BRANDON THANDI
2016
01 : collect
02 : tilt
03 : explore
04 : perform
05 : support
06 : interact
Redefining living to a collection of the 3 states of being: Subconscious, Conscious, and HyperConscious. A two story apartment is transformed into a cabinet of experiences, where the senses are free to collect memories.
LIVING IS THE COLLECTION OF THREE STATES OF BEING
subconscious
conscious
hyper conscious
Subconscious activity is non-sensory, spiritual, and occurs mentally not spatially. Conscious living, which stimulates at least one of the senses, occurs in all awake moments of life. Within this, there are instances of Hyper-Conscious activity, stimulating all of the senses concurrently. These moments are those of physical interaction with another person, occurring unexpectedly throughout conscious living.
DeVera soho, new york city
Inspired by collector historical objects, Federico DeVera, the apartment was intended to emulate the feeling of being collected and displayed. Material studies of the objects and their display cases at DeVera Soho informed the finishes selected for the interiors.
texture + material studies
LIVE
subconscious
hyper conscious
A
conscious
1 “Living Room”
The “Living Room” is renamed as a “Living Space” where experiences from around the apartment overflow and merge together, creating the true experience of living
con
ou sci
L CO
LEC
s
T
hyper conscious 1
FLOOR 1
B
LIVE
COLLECT
hyper conscious
conscious
C
EAT
conscious
2
A
co
io nsc H B AT
us
E
conscious 2
FLOOR 2
SLEEP
B
subconscious
A
LIVE
hyper conscious
C
COOK
conscious
1
con
ou sci
L CO
LEC
s
T
hyper conscious 1
FLOOR 1
B
LIVE
COLLECT
hyper conscious
conscious
C
EAT
conscious
2
A
co
io nsc H B AT
us
E
conscious 2
FLOOR 2
LIVE
hyper conscious
4
3
hyper conscious LIVE
SECTION A
EAT
conscious
3 hyper conscious
Storage for personal belongings is hidden away in order to place an emphasis on the senses and the memories being created in the home.
conscious 4 conscious COOK
LIVE
hyper conscious
5
Spaces that appear to be for storage are instead used as receptacles for collecting emotional experiences within “Living Spaces”.
LIVE
SLEEP
hyper conscious
sub conscious
SECTION B
5
EAT
conscious
sub conscious
6 Openings in the floor plate of the second floor allow for senses such as scent and sound to travel seamlessly throughout the residence
conscious conscious COOK
SECTION C
6
More than just a place to sit, TILT is a unique chair that carries concern of structural uneasiness and instability past the visual sense and continues it through the experience of sitting.
CREATING A TEMPORARY MOMENT OF PANIC
Cassina’s contemporary bauhaus aesthetic causes the user to be weary of the structural stability of the furniture.
silhouettes that express uneasiness
A minimal use of standard joinery techniques creates a visual illusion of
In order to continue the idea of instability through to using the furniture, techniques such as interlocking wooden slats and folding pieces were used.
CREATING A TEMPORARY MOMENT OF PANIC
Cassina’s contemporary bauhaus aesthetic causes the user to be weary of the structural stability of the furniture. A minimal use of standard joinery techniques creates a visual illusion of instability. Couches appear to float, right angled joints are rare, and tensile structures all work together to mimic the appearance of collapsible furniture.
In order to continue the idea of instability through to using the furniture, techniques such as interlocking wooden slats and folding pieces were used.
The laminated birch plywood of the chair contrasts with the dark walnut of the back-to-seat-connection, bringing attention to the construction and suggesting mobility of the joint. Users will be unsure of the chair’s stability when first sitting down, and that uneasiness will continue through leaning back onto the chair.
As the user puts weight on the back of the chair, the furniture will tilt back slightly, causing a fleeting moment of distress. The back of the chair is indeed stable, but slightly moves to mold to the user’s back.
A physicalization of the struggles of growing up, this teen center encourages self exploration and growth through use of a programless, “useless� environment. With moments of rationality mixed into moments of irrationality, the space serves as a metaphor of the emotions dealt with during adolescence.
The Teenage years are those in which a child is expected to master the concept of “right versus wrong�. This often causes many rational and irrational thoughts to occur concurrently. A space which serves as a temporary relief from this stigma will allow for a smoother and less stressful transition from childhood to adulthood. To create a comfortable space for teenagers to fully explore themselves and discover their inner selves, they must feel the following:
RIGHT VERSUS WRONG
ANONYMOUS
AWARE
SAFE
The Teen Center is intended to allow any program to occur in any location of the building. The concept models shown are flexible, allowing programs names to reflect onto the building plan in any way the user wishes.
In order to remove the stigma of right and wrong from a space, the space needs to feel abstract and non program specific. This is achieved through the use of custom “blob� furniture which can be used in infinite ways.
useless space is the most useful kind of space
The proposed teen center is a physicalization of the struggles of growing up. It is unclear at first what one should do in the space, but after exploring it, it becomes clear that the body is able to fit into certain areas and perform a multitude of programs. With moments of rationality mixed in with moments of irrationality, the space serves as a metaphor of not knowing how to fit in during the teen years.
The proposed teen center is a physicalization of the struggles of growing up. It is unclear at first what one should do in the space, but after exploring it, it becomes clear that the body is able to fit into certain areas and perform a multitude of programs. With moments of rationality mixed in with moments of irrationality, the space serves as a metaphor of not knowing how to fit in during the teen years.
Selected for use in the 2016 CIDA Accreditation Show at Pratt Institute
An existing classroom at Pratt Institute is transformed into a live/work/performance space for a filmmaker, composer, and professor. Drawing inspiration from the client’s 1935 Odeon Cinema Compton Theatre Organ, the space emulates the feeling of playing the instrument.
A LIVE/PERFORMANCE SPACE FOR A THEATRE ORGANIST
The client for this project is a professional film maker and theatre organist specializing in silent films. He is teaching a film course at Pratt, and is being offered a custom 821 square foot live/work space in a section of a classroom. He has a great passion for the early 1900s, which is evident from his work with silent films as well as his 1935 Odeon Cinema Compton Theatre Organ. During the day he films/composes and teaches, but most nights he hosts intimate screening parties where he projects silent films above his organ and performs the soundtrack live.
stand stops keys seat pedals
HOLDS SHEET MUSIC ALTER PITCH CREATE TREBLE OPTIMIZES HEIGHT
CREATE BASS
M A R K I N G A N D AC T I VAT I N G The operation of a theatre organ was studied to extract 4 verbs. These are the actions most critical for playing a theatre organ. The shuffling of the
shuffle
foot across the pedals and the looping of the head to keep tempo are both strategies used to mark the musician’s place on the instrument and in the music. The flicking of the stops to change the pitch and the stepping on the pedals are two methods of activating the instrument, creating a sound.
flick
step
loop
SURROUNDING
Surrounding via wrapping to form
Surrounding the stepping model with
Creating a surrounding space with
an interior space altered with light,
the shuffle model, again creating an
various elevations. The forms were
creating a clear distinction of interior
interior space altered with light
derived from the flicking motion.
and exterior.
Iteration 1 of using the shuffle model to create a type of partition. Changes with light but only touches the ground at points.
Iteration 2 also changes with light but touches the ground constantly, offering more privacy.
Iteration 3 changes with light but touches the ground with only points, removing privacy.
B KITCHEN SLEEPING
BATHROOM
A PERFORMANCE CLOSET
MAIN LEVEL PLAN
The partition system designed for the space creates different shadows with natural light (left) and artificial light (right).
WORK
PERFORMANCE
SECTION A
CLOSET
work