ALAA AL RAWAHI INTERIOR DESIGN PORTFOLIO
ALAA AL RAWAHI
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY Interior design is a tool that helps us curate ideas into an accessible space, where the process behind such spaces is what I enjoy the most. The research development stage helps expand my knowledge in many areas and fields. Therefore, interior design inspires me to explore and tackle society's different needs creatively. I find inspiration in the minor things surrounding me; I like the beauty of nature and architecture when they articulate. It is that feeling when we are overtaken by nature and overgrown by architecture at the same time. I envision that learning from others and believing in myself can take me anywhere because I foresee learning as a continuous process that does not end with a certificate or a degree; hence every day is a new chance to get inspired to create what is best for others.
rawahi5999@gmai.com
www.alaarawahi.com
+968 96730788
WORK EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION The Savannah College of Art & Design – SCAD Savannah, Georgia, USA | 2017 – 2021 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, Minor in Electronic Design Graduated Cum Laude
SOFTWARE SKILLS § § § § § § § § § §
Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign Adobe Illustrator Autodesk AutoCAD Autodesk Revit Sketch Up Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft PowerPoint Lumion
§ Amajeena, Purple Swans Company : A national family-owned retail brand that specializes in supplying natural cosmetics, skin care, and body care products – Muscat, Oman 2017-2021 ▫ Worked on brand identity visualization, including design of shopping bags for the brand ▫ In charge for creating marketing content for social media account ▫ Assisting and managing customers needs and meeting their expectations ▫ Worked on creating several creative photoshoots for various products
RELEVANT COURSEWORK § Designed a residential apartment for Trevor Frost § Developed a plan and concept for a restaurant and a museum inspired by Jerusalem § Designed a headquarters office for a telehealth company § Worked on a collaborative group project to design a high end residential space for a real-life client § Capstone project – Bringing the outdoors inside: A unique entertainment experience
ACCOMPLISHMENTS § The National Undergraduate Scholarship Program ▫ Presented by The Ministry of Higher Education in Oman § SCAD Achievement Honor Scholarship ▫ Awarded by SCAD for well- achieved students § Academic Honors Scholarship ▫ Awarded by SCAD for excellent academic performance § Dean’s List Honors ▫ Awarded for students who achieve a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher § Design of Distinction Award ▫ For outstanding achievement in the Kravet design of distinction competition
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CONTENTS INTERTWINED TRAILS
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE
TANJARA
DIGITAL ARTWORK
Individual Studio Project
Savannah GA, USA
10 weeks | Winter 2020
9,949 sqft
01
INTERTWINED TRAILS A Workplace Design
PROJECT PROMPT To design a workspace that encourages health, well-being, and adaptability, addressing new approaches to working spaces. Softwares Used - Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Rendering Cloud, Adobe Photoshop
Located in the most historical city in the South; Savannah. The location is very close to River Street and downtown Savannah; thus, it is a lively area with many facilities and attractions. 641 INDIAN STREET, SAVANNAH, GA, USA
S I T E
BUILDIGN FLOOR PLAN
NOT INCLUDED IN CONTRACT
Mezzanine The focus area of the design is a unique one, and it also has a mezzanine that can be further developed and modified shape-wise to make use of the volumetric space of the building.
AREA ATTRACTIONS Forsyth Park
The Savannah Bridge
River Street
The City Market
The City Hall
Downtown Savannah
The location is nearby many local attractions that users can access easily through walking. However, the proximity to restaurants and dining areas is minimal, and thus this must be put under consideration when designing.
