Rebecca Chick

During a few weeks into the ‘circular economy’ project, I was able to gathering the start of my research keeping in mind about the competition submission deadline whilst also the Pass/Fail deadline. After gathering my thoughts about this project I was still very confused on what I needed to produce ready for the up coming scheme design review.

However, by getting a rough idea of what designs I can draw I decided to swiftly move onto getting my Bubble diagrams. This of which helped me massively at the start if this project as I was very unsure on the whole idea and layout I could produce. This has allowed me to produce a range of different floor plan ideas. When producing my bubble diagrams I had to take into account the main aspects that I needed to keep in mind was that I cant block any doors, lifts or stairs due to them being in use every single day.

Due to struggling with finalising my design ideas, I had decided to moved on to creating the original floor plan onto Sketchup to get ahead of plans, by doing this I was able to analysis the floor plan in great depth and take into mind what I needed to be curious about. This had then allowed me to produce rough SketchUp plans with shapes to see how much room I could have when including furniture.

This soon led me to produce many floor plans so that I was able to get my final layout this of which when producing my host building analysis in the first few weeks I had split my space which is the heart space into 5 zones which consisted of a work, meeting, lecture and eating zone whilst also including a single use zone. When producing these diagrams this had allowed me to overcome my issues as I was able to move forward with this project slowly each step of the way. However, with my floor plan I decided that I would remove the craft shop and vending machines due to the fact that they are rarely used as much. Where I had then kept the coffee shop due to many students, teachers and staff using it on a regular basis.

Throughout the start of this project and half way through this scheme design review I was still very unsure on what I could design as a piece of furniture. However, due to going to tutorials and adding to my project bit by bit I soon got the understanding of the brief and had overcome with what I was struggling with. By making this achievement I soon went into designing my final furniture designs before I went into developing my actual final designs. However, this allowed me to work out how I would produce my designs onto SketchUp as I had to produce this from scratch myself without using 3D warehouse whilst also taking into account the dimensions so that it is suitable for the users needs and also wheelchair access.

 

 

During the first week back after a long summer, the day began by having a warm welcome back with a lecture from Craig telling us all about the new project ‘circular economy’. Which we would be submitting into a live competition as well as Moodle where it would then be marked based on a Pass/Fail.

By having the lecture about the briefs for the competition and project, I decided that I would go more into detail on the competition brief. This of which led me to have a better understanding that the competition consisted of three companies (Work to workstations, Perch and Greyfox) I had worked out that we would have 5 weeks to focus on improving a work/learning space by making sure that it is also sustainable.

Following on from getting a better understanding about the briefs, I was still quite confused on what I was supposed to design as a final outcome. This soon led me to go straight into a host building analysis and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis to firstly get my site out of the way as I was torn between doing the ‘Atrium’ or ‘Heart space’. By doing this I soon decided that I would do the ‘Heart space’ as I felt that it would best suit a working/learning environment.

Before the concept design review took place I had been struggling a lot on how to process this whole project, this of which led me to struggle on what I could design as a final design as I didn’t really have any idea in my head. By going to my tutorials weekly I was then guided slowly in the right direction whilst still not being 100% sure where it was going to lead me. However, I soon overcome this by gathering lots of mood boards of different type of working spaces and space displays which soon led me to gather my thoughts on possible designs that I could do as a final outcome.

Due to struggling a lot about what I would do as a design I learnt that the more I asked questions with what I didn’t understand and asking fellow students and looking at their sketchbooks, the more I was able to get a better knowledge and know what I needed to do.

Overall, by getting a better insight ready for the competition submission I have been able to get some initial thoughts together in my head on what I could do as a design, although I am still quite confused on what to do I felt the more that I explore and do work in my sketchbook. By doing this I was then able to go to more of my tutorials to get more feedback this also allowed me to ask more questions which had cleared certain queries that I was worrying about. This then allowed me to make even more progress in my sketchbook ready for the scheme design review.

Throughout second term we had been given a new project called ‘A Place to Exist’ this of which we had been given a basic structure of a building as shown below that our tutor had visited himself. Where we would have to recreate the building into our own space including a living, work and display space but the building would have to be place by a coast.

