RITUAL DESIGN STUDIO
A TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECT IN ADAPTIVE-REUSE
ADAPTIVE REUSE
[uh-dap-tiv] - [rhi-yoos]
I Adaptive reuse is routinely defined as “transforming an unused or underused building or space into one that serves a new purpose,” My philosophy is that this field of practice is not limited to being categorized as interior design or architecture because it is a holistic design strategy focused on re-use and re-outfitting, applicable to anything artistically conceived and manifested… from a piece of furniture, to a lighting concept, or an interior space. It is rich and varied in its importance and includes not only the reuse of existing structures, but also the reuse of materials, transformative interventions, continuation of cultural phenomena through built infrastructure, connections across the fabric of time and space, and preservation of memory. All of which result in densely woven narratives of the built environment that allow for “layering” of the past and present, with adaptive-reuse as their tool...
LOCATION
2240 Rose street, Berkeley California. 94709
reet Rose St
View from Rose Street
1’ 2’ 4’ 8’
The making of the desktop
Work table in outside position
Grid bracket detail
Wall hung brackets used for easy removal of organizational grids to expand and utalize wall space if gallery is needed. The wood working table can be moved outside of the studio and into new positions. The wheels come with locking systems for easy spatial rearranging, that allow for multi-use.
Locking wheels
Computer work area
“Twig Chair” by Chad Wright
Desktop Detail
Tensegrity This series explores the notion of tensegrity as a form-giving structural system and point of inception for creating playfully responsive lights. Various materials and manufacturing techniques were used in iterations to emphasize the elasticity and interactive qualities of the forms. The lamp in the picture to the left is made from Bamboo, and bungee chord.
Restoration The revival of this bent plywood Eames chair was intended to emphasize the hybrid assemblage of natural and synthetic materials intrinsic within its design. The raw warmth of its exposed wood seats contrasted with the accent of its dark glossy finish and metallic steel frame, provide a form whose curvilinear profile is exquisite to the eyes of geometry.
My name is Amanda and I am a Bay Area native designer, and graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design from the department of Interior Architecture (Adaptive- Reuse). This is a zine of my recent project, designing my studio office and work space known as Ritual Design Studio, in Berkeley Ca. This project is special to me not only because it was my first project that materialized, but because it was done with adaptive re-use in mind. Mostly everything in here was adapted, repainted, refurbished, donated, recycled, or built with our own hands. You don’t need a lot of money to be able to create the space you want to achieve, you just need to be creative with your design choices, and mindful of the budget and original goal you placed for yourself.
Plans for 2016: My partner and myself are focusing on acheiving LEED ID +C certification, and architectural licensing in California. Upcoming projects: FULL-BLEED - An quarterly zine on IntArch / Adaptive Re-use written and curated by RDS. www.full-bleed.online coming soon. I am currently taking a letter press class at SFCB with a design partner in Graphic design. We are working towards a letter press process that includes 3d printing as a means of exploration with typography, and creating a system that involves recycling and green practice. Amanda Swain 510.717.3744