Bridgewater Project

Elysia Hotel: Utopian Eco-Reclamation

For this final project I was asked to design one of three plots at the Bridgewater site. The building proposals that were presented, was a choice between designing a hotel, art gallery and an office. It was decided upon that the purpose for the building would be a hotel, however after reviewing the different sites and came to the conclusion that the building that was originally meant to be used in the construction of an art gallery, is more ideally suited to what was planned to be achieved in the proposed master plan,  of having the commercial and residential areas separated from each other whilst the transitional route through the levels of the hotel will be through the centre of the building. This is the symbolic of the gap that is currently between the natural and organic world.

These pages show the concept and proposed inception of the space within the hotel. This scheme has two primary concepts. The fist one is that of Eco - Utopia, which one can derive from the branding and name of the hotel: Elysia. Elysia is the name of the Grecian paradise and the symbol that I've manipulated to form the first letter of the name of the hotel, is the primitive symbol for the earth itself. The second concept is that of how, when a building has been abandoned and disused for a prolonged period of time, the natural world will start to re-claim the building by re-integrating it back into the earth through the process of decay and the break down of materials through erosion and the invasion of plants.

It is these concepts which I have tried to show in the design of this space, through having spaces which mimic the natural world and make the occupier feel like they are almost in a suspended garden. This I have achieved  in quite an elegant effect as can be seen in the images.



YIDA - Living Space

- Design Computition

This is the entry for a design computition. The design concept for this project was adapted from one of the concepts within my hotel project. This concept was about the digitalization and continuality of space and form. This concept involves the blending of the conventual spacial planes. I created the baisc form of this interior by using a singular plane too create the walls, floor, seating, ceiling and bed. 

By keeping too this primary philosphy of space and form I have created an interesting interior for a one person living space. I used only four types of coloured lighting (orange, yellow, blue, red) which in the glazing has combined to created a rainbow of colours. It creates a space which is stimulating but also can create a realxing and intimate mood.

Cinema Project

- Based upon Gay Rights Movement

This project is a design for a specialist cinema that is based upon and show documentaries / films which are based upon the gay rights movement and gay cinema.

The challenge for this design was too show the seriousness of this theme whilst creating a space which is interesting and makes people want too experience it. I created atmospheres which felt quite oppressive but still felt comfortable enough to be in. I use the psychology of materiality and lighting to fulfil this purpose which I have done too quite an interesting effect.

Floorie Building Project

- Beaute SPA

This project was to use a disused building and regenerate it. The Idea of a Spa was chosen based on the Idea, by an area can be rejuvenated, the people who like in it have to be rejuvenated first.

This Spa is based on the concepts of the abstracted forms water creates when it is disturbed and also Roman Construction of Baths. Looking at how the Romans laid out their bathhouses proved useful in the space planning of this Spa.

The space created does what it was meant too do. Which  is to be exciting to the eye, relaxes the mind, heals the spirit and rejuvenates the body

    Basement FloorGround Floor

Mezzanine Floor

This image shows the Pool Room. The Roman influence can be most strongly seen in this room, from the classical layout of the pool, the colonnades and the opening in the ceiling. The Pool itself is a communal mineral bath which uses natural minerals and salts. The blue coloured lighting was implemented to create a soothing, calming atmosphere whist turquoise spot lights were added to create a sense of elegance and drama.

This Image shows the Sauna. The form of this element within the building comes from the concept of ripples on a pond as the form of its outer shell. However the "skeleton" of the structure cam from looking at crustactious animals. It is  circular so as to make it more communal, so different people of different parts of the community within the area can talk and forms communal bonds. It can also be switched too a steam room as an increase in temperature under the water feature will cause it too turn too steam. It is an elegant and graceful space which is an experience too be in.

Here we have the Mud Bath Room. This element of the Spa is another pod, however it is divided up into segments. Every other segment around the circumference is a submerged mud bath. These mud baths are too help moisturise and rejuvenate the skin as well as strip away dead skin cells leaving skin looking more youthful. The lighting in this space, is brought down quite low so the client can completely relax and de-stress as this low lighting will cause a calming effect.

This is the massage area. It is light and open to create a sense of peace and tranquillity. Like the rest of the Spa  this is designed to be communal as well, however there is a back screen to separate of the different compartments if the client wants a tad more privacy. This being said there will still be two people too a compartment as this idea of community links flows through the entire design of the Spa.

This is one of the corridors within the space. In fact it is the central structural support column that creates this form as the glass floor simply passes through it to create a feeling of floating through this space towards your next area of treatment. Due to the complexity of this structure the area around it has been kept relatively simple s can bee seen in the case of the corridor. Its a space which is interesting yet simple and elegant.