During this project I felt that what I had produced in the time given went very well, due to still expanding my knowledge on how to use Sketchup and V-Ray. I felt that from previous projects I didn’t quite achieve what I’m capable of whereas this project I believe I have. Throughout this project I feel that I have learnt what an interior designer in capable of in their career due to this project that I have produced. When designing my building I had been particularly inspired by having my location in Hawaii due to the its brightly coloured flowers, and scenery which I felt that this building would be best suited there.

During this project there were parts which I didn’t think went as expected, this was due to myself trying to visualise the floor plans  which I had hand-drawn myself, this of which when drawing a rough plan onto SketchUp I was able to make changes easier to how I wished my design to looked like. This of which made me get back on target with my project as I was falling behind with how much time I had left for when it needed to be completed by. However, I also found that my V-Ray didn’t go as expected as it had been very challenging to get the right amount of light in each space due to the intensity and cone angle was incorrect which I had soon fixed. If I was to have a second chance of re-doing this project, the main part that I would do differently next time would be to either practise my hand-drawn floor plans to visualise the design easier or that I could possibly go onto SketchUp and do all my plans digitally so that I wouldn’t fall behind on the project. Throughout this process I feel that I have changed as an interior designer by gathering more knowledge on how we create a space, however I am still only at the start of my career and still have plenty more to learn throughout the years.

During this project I believe that I was fully committed to my project due to attending all of my tutorials and workshops which had been set out to help us improve our work each time. I also feel that I was strongly engaged when it came to presenting what I had in my project to my class but also to my tutor as I would listen to the advice I had been told, and take on board all the feedback to improve my overall outcome however I was still very nervous at talking infront of lots of people as I have also felt that i’ve never been a strong and confident speaker. Throughout my project I do believe I did have my own voice by how I wanted my outcome to look like. But I did find myself listening to what my tutors had to say to me of what they thought of my design, so that I was able to compare and see which I thought would fit better, which would help me improve my design. When designing I feel like I have began to master and compose the interior elements do to with the object, space and experience due to making my design clear with what each component in my design was but also how I have planned each space making sure it is functional. With my design I feel that I have made it cosy but quite industrial by keeping the concrete and stone as key features this was because I have always loved that sort of interior design style as I found interesting and very eye-catching. Throughout this project as a designer I feel that I have learnt the importance of designing a space, but I still have a lot more to learn due to interior design having a wide spread for how you create a space. I also believe that I did reach my potential with my design, but that I could reach higher however there is still time for me to reach this throughout my course and future.

A Place to Exist presentation: Rebecca Chick – A Place to Exist 2019 -compressed

After completing my SketchUp model I had then moved onto rendering my views using V-Ray, this of which I found went very well although it had been challenging at the same time. However, with may second attempt using this software I was very happy with how my images turned out. When using this software again I had be struggling a lot by getting the room to light up, but it wasn’t until a second year helped and showed me how to solve this problem which I was very grateful for due to it saving me time by adding more lights into the space.

Furthermore, when looking at my images I have shown I was still unsure on certain images as I felt the light intensity was still to bright for the space. However due to having enough time left for this project I had decided to take these V-Ray images as a trial run, but I have also taken a couple of these images and used them as a final V-Ray due to the fact I was very pleased by how they turned out.

Furthermore when looking at these images I still feel that if I was to change them and make them look better that I would alter some of the views allowing me to also include the lighting that I have chosen. However, I was also pleased by when the images rendered by how realistic the spaces looked. This made me get more excited and inspired for the future and would I could possibly do.

Overall when looking at my trial renders, I will improve my final renders by aiming to make them look much better with the lighting under control. However, when looking at these images I was very pleased by how the use of materials for each space was suitable for its needs and how nothing clashed which was my aim. Furthermore I was also happy by how my images showed a unique and modern look due to the fact I have always loved how interiors have that feel whilst also including a minimalist view.

 

 

 

 

Once completing my SketchUp model, I had  decided to show different views of my design. This of which consisted of evaluations which I have show below, by taking these shots it has allowed me to see what my finalised design looked like at its final stage.

When looking at the images below was very happy with how it showed my design as you were able to see what type of furniture I have chosen, whilst also showing how I have laid it out as well. With the images I have shown a front and back evaluation whilst also including a side view.

However, below I have also shown a flipped view of the other side evaluation whilst also including sections. When taking a section shot I was able to show the type of lighting I have picked for my design whilst showing what my design would look like without the pillars included showing a different view on my building layout.

When taking these shots I was very pleased with the outcome as it was clear on how I wanted to show my building design, whilst also showing I have also added two support beams underneath the bedroom space.

