Glass pendants mimic clouds blowing through the wind

Above the fog is the loft room, designed to capitalize on double-height ceilings, resembling a structure emerging from the fog. Highlighting the 9th-10th floor layout with distinctive arch windows, these rooms boast a harmonious color palette with a subtle interweaving effect in basic interior materials.

A sculptural lighting fixture creates an ethereal mist and light ambiance. The bunk bed structure, seamlessly connected to the stair railing, serves as an accent color reminiscent of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge piercing through the fog. The perforated metal staircase enhances the room’s airy atmosphere, making it an ideal and entertaining space for a group of friends to hang out!

Render View: Bunk Loft Room

“Infinite Fold ” is a design proposal for the Alonzo King Lines Ballet Performance, There Is No Standing Still Part I for Artists Adji Cissko and Michael Montgomery situated within the context of the Z Space theater and performing arts company in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. Through a series of physical and digital study models of transformative body movement, I created a vessel for dance and light through a continuous performative folded loop surface.

The main concept of this project is that the stage is designed to distinguish between performing time and before performing by the light, using the mood difference of B$W and saturated color from the projection .

Each environment is connected by the folded loop and is centered around multiple stages. Various programs are nested within the performative folded loop, including changing rooms, ticket counter, coat check and production areas. Layers of additional programs offset the linear stage, slowly transforming into soft geometries, including bar and lounge spaces for the audience to enjoy the experience both during and outside of the performing time.

The spectacle of the Infinite Fold will contain projection mapping on the stage and wall surface during the performance and will be lit up to create a black and white contrast for each space before the performance.

Winner in Exterior Architectural Illumination / Theater Performance Design

The second performer, Micheal, his performance is energetic like water, his movement of jumping, spinning imply the movement of the river. There is an emotion of freedom in his movement.

The first performer, Adiji, her performance is tranquil, with her legs and arms slowly stretching out. Since she is in the trees and stays in one spot like a plant, I interpret it as movement of the plant’s sprouting.

The picture on the left is an interpretation physical model based on the plan drawing of the performers and combination of their movements. This physical model is the biggest inspiration for my stage design.

Study Model of Body Movement

Performer 1

Performer 2

Stripes and circles indicate the soft movement and sharp triangle indicates the second performer who was moving fast and energetic.

Each environment is connected by the folded surface and is centered around multiple stages. Various programs are nested within the performative folded loop, including changing rooms, ticket counter, coat check and production areas. Layers of additional programs offset the linear stage, slowly transforming into soft geometries, including bar and lounge spaces for the audience to enjoy the experience both during and outside of the performing time.

Render View: Stage before the Performance Lighting Concept Image for Stage

The spectacle of the Infinite Fold will contain projection mapping on the stage and wall surface during the performance and will be lit up to create a black and white contrast for each space before the performance.

Exterior Lighting Design

The Exterior lighting sculpture design is based on the Studio study model, in which I interpret the movement of the performers into physical representations. Lighting will be provided by LED wall mount linear light fixtures with a color temperature of 3500K natural light and 90CRI. The sculpture is made of bronze and it will be illuminated by lightning on the surface .

Test Model

Inspiration

Slim Wall Mount Linear Light Fixture

Converge 3

The design proposal for Converge aims to create a dynamic and multi-functional space that fosters human interaction, productivity, and community engagement. The project takes inspiration from the concept of convergence, where several people or things come together from different directions and eventually meet.

The primary objective of this project is to bring people back to the office by providing an environment that supports human interaction and productivity. Extensive survey and research conducted by Gensler identified the top reasons why people come to the office, including the need to focus, access to technology, materials, resources, and the opportunity to collaborate with their teams after years of remote work due to the pandemic.

To achieve this, the design incorporates three overlapping functions: office, retail, and exhibition . Each function contributes unique elements to the space, creating a human-centered destination that caters to various needs and interests.

The design proposal prioritizes flexibility and sustainability, allowing the space to be transformed in the future. Converge is envisioned as a center for community engagement, encouraging interaction and collaboration through its adaptable and multi-functional design.

