Exploring the Nexus of Community, Psychology and Design tanaya deshpande
Interior Architecture ___Design Research & Strategy ___Healthcare Planning ___Evidence Based Design ___Community Engagement ___Graphic Facilitation ___Creative Placemaking
Visiting Assistant Professor- University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 2024-present
A collection of student projects from a senior level interior design studio - INDS 401 and freshmen level studio- DSGN 101 from Fall 2024. As the instructor on record, I was in charge of running INDS 401 and instructing a section of DSGN 101. Average class size for both studios was between 15-17 students.
Basic Design, Fall 2024
Technical design skills, mindsets, and craft
• Understand and use basic vocabulary used in the design industries.
• Identify, describe, and use rules & tools of design: design elements & principles, gestalt principles, and color theory.
• Precisely measure, cut, level, and glue to create layouts, models, and other physical artifacts.
• Learn the appropriate use of technical design skills during iterative design process.
Exploratory design skills, mindsets, and craft
• Use divergent thinking to create and explore ideas.
• Quickly and clearly visualize ideas.
• Create prototypes to test ideas.
• Use convergent thinking to evaluate and select ideas based on their desirability, feasibility, and viability.
• Learn the appropriate use of exploratory design skills during iterative design process.
• With successful completion of the course students will be able:
1. To understand the complexity of large-scale commercial office space planning using Steelcase office systems furniture o to demonstrate the skills associated with making integrated design decisions across multiple systems and variables in the completion of a design project (program, existing/new building, concept, space planning, selection of FFE and color palette)
2. To develop 3D spatial comprehension with a use of digital modeling (Revit)
3. To apply principles of millwork and interior construction to a unique design solution
4. To apply the requirements of the basic building codes (fire safety, occupancy, plumbing, ADA, etc.) and building systems (HVAC, acoustical, plumbing, electrical &communications) pertinent to commercial interior projects
5. To facilitate oral, written (problem and concept statement) and visual presentations.
6. Demonstrate and apply technical knowledge in production of construction documentation and specifications.
7. Demonstrate an understanding and apply code requirements, standards, and regulations that impact fire, life safety and health of building occupants.
Student project work showcasing creative process and development.
Graduate Thesis & Studio Projects, Drexel University 2022-24
Included are excerpts of a graduate thesis project focused on intergenerational cognitive aging through evidence based design. Also shown are snippets from a healthcare project worked on as part of a team of 3 in a vertical healthcare studio.
Exploring Connections between Memory, Accessibility and Personal Storytelling
(Advised by: Dr. Diana S. Nicholas, Drexel University 2023-24)
This educational, participatory thesis project aims to understand and explore attachments formed with the built environment through personal storytelling, wayfinding, and cognition. Utilizing qualitative research and immersive technologies to explore the relationship between collective memory and well-being, outcomes include recommendations for educational spaces, aging spaces and wellbeing, production of construction documentation and specifications.
From Top L to R: Sketchnotes used to record user interviews, cognitive mapping workshop materials including a card deck, a zine explaining the history and process of creating a cognitive map, snapshots of participants at work and responses recorded.
The poster above evaluates the neighbourhood around the proposed site through the application of the framework proposed by ‘cognability’ research.
Cognability is a new theoretical framework that advances ecological theories of aging through an innovative “ whole neighbourhood” approach. It aims to identify which specific neighborhood features are most protective of cognitive health among aging adults to inform upstream public health initiatives, community interventions, and policy.
From Top L to bottom L: Atmospheric collages and material study.
(Finlay, Jessica et al. “Cognability: An Ecological Theory of neighborhoods and cognitive aging.” Social science & medicine (1982) vol. 309 (2022): 115220. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115220 )
Longitudinal Sectional 3/16”= 1’-0”
West Elevation
3/16”= 1’-0”
Longitudinal Section
West Elevation
Vertical Healthcare Studio Spring 2023
Embrace is a community focused maternal health facility located in Cobbs Creek, PA. The project was a collaboration with architecture students as part of a vertical studio aimed at recreating office studio culture in an academic setting. Embrace’s circular design and planning invites neighbouring residents and patients alike, promising a more holistic approach to healthcare with program offerings that support a new mother through every stage of her journey.
Geometric Form
subtract for central courtyards/ atriums
round egdes for softer connections
Cladding lifts from glazing where entrances are located inspired by sunpath diagram
Hierarchy
Hospitality Studio Fall 2023
Into the rabbit hole, a dream world right in the midst of old city, Philadelphia. Reminiscent of the 18th century charm of the historic district, this hotel is a perfect escape into a quirky haven much like the galleries that surround it. A little bit of magic, amidst a whole lot of history, steeped in old-school quiet luxury.
Maison Mirage promises to be an fantasical escape for young professionals leading a busy, modern life during the day and night alike.
Selections
Perspective view
Counter Detail
This work is a collection of technical drawings and renders created as an interior designer and intern at Aditi Lawate Designs.
Aditi Lawate Designs is a boutique firm specializing in residential, retail and hospitality projects based out of Pune, India. My responsibilities included site visits and documentation, material and fixture selections, design drawings, 3D visualizations, construction documents and creating technical drawings.
All images courtesy of @aditilawatedesigns instagram.
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deshpandetanaya
Email: tanayadeshpande46@gmail.com
