Alison Ho | Portfolio by Alison Ho

ALISON HO portfolio

AL I S O N HO AL I S O NHO29 @ GMAIL.COM (70 3) 801-7223

co n t e n t s 4 - 25

m.f.a. thesis | taking the water

26 - 33

kaleide camp | bienenstock design competition

34 -41

small business | retail space

42-47

community center

taking the water

mfa interior design thesis

taking the water For my M.F.A. thesis, I was drawn to focusing on the user of the space and letting that drive the program. I am very interested in the baby boomer demographic and how boomers spend their newly found leisure time when entering active retirement. Baby boomers, a cohort group of nearly 76 million people, are those born between 1944 and 1964. In 2012, there were 43.1 million people in the United States that were aged 65+ (Ortman, Velkoff, Hogan, 2014). There will be a growing demand for recreational resources utilized by physically fit, health-conscious consumers, who happen to be of retirement age. My thesis aims to address this shifting demographic and their need to stay physically active and socially engaged post-career and children. Baby boomers are more physically active than previous generations and many will now live 20% - 25% of their lives in active retirement and are living longer than before. “An obsession with fitness is said to be one of the main defining characteristics of this generation. An explanation for this may be that while previous generations

primarily received their physical activity from work, boomers seek physical activity through leisure” (Sperezza & Banerjee, 2010, p. 199-200). The top leisure activities that interest baby boomers the most were researched, and I have narrowed this to aquatics. My thesis proposal is to place elements of a natatorium and a spa under one roof. This aquatic center will be open to all, but my design and research is focused on the baby boomer demographic. Research methods will include site visits, in depth interviews with professionals in the field of aging, senior citizens and aquatics were done as primary research for this project. This space hopes to celebrate and encourage them to stay integrated in their community, sustain their social life, and keep their minds and bodies active.

the baby boomer generation is about to transform into the largest elderly population in human history, changing how everyone lives, large and small. all of this will directly affect recreation and leisure professionals especially in leisure programming. sperezza and banerjee

65+ population infographic / on right page The infographic on the right shows the percentage of the 65+ population in the United States. As you can see, the percentage is increasing and by 2050 22% of the population will be 65+, which equates to about 84 million people. For the first time in history, older people will outnumber younger people.

percentage of

65+

population

in the united states

of population

0 1900

1950

2000

2020

2050

year

site analysis The diagram to the right shows the site analysis of the chosen building located in Richmond, VA. Site analysis examines the sun path, surround buildings, nearby roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and foliage.

USER EXPERIENCE SKETCHES

ramp entrance

hot + cold + warm baths

pool ceiling undulations

reception

juice bar seating

pool lounge nooks

hot + cold + warm baths

pool lounge chairs

pool balcony overlook 9

concept The concept for this project is buoyancy. These concept models and diagrams represent buoyancy, rising up, floating to surface, upward force, heavy to light and levitating. In relation to my building, the building is a body of water, and the user is the object. Buoyancy is pushing the user through the building. As the user enters the building, it will feel as if they are deep under water.  As the user goes higher in the building, it will feel like they are reaching the surface of the water. Imagine you are under water. When you reach the surface of the water you catch a breath of fresh air and you feel that sunlight hit your skin. That feeling of freeness and lightness relates to the user of this space, baby boomers. This demographic is free of stress and responsibilities that comes with work obligations and family.

floor plans

mechanical & pump room

lockers, changing & shower rooms

laundry

admin offices

atrium

reception & lobby

[OPEN TO BELOW]

hot, cold, warm baths

lap pool

admin offices [OPEN TO BELOW]

main entrance

basement level

0’ 5’

10’

20’

level 01

0’ 5’

10’

20’

admin offices

juice bar

lockers, changing & shower rooms event space

[OPEN TO BELOW]

storage

storage aromatherapy rooms leisure pool

balcony lounge

commercial kitchen

[OPEN TO BELOW]

meeting room

level 02

0’ 5’

10’

20’

level 03

0’ 5’

10’

20’

atrium

atrium The atrium is one of the main features in the building. By introducing an atrium into the space, the amount of light that hits each level helps reinforce the idea of our concept, buoyancy. Darker on the bottom floors and lighter on top floors. The atrium is centered in the middle of the building and sits along the main path of the building.

custom lighting 15

lap pool The lap pool is located in the basement floor. It is a 25 meter, 3 lane, 6 feet deep lap pool. It is a dark and contemplative space for fitness lovers to enjoy tranquil swimming. Lounge chairs line the pool deck to support quiet relaxation.

bk14 sunbed by carl hansen

memtech acoustical whisperwave ribbon baffles + 3form shape sails

The ceiling has a custom made feature that is aesthetically pleasing and helps with acoustics in the space. The shape of the ceiling features mimics the movement of water.

lap pool17

hot + cold + warm baths 18

hot + cold + warm baths This space consist of three different temperature baths. Each bath is separated by a low wall and features jets and built in bench seating. Adjacent to the baths is a space with lounge chairs where users can rejuvenate after soaking in the baths. Studies show that hot, cold and warm baths can help soothe sore muscles, relieve discomfort. Alternating through the three temperature baths can help stimulate the circulation system.

leisure pool The leisure pool is much lighter, brighter and louder than the lap pool below. This space was designed to offer many opportunities for gathering, socialilzing and relaxing. There is also an overlooking balcony.

kinetics noise control perforated metal acoustical panels

This leisure pool is beached sloped entry and goes as deep as 7 feet. Group water activities such as water yoga and weightlifting happen here a few times a day. Along the right side of the pool, there is a built in bench and jets. There is also a 18” deep area with built in chairs so users can be partially immersed in the water. Adjacent to the leisure pool is a hot tub with built in seating and water jets. This hot tub can fit 15 people. The ceiling has a custom made feature that is aestetically pleasing and helps with acoustics in this space. The shape of the ceiling features mimics the undulations of water.