CLIENT
Regroup – A unique telemedicine company that provides various mental health services to patients virtually. They have recruited over 50+ workers as part of Regroup’s family, who also include nonmedical workers recruited
USERS
50+ workers
There are non-medical workers recruited
There are seven managers in the company Team includes managers, psychiatrists, psychologists, marketing directors, business developers, partners with other companies, controllers, accountants, software engineers, success managers, recruiters
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CONCEPT
The human brain is an intricate and vital organ that consists of many gyri and sulci, and they are the wrinkles, the folds, and the grooves that make up the patterns and the lines. If we dive deep into these trails, we will find that every person in this world has a unique pattern that makes up the whole brain. Therefore, I aim to Focus on the intertwined trails of the Gyri and the Sulci of the brain to explore individual paths of a symbolic journey that expresses the connection and the unity between each trail and how they all come together to create a harmonic rhythm.
FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR – MEZZANINE
FIRST FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR: Open Workspaces
Reception/ Waiting Area
Restrooms
Private Offices
SECOND FLOOR – MEZZANINE: Breakout Area
Pantry
Other Services
Conference Room
FINISHES & MATERIALITY SELECTION
FURNITURE SELECTION
RECEPTION This is the first thing you see when you walk through the space; the reception desk is a custom-made one where the surface material used incorporates my concept as it consists of many intertwining trails. Behind the reception desk is the mock rooms where I used glass walls to separate the space, but at the same time, so it does not feel that closed.
CUSTOM MILLWORK | RECEPTION DESK| ADA ACCESSIBLE
This is the corridor that leads you to all the private management offices; thus, the structure of the walls creates this exciting view. Hence, I decided to implement some wall art string throughout the entire wall not only because it goes well with my concept but also because it will act as a way-finder between all the offices. Thus, giving the space some rhythm and movement.
CLOSED OFFICES CORRIDOR
OPEN WORKSPCE This is an open workspace where I tried to spread out each workstation, so the space does not get crowded with employees. Hence, to ensure that the acoustics in this area is perfect, I decided to integrate a solution using an intricate pattern in the wall using hexagon intertwined acoustical panels to absorb the sound in the space. Moreover, I custom-made ceiling acoustical panels that look like the human brain, and it goes well with the core values of Regroup.
XOREL ARTFORM HEX-3D ACCOUSTICAL PANELS- SMALL
HERMAN MILLER REVIEW LINK WORKSTATION
This is a private conference room, and it is directly beneath the mezzanine. Thus, I decided to have glass panels around so that the conference room views the surrounding area. On the other hand, the rest of the walls are filled with whiteboards and pinboards so that the users of the space can use the space to express their ideas.
CONFERENCE ROOM
MEZZANINE – TOP VIEW This is the top view of the mezzanine, and it is a breakout area and a pantry, and a refreshing station. What makes this space a unique one is that the mezzanine separates the materials used in the walls hence defining each space uniquely.
SAGE GREENLIFE VERDANTA FLOURISH WALL MOUNTED PLANTS CONTAINER
This is an elevation view of the mezzanine, where below the staircase, I decided to incorporate some biophilic elements in the breakout area where it acts as a space definition. Still, at the same time, it energizes the space. Also, there is another breakout area on the opposite side so employees can enjoy their time during breaks.
MEZZANINE ELEVATION
Capstone Project
Muscat, Oman
20 weeks | Fall 2020 – Winter 2021
18, 825
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BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE A Unique Entertainment Experience
PROJECT PROMPT Select a contemporary social issue and develop a creative solution in the form of interior space and support it with research and evidence
Softwares Used - Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Rendering Cloud, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Excel
IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEM AND SOLUTION
PROBLEM
Oman is one of the countries in the world where during most months of the year, the weather gets scorching, and due to that. I have noticed that many outdoor facilities are not used because of the extreme heat conditions. Thus, many indoor facilities feel very secluded from the nature outside and
SOLUTION
I have observed the indoor facilities and have concluded that there are many malls and indoor entertainment facilities. Still, they lack that contact between nature or, in other words, between what's inside and outside. One of the many approaches that can be taken as a solution for this problem is an indoor space that brings the outdoors inside, where it is a unique entertainment experience
AND IT ALL STARTED WITH A BRAINSTORM…
A REALLY BIG ONE
Bringing The Outdoors Inside: A Unique Entertainment Experience is a space that provides users with an unforgettable and interactive experience as it combines the activities that are usually done outdoors in a unique cooled indoor space.
