Vani Jain Interior Design Portfolio

VANI JAIN

INTERIOR DESIGN PORTFOLIO

VANI JAIN

BFA INTERIOR DESIGN ‘23 PRATT INSTITUTE

E - vjain21@pratt.edu P - +1(929)271-8356

Hello, coming from the outskirts of a small city in India, I have developed a distinct perspective on space that extends beyond its materialistic elements, welcoming people from all walks of life. I find inspiration in collaborative problemsolving and aspire to make a positive global impact. Through my experiences as an avid boxer and tennis player, I have gained a unique understanding of ergonomics and the human body. My true passion lies in pursuing a design career that serves a greater purpose, driving positive social, cultural, and environmental outcomes to propel the world forward.

CONTENTS

01

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Empowerment & Connectivity

• Designed a cultural community centre for under-served populations (women and children) in India, with a focus on Mumbai.

• Restored a site in the metropolitan city to provide visibility and support for the target community.

• Utilized handicraft skills to establish a connection between users, the site, and the program.

• Emphasized the importance of addressing homelessness by not only providing shelter but also promoting autonomy, social inclusion, and emotional well-being.

• Promoted environmental feminism through the use of sustainable materials, initiating a conversation about sustainability.

Thesis inspired non profit website Password : prattthesis

Right to Co-Design

The thesis promotes community-driven design, establishing a safe and balanced environment for living, learning, and coexistence with society and nature. It emphasizes the active participation of the community in the design process to foster inclusivity and address the diverse needs of all individuals involved.

Collage & Research

Watson Hotel : Mumbai, India

The adaptive reuse of the colonial site replaces suppression and exclusion with empowerment and inclusion, symbolizing a transformative shift towards a more inclusive and empowering environment.

Existing Conditions

Exterior Study

Third Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Reusing Bamboo and Urban Living

The research deepened the understanding of urban living in the streets of India, leading to the creation of a horizontal material transition. Sustainable materials like bamboo, terracotta, biophilia, and native mud were utilized to foster a sense of interior urban community, promoting sustainability and connecting with the region’s natural environment.

Bamboo Ideation

Growing Autonomy : Open to Reinterpretation

Bamboo Joinery Adaptive reuse of the columns to intervene the grid iron cast structure.

Entrance to Nari Centre

Growing Tree Arches : Custom Bamboo Structure Detail

Biophilia Bridge Plan View

Interior Market

FUSION 02

Revitalizing Fusion Restaurant Experience

• Collaborative team project with a goal to establish a fusion restaurant that captures the essence of French culture in the vibrant setting of Brooklyn.

• Emphasis placed on meticulous attention to detail and the development of comprehensive construction documents.

• Utilized software tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, and Enscape to facilitate collaborative drawing and design processes.

• Extensive exploration encompassed various aspects, including the creation of ADA-compliant bathroom designs, elaborate staircase drawings, floor plans, HVAC diagrams, and detailed sections and elevations.

Group Project Vani Jain, Zoe Gao, Aylin Kiriscioglu, Chiratcha Lertiendumrong

Flooring Details

Cellar Power & Furniture Floor Plan

03

CIRCULATING ROOTS

Harmonizing with Nature & Workplace

Developed an interior workplace space for the United Nations, reflecting the goals and values of the client. Explored the relationship between nature, mankind, and the client in the project research. Derived inspiration from trees and their roots, translating it into a concrete structure within the space.

Created a discussion area that simulates standing under a natural tree, with colors inspired by the client’s goals. Considered the post-COVID future of workplaces and incorporated amenities to enhance mental and physical health. Included features such as therapy rooms, outdoor running tracks, and a biophilic atmosphere to promote well-being.

Exterior Ideation

Process to Wayfinding

The project examines the ethos of the United Nations and its relationship with nature, particularly focusing on water as a prominent element. It incorporates distinct way-finding routes that highlight the organization’s goals and mission, guiding visitors towards a deeper understanding of its purpose.

Tree-like Structure

The tree-like rest structures represent the bond between nature and the United Nations, offering a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere for co-workers to engage and relax in the workplace. They serve as a peaceful haven within the design, promoting a restful and harmonious environment.

Under the Tree Perspective

Tree Structure Detail

RECYCLE 04

Recycled Caps to Sustainable Walls

• Designed a wall system for a site at Pratt Institute with a focus on climate change and sustainability.

• Researched and utilized recycled HDPE plastic caps to create movable shelving tiles.

• Incorporated lighting to study the translucency of the plastic and laser-patterned wooden boxes to examine shadows at night.

• Intended to inspire students in the classroom to engage with sustainability as a significant element.

• Transformed the wall system into a functional element with added responsibilities beyond decoration.

• Encouraged conversation and exploration of sustainability within the interior space.