Overall, when looking at my final outcome I feel that if I was to do it differently next time I would take closer up sections of each space making it even clearer what I have placed in the model. However, by showing these sections and evaluations it has changed me as an interior designer by making me more fascinated on how a design that I made from scratch on SketchUp can give you an accurate view of how your design would look like if it was made in real life, it has also helped me get a visual aspect as at the start I was struggling to visualised how big the space was and how big my furniture needed to be like.

On the 22nd May we had been able to plan a trip to London to see the Clerkenwell Design show, this on which we would be walking around viewing lots of different show rooms that have been created. However, it was an early start to the morning due to the long bus journey.

However, from visiting the Design show I feel that it has developed my understanding and knowledge on how to use materials and textures for a design but also how I could see their design in an interior design space. Throughout the day we were able to sit down and listen to designers talk about there work, but also walk around showrooms seeing designers work whilst also asking questions about their chosen design that they placed out for us to view and take photographs of.  

When walking around all the different showrooms, I had taken a different range of images that I was interested in. From this I loved the idea that in some areas of the showrooms you were allowed to vote which was your favourite design but also piece of furniture. This of which made me feel like I was connected and part of the atmosphere as a designer but also allowing the designers know which of the designs the public loved the most. Overall when going on this trip I strongly loved that when speaking to the designers that they would give samples of their materials, by them giving them for free I felt that they would come in great use in future projects to come as I feel I could use their ideas for my designs. I would also be able to use the samples to create mood boards for which theme the samples would fit in too. Furthermore, I feel that this trip was extremely useful as it has expanded my views of which direction I wish to take as an interior designer in the future.

 

After finally finishing my SketchUp model and altering small areas so that I was pleased with how it looks, I then moved onto designing the interior spaces by adding furniture and materials to make my space look like a home.

From this, I started off by working out the living and dining space and what furniture I could make when using the pencil tool. This of which I started my design by making furniture pieces very basic with no detail or materials on so that I was able to see what else was needed. From making the basis furniture in these spaces I carried out the role through out the house giving me a more accurate idea with my design. Throughout doing this I then decided to move on to adding all the detail to my furniture pieces I had made this led my design to come to life slowly.

When using SketchUp to make my design I had learnt a lot more by improving my knowledge on using this software. Due to the fact that in my previous project had found it quite challenging on how to use the tools and which ones I would need to use. Since using SketchUp I have discovered that I haven’t needed the amount of help like anything. When looking at all the final outcomes of my design I had it was clear that I stuck to using concrete and stone, this of which I have always been inspired by how and interior could look modern and unique when using these materials this of which I  wanted to recreate in my own design.

Throughout my final design I was very happy with the outcome I had produced, this of which when looking back at it I feel that there was nothing that didn’t go as I expected. However, if I was to do something differently next time I feel that I would add more furniture pieces to make it feel even more like a home, whilst adding on the roof a covered in walkway to my work space for example a car section with gates. Furthermore I feel that I would change the work and display space again possibly adding more space allowing me to show of more of the display section. Overall when looking at my outcome from this project, I feel that it has expanded my passion on becoming an interior designer this of which I had strongly enjoy designing the interior of this building and expanding on the building to create it suitable for my needs.

Start with why

I believe that adaptation is the most important factor in contemporary design due to the fact we are running out of building space in cities to build brand new homes. We need to reclaim and reconfigure old or derelict spaces as much as possible in order to prevent it from happening. This suggests that design needs must concentrate on the re-use of existing buildings. My driving principle is to re-use derelict buildings, to transform the place rather than placing objects into the building which don’t necessarily need to be there. As stated by Loui Kahn ‘every building must have a soul’ meaning that a home or a building needs to feel homely and welcoming, making you want to always walk into the space.

I will utilise this by working with the Dichotomy between natural and manmade materials, whilst also linking to industrial and residential spaces. I will aim to tell the narrative explaining the metamorphosis of an industrial shell of a building and the transition of it becoming a home. I will do this by stating what I have changed but also keeping the historical background of the original building and how it looked before so that it isn’t a new build.

I will try to adapt each building by critically identifying areas where I can change or modify in order to improve the overall aesthetic and look of the space itself. I will also aim to accompany this with a narrative where I identify key features of the building that I will aim to keep in my updated design in order to keep some of the original character. I believe this approach will set me apart from other designers in the future as I will try to incorporate an updated design into a space that clients already identify as their home.