PROJECT GOALS OCEC THEATER HOTEL
EXHIBITION HALLS CAR PARKING
GARDEN Drwaing from OCEC official website
MADINAT AL IRFAN, MUSCAT
USERS
PROGRAMMATIC CONSIDERATIONS
BUBBLE DIAGRAMS
CONCEPT The concept for this project evolved from looking closely at the organic forms that we find within Oman’s nature, where whether it was a natural element or a human-made one, these intricate forms show the alliance of nature and architecture combined. Alliance, unity, and connection; three main elements that explore the beauty of nature and culture when they come together. It is how we feel when we are overtaken by nature and overgrown by architecture at the same time.
PRELIMENARY DIGITAL SKETCHES 1 1
KIDS PLAYGROUND
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WALKING TRAIL
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PICNIC AREA 2
During the development process of all of my ideas, I decided that the best way to illustrate my ideas effectively is through creating digital representations of what I intend to do. Thus, I used Adobe Photoshop to create several illustrations of three of the main areas in the space: the picnic area, the kid's playground, and finally, the walking trail. All of the ideas show how natural elements can be incorporated throughout the space and show unity and the coming of nature and artificial elements together. These specific spaces were developed because these spaces are the center point of the project, and I wanted to emphasize my concept in these spaces. I wanted these spaces to stand out the most because they make up a massive percentage of the overall floor plan, and I can show my concept by making customized pieces and playing with ceiling height to produce a unique space.
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FLOOR PLAN L
M
L K
P
O
N H
G
J
A C
F
I
D B E
A
Wall Climbing Area
E
Picnic Area
I Exit/ Gift Shop
M
Storage Room
B
Private Meeting Podiums
F
Arches
J
N
Men
C
Kids Play ground
G
Stage Seating Area
K Mechanical Room
O
Women
D
Walking Trail
H
Stage
L
P
Family/ Nursing Room
Lake/ Waterbody Ride
VOLUMETRIC DIGITAL SKETCHES
Above are quick studies that I did using Adobe Photoshop to better understand how the space will eventually look after rendering. After creating these studies, I realized that I could develop the ceiling heights further due to the building’s high ceilings in some areas, but other than that, I am satisfied with the design and layout of the spaces.
A FINAL APPROACH
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As part of my final design solution, after completing extensive research on the site, building, and users' needs, I produced several designs for different spaces. Within these spaces, I ensured that natural elements blended well so that a unified 3 scenery was created. For example, the Walking trail 2 is surrounded by arches that overlook the picnic area from one side and the stage area. This space is 4 unique because much of the millwork is customized solely to meet the users' needs. For instance, since the ceiling of this building was high, I decided to 5 have several heights so that the space feels precisely like nature, where trees and other natural elements have various heights. Moreover, even though the spaces are divided into different purpose spaces, all spaces are open or semi open, where again, this is inspired by nature and the formation of natural elements.
B FOCUS AREA
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4 2
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1. 2 3. 4. 5.
WALL CLIMBING AREA ARCHES HALLWAY KIDS PLAYGROUND STAGE AREA PICNIC AREA
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WALL CLIMBING AREA
This entire wall features a climbing area. It goes up to the ceiling, giving the space some depth and allowing those users who enjoy hiking and similar activities to perform such sports when the weather is scorching outside. It is also a unique feature of the space as it can be seen from a distance because it goes all the way to the ceiling.
2.
ARCHES HALLWAY
This is a semi private area; and it is also part of the walking trail. It oversees the stage area from one side and the picnic area from the other side. The arches hallway is a connection point between many significant areas in the space.
3.