brixx by dedon

leisure pool21

ounge

lounge The lounge is on the top floor and is the most open space in the entire building. It is the loudest and brightest space and where people gather, eat and socialize. Supporting spaces include a custom juice bar and lighting, small cafe that serves food and drinks, and an open space that can be used for private events. There are ample seating options available to users in this space.

custom bar & light

balcony overlook This balcony is right off of the lounge, sits on the top floor and overlooks the leisure pool. The cafe chairs on the balcony are positioned outward to point your view to the leisure pool below.

emu terramare by coalesse

balcony o

overlook

KALEIDE CAMP BIENENSTOCK DESIGN COMPETITION

kaleide camp project program The 2019-2020 Bienenstock Design Competition asks Interior Design students to design a camp activity center for co-ed and traditional and special needs campers ages 6-10. The camp is located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. The first floor of the building is used for camp activities and the second floor is a residential space for the camp director.

The concept of the space is a kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscopes are a very whimsicle and enchanting toy for children. My desire for the camp was to evoke that same enchantment in its campers. Campers should feel free to be curious, play, and explore in this beautiful landscape. Kaleidscopes provide infinite pattern possibilities through different shapes, colors and light and was the driving force for the space planning, materiality, and colors of the space.

design This summer camp is an arts and crafts camp for traditional and special needs campers. Campers spend time outside in the forested landscape, streams, and private lakes and explore nature. They pick leaves, twigs and pine cones off the floor and make crafts with pipe cleaners, felt, and craft paper.

k a l e i d e c a m p

view of activity cent

ter from main entrance, level 01

floor plans UPStairs 103

UPStairs

Stairs 201 DN

103

Stage

102

104

Nurse's Office 101

Nurse's Office

Dressing Room

100

105

Exterior Porch UP

Activity Center

re Plan 1

Level 1 - Furniture Plan 1/16" = 1'-0"

101

Living Room

level 01 scale: 1/16” = 1’

Master Bedrooom 207

206

100

Exterior Porch

Exterior Porch DN 2

Level 2 - Furniture Plan 1/16" = 1'-0"

level 02 scale: 1/16” = 1’ No.

2 Description

Living Room

Mast

206

Exterior Por Level 2 - Furniture Plan 1/16" = 1'-0" Date

No.

201 DN

Half Bath

200 Executive Office Executive Conference Room 210 Den/Guest Bedroom Foyer 203 204 209 200 Executive Office Executive Conference Room Den/G 203 204 Kitchen Master Bathroom 205 208 Kitchen Mast 205

102

Activity Center

Stairs

Foyer

Level 1 an

Description Project number Date Drawn by Checked by

Pr Iss Au Ch

view of stage in activity center, level 01

32 view of activity center, level 01

project materials 1

1. Carpet Flooring 2. White Oak Casework 3. Dark Wood Flooring 4. Interior Paint Color 5. Formica - Terrazzo Solid Surface Sheet 6. Woodworks Grille in Grille Dark Cherry by Armstrong 7 - 9. Yellow, Orange and Light Teal Metal - Cubby Material

retail space small business retail space

floor plan

concept sketch www.autodesk.com/revit

Consultant Address Address Address Phone

Consultant Address Address Address Phone -

Consultant Address Address Address Phone

No.

Description

Date

Owner Project Name

Project Number Date Drawn By Checked By

Scale

Project Number Issue Date Author Checker

A103

3/16" = 1'-0"

1/12/2021 11:41:30 AM

Floor Plan

retail space

retail space 38

BOTTLING + TEST KITCHEN

Phone

Consultant Address Address Address Phone

www.autodesk.com/revit -

Consultant Address Address Address Phone

elevations

Consultant Address Address Address Phone

No. 1 4

Retail - Elevation - Cash Wrap 3/4" = 1'-0"

Description

Consultant Address Address Address Phone

Date

ELEVATION 1 - CASH WRAP WALL Retail - Elevation - Retail Shelving Retail - Elevation - Cash Wrap 13/4" = 1'-0" 3/4" = 1'-0"

ELEVATION 2 - RETAIL SHELVING WALL

Retail - Elevation - Cash Wrap Retail 1- Elevation - Retail Shelving 3/4" = 1'-0" 3/4" = 1'-0"

Retail - Elevation - Retail Shelving 3/4" = 1'-0"

2 3

No.

Description

Date

Owner Owner

Project Name

Floor Plan

Retail - Elevation - Barn Door 3/4" = 1'-0"

Drawn By ELEVATION 3 - FRONT ENTRANCE WALL Retail - Elevation - Barn Door 3 3/4" = 1'-0" Retail - Elevation - Front Door 3/4" = 1'-0"

Checked By

40 Scale

Project Number Issue Date Author Checker

A103

3/16" = 1'-0"

Project Number Issue Date Drawn By Author Retail - Elevation - Front Door Retail - Elevation - Front Door 4 Retail Elevation Barn Door 3/4" = 1'-0" 3/4" = 1'-0" 3 By Checked Checker 3/4" = 1'-0" Project Number Date

ELEVATION 4 - BARN DOOR WALL

Scale

A104

3/4" = 1'-0"

1/12/2021 11:37:06 AM

Date

1/12/2021 11:41:30 AM

Project Number

Elevations - Retail Room

FINISHES + MATERIALS

community center community + children center

LOBBY 44

game room 45

gym 46

FINISHES specialty gym floor

acoustical pendant

PLAM

SSM

LVT

LVT 47