Space Design Concept

- Adaptability

- Transformable Wall

Lighting Plan

- Multipurpose Furnitures

- Transformable Wall

Space division and management are facilitated by rotating walls that serve multiple functions. Lighting design plays a crucial role in Converge, adapting to the needs of different functions. General office lighting is utilized during the day, while track lights and various lighting techniques are employed for exhibitions, creating a visually engaging atmosphere.

Detail Drawings

Pendant Light

Recessed Light

Track Light Panel Light

Linear Light

Render View: Office Mural Board

Left: Open Presentation Space

Right: Movable Wall with hidden Retail Shelf

1. Exhibition / Reception Area

2. Meeting Room for 2-5 people

3. Individual Phone Room

4. Material Library

5. Cold Desks 6. Meeting Room for 2-8 people

7. Open Presentation Space 8. Common Space 9. Lactation Room

The office function is designed to enhance well-being, productivity, and interaction. It accommodates approximately 10-20 people and includes two meeting rooms and a VR adaptable space for connecting virtual workers. The open layout encourages engagement and features movable walls that serve as discussion and presentation boards.

Render View: Exhibition

SECTION A-A

Spatial Mood Simulation

Lighting Design

Inspired by Marble Cave in Patagonia, I designed a space by using flexible linear LED lights that are embedded in the ceiling and floor. LED light will transmit across the acrylic sheet which will bring a dynamic feeling into the space.

BT1 Lighting Course

Project Description: Project 1 assignments supplement a series of lectures built upon a foundational knowledge of light: physics of lights, the color science of light sources, physiology of vision, perception, human factors, and sustainability. These exercises introduce students to the concept of employing light as the primary interior design material.

Flexible Linear LED Light

Light fixtures are embedded in the ceiling and floor, following the contours of the acrylic sheet.

Semi Reflective Metal Floor

Textured metal floor will help the color of the light reflect and glow in the space.

Transparent Acrylic Sheet

LED light will transmit across the acrylic sheet of folds and drapes. It will bring dynamic feeling.

Origami 5

Collapsible Stair

Group Project with Electra White

Model Making Process Reel

Stairs inspired by the art of origami and utilized its basic technique, mountain & valley fold. The isosceles right triangle at both sides of the staircase creates parallel movements, which allows them to be folded flat and transformed into a staircase. As the ball moves on the path to be close, the wall side of the triangles rotates 180 degrees, and the other side of the triangles folds 90 degrees to be flat.

Design / Art Projects

I designed a Tessellated Spatial Screen by using folded Post-It notes. I experimented the organization of a 2.5D system of patterns in a planar tessellated network. I employed underlying geometries and overlying patterns to design systems and subsystems of order, hierarchies, and shapes that together comprised proposed tessellations within the final board 11”X17” (A3).37

Transformed 2D surface models into a series of 3D modular screen projections through a set of material experiments, form and performance operations for air, light, sound and color, creating interactive and flexible interior environments.

“Withering Earth”

July 2020 - August 2020

W22/H19/D18

Materials: Wire, Glass pot, Epoxy resin

This artwork captures the current grim environmental situation. Within the past few decades, humans have caused an extreme level of environmental destruction. The dense, polluted soil represented by the black pot that the leaf is planted in eventually will not sustain the leaf and will bring the city—the earth—down with it. However, people , especially those who live in urban environments and are constantly surrounded by technology, often forget that they live in nature. My artwork shows how the city, or all life, is ultimately dependent on nature.

Internship

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Renovation

Designed pattern of perforated acoustic panel for Bill Graham Civic Auditorium located in San Francisco through research and study of historic exterior building pattern and interior features. This pattern incorporates various opening sizes to achieve a gradual transition across the walls.

1’-0”

These phone rooms that are located west and east of the building have sunrise and sunset theme walls of acoustic felt. Inspired by Palo Alto Hills which is an iconic landscape around the Stanford campus. The utilization of a red color scheme is intended to align with the school’s branding.

Thank you

Email: soojeechoi@cca.edu

Instagram: @sooj_space