Creative Process

In a mere two weeks, over 40 waste caps were gathered on campus and repurposed into tiles, highlighting the importance of recycling and reusing materials. This process exemplified the transformative potential of sustainability initiatives.

Final Installation

The final installation showcased the transformative power of design in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. Students engaged with the installation, gaining valuable insights into the creative process and its impact.

RADIAL PATH 05

Graceful Movement : Black Ballet Library

• Created a MOB Ballet Library to celebrate Black Ballet and its history.

• Focused on understanding the freeform movement of artists and explored different materials to study transparency and circular movement.

• Developed a radial design concept based on the connection points discovered during the design process.

• Utilized colors and shapes to generate preliminary bubble diagrams and establish a rhythmic flow in the space.

• Incorporated the concept of a galaxy to promote the Constellation project of MOB Ballet.

• Transformed the theater space into a representation of a galaxy, with screening booths acting as planets.

Bubble Diagrams

Ribbon and Rhythm

Ballet’s essence is captured through the incorporation of gestures, atmosphere, and human emotions. The design mirrors the freedom and euphoria of an open ribbon, utilizing light-weight materials to explore organic depth in space.

have conversations about diversity and equity by creating a safe space of learning, evoking empathy and encouraging participats to see, hear and acknowledge the humanity in one another, something that often gets lost in the frustration, anger, guilt and fear that these di cult conversations unearth. “

Abstract

Model Inspiration

Section A

Section C

Section B

Circulative Entrance

Unribboning Materials & Textures

06

RHYTHMIC CHAOS

A Juxtaposition of Enclosed Water

• Designed a space with a calm and minimalist atmosphere, featuring a monolithic exterior structure with rectilinear composition and continuity.

• Conducted a study of solid and void shapes within the architectural plan to understand their formation and relationship.

• Explored the presence of water-like forms, investigating the rhythm and chaos they bring within the defined boundaries.

• Utilized color, materials, and lighting to enhance the concept and create an atmospheric quality.

• Emphasized the movement of humans through the interplay of solid and void relationships.

• Incorporated wax and resin carving techniques to achieve the desired aesthetic and tactile qualities.

Study of Therme Vals, Peter Zumthor

Inspired by Therme Vals, the project investigates the arrangement of shapes to create transformative experiences. It acknowledges the eternal nature of water while considering the presence of boundaries.

AGGREGATION 07

Re-imagining Fashion in Retail Store

• Created a sustainable retail design space that offers customers the opportunity to learn about textiles and make their own clothing in a workshop area.

• Designed an experiential space that encourages customers to observe the aggregation movement of the structure within the environment.

• Conducted experiments on textile creation, dyeing, and cloth stitching to inform the integration of colors and patterns based on movement.

• Incorporated a transition from sticks to paper materiality to enhance consistency in aggregation and provide an element of mystery in the space.

• Leveraged shadows and the spaces between the outer shell of the structure to emphasize the significance of natural lighting.

Program and Design Interconnection

The space is enlivened through the experimentation of natural colors, reigniting a sense of playfulness. As one moves through the shadows and explores, the connection between the program and design deepens. The colors engage in a dialogue, showcasing transitions and various thresholds within the space.

Abstract Paper Model

Sectional Movement

The sectional relationship within the design is carefully crafted to create a narrative that unfolds from the initial process to the final outcome. The workshop area serves as the starting point, informing the design of the retail spaces. This intentional flow highlights the importance of reuse and re-purpose, emphasizing sustainability and the value of re-purposing materials and resources.

Section A

Section B

Section C

Workshop / Retail Relationship

STORYTELLING 08

Celebrating Cultural Education Center

Designed to celebrate the diverse culture and spirit of East Williamsburg Scholar Academy.

Portrayed Latin X and African cultures through the use of diverse textiles, patterns, bold tones, and traditions. Created a cohesive narrative that tells a story through the integration

Designed a warm and inviting space that encourages scholars to dream big and feel a sense of belonging in the present. Used bold tones to give voice to the scholars’ cultures and foster a

Developed a rooftop area that shares and creates unique cultural experiences for scholars and the community. Conducted research on storytelling traditions in various cultures to

Group Project Vani Jain, Yufan Huang, Kayesha Dhingra

Research to culture

The design development was heavily influenced by Latin and Black culture, drawing inspiration from their bold tones, patterns, and fashion industry to celebrate their vibrant livelihood.

Design Inspiration

Pathway to Diverse Storytelling

The rooftop has been meticulously crafted to honor and embrace the rich diversity of cultures that surround us. It serves as a vibrant canvas, showcasing the architectural marvels, cultural heritage, and various programs of celebration from every corner of the world..

Green House Dyeing House

Culinary House

Discussion Gathering Performance