KIDS PLAYGROUND A secured semi-open space where parents can leave their children and enjoy using the rest of the facilities in the area while knowing that their kids are in a safe space. Kids can experience being close to nature through the materials and games around them. The kid's playground oversees the climbing wall and many natural elements like trees and the living green planet wall panels that give the space an unforgettable experience.
4. STAGE AREA This is an open multi-functional space explicitly designed to be modified depending on the events in this area, where users can quickly move all furniture pieces to meet their needs. Thus, users can move the seating in this area around, and users can even use it to gather together and have some food if they desire. On the other hand, the stage wall is covered with greenery and waterfalls so that users of the space can feel carefree and relaxed.
5. PICNIC AREA A unique space in which users can come together to be so close to nature. They can choose to sit on tables and chairs or the ground. Natural elements surround this space so that users get the authentic experience of a picnic. There are also food kiosks around in which users can grab something to eat while enjoying the view and weather with family and friends.
MILLWORK
CUSTOM KIOSK INSPIRED BY NATURE AND RECEPTION DESK
RCP
Individual Studio
Savannah, GA, USA
10 weeks | Fall 2019
7000 sqft
03 TANJARA
Commercial Design: Retail &Restaurant
PROJECT PROMPT Design a restaurant and an additional space of your choice to enhance the experience of the restaurant’s users
Softwares Used - Autodesk Revit, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Indesign, Lumion
This location is unique, as it is located in the historic district of downtown Savannah; it is also the heart of many services and exciting places. First, it is very close to Savannah’s river, many restaurants, and other local shops. Therefore, it is unique as it lies in the heart of nature and the city itself. 38 MONTGOMERY ST, SAVANNAH, GA, USA
Above is the front elevation of the building; it is approximately around 35 ft high, where the structure of the building depicts that it is an old one. This can be identified through the type of bricks used and other materiality and structural elements in the interior of the building. Hence, all of these elements must be considered when designing the space, as columns, for instance, will affect the layout of the space, and they can be used within the design to make use of the whole space. But, overall, the building is unique as it is covered mainly with large windows allowing natural sunlight to enter the space.
This building is originally a condo house that was built in the 19th century, where the design and material choices imply that well.
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2 PUBLIC
PRIVATE
UNUSED
MOODBOARDS
ETHOS
Ethos: When you visit a place for the first time, and it feels like you’ve known it for a long time (NOSTALGIA).
SCHEMATICS
FIRST FLOOR Main Dining Area, Reception, Kitchen, Storage Room, Restrooms (Including ADA)
SECOND FLOOR Old Market, Museum, Meeting Room, Administrative Office
NOT INCLUDED IN CONTRACT
A FINAL APPROACH
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Since this building is double floored, I separated the main dining area and the additional space. Thus, the first floor is where once people enter the space can have their food and lounge in the seating area. Nevertheless, on the second floor, I decided to 3 users of the space have a little 'old market' so that 2 can get the feeling that they are walking in Jerusalem old markets, and at the same time, they 4 can purchase exclusive merchandise like spices and other things. Furthermore, once they pass through the arches, users can learn more about the 5 restaurant's history uniquely and interactively, thus ending their journey at the restaurant with something memorable. Furthermore, since there is always room for improvement, I decided to use new rendering techniques to better understand materiality and lighting within the space. I initially rendered my perspectives using Adobe Photoshop, where the renderings turned out to be a bit abstract. I like them, but I wanted to try out something new. Thus, I decided to try Lumion, and I really like both perspectives' "before and after" transitions.
OLD MARKET ELEVATION
MUSEUM ELEVATION
RESTAURANT RECEPTION ELEVATION
BUILDING SECTION
MUSEUM BEFORE
AFTER
OLD MARKET BEFORE
AFTER
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DIGITAL ARTWORK
PROMPT A collection of digital artwork that I created using various softwares Softwares Used - Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
rawahi5999@gmail.com www.alaarawahi.com +968 96730788