 

During this week, I mainly focused on adding pages to my Sketch-up based on my design. This of which led me to produce three pages of  Key move diagrams, where I have highlighted the different parts of the design showing the changes to the original building by what I have added. This of which I have added all together a balcony, work space and an extension to the bedroom space.

Moving on from the key move diagrams I then decided to produce my perspective drawing, again to create this I had used my floor plan to show what my final outcome would look like from a section. By producing this I had firstly drawn out a section of my design, this of which I chose my vanishing point so that I could get a base of the building where I finally then drew everything for the interior by eye.

Moving onto my Axonometric drawing, I started off by drawing out my floor plan of my design where I then place the plan at a 45 degree angle. Once I had done this I measured up all the walls making sure I gathered all the heights and widths of the building by marking out from the exterior walls to the interior walls. By doing this I was then able to line and mark the walls up, which then led me to create a visual view making it very clear to myself on how big each space was in the building. As shown below in the images.

However, further along in the project I had a discussion with my tutor which led me to change the floor plan slightly and the roof plan in order for my design to look better. This led me to show a developed version of my plans, an Axonometric and perspective of my design but also the changes to the bedroom which included the furniture design plan for the bedroom space. By doing this it allowed me to see the visual side of the changes to my design where I could then see the improvements that it has made.

Although when looking at my perspective and axonometric drawings I then decided that I would include what my furniture design would look like. This of which I had drawn how I wanted my furniture to be placed whilst also showing how I wish it would also look like. However, I still feel that my plan may need some changes to make it aesthetically pleasing and at its best standard it can be.

 

During this week we had been assigned a workshop for two days, this of which on Monday we would be looking at Linocut and on the Friday we would be looking at how to Silkscreen.

Throughout Monday’s session Nigel had given quick instructions on what to do and not do, however as I had done some years doing Linocut I was able to jump straight in and start my design. From this I had been given Lino tools and a Lino block of which I would then draw my design on, this of which I decided to base my design on a landscape due to the fact in my recent project that I am producing my artist is a landscaper. From my design I had created a very basic and quick design of what shows mountains in and a ocean in such as where my building would have in the project.

Once I had gathered my design together on paper first it was then transferred onto the Lino block where I would then use the tools to cut away parts of what i would want to look white in a final image. However, when cutting away I had to make sure that it was away from my body to avoid harm to myself but also that it had to be on a wooden block so that the Lino block wouldn’t move or damage the table.

However, once I had finished cutting out my design on the Lino block, I was then able to choose what colour ink I would use so that it could be transferred onto paper. This of which I started off with black just to get a basic idea what it would look like as a final outcome.

Once I had chosen a colour ink I would roller it out on top of the Lino block and then place it underneath a presser with a sheet of paper on top so that the image would transfer backwards. This then gave my a chance where I had used yellow and red/blue gradient effect print to see how they would turn out as a final image. These are shown above.

During Friday’s workshop learning how to Silkscreen, I had really enjoyed it as the process was interesting and quick to do. From this Nigel had given us a very quick demonstration on how the process works. This then lead to finding an image on what I wanted to design for my final outcome where I would then draw it onto paper. For my design I decided to do a  flamingo, this meant I would have to draw its body first and then cut it out as shown below for my stencil this then meant that I would place it onto the Silkscreen board which was held by masking tape. Next I then chose a pink acrylic paint to represent the flamingo where I use a knife to place and spread the paint in the area needed.

Further on with setting up my design I then marked out a boarder where all the sheets of paper would go, ready for the next print.

   

Once I had finished doing 4-5 prints of the pink paint, When I had finished I the had to clean up my area where I would have to take the Silkscreen to the jet wash area before the paint dried as it would ruin the boards for more prints in the future. I then went back to the table where I started to draw out the flamingo again but adding the detail to it which I would have black giving the features to standout. Throughout the process, I had three separate pieces where I had to then stick onto the Silkscreen with a little bit of glue to hold them in place ready for my prints.

From this I then done practise prints using the black paper which had turned out really well just by themselves as it showed what animal I was doing. From this I was able to mark up the black to the pink which then lead me to produce my final outcomes as shown above, which I think worked really well for a first time but also for how I wanted my outcomes to look like. By using this process I believe I could use this into my project but more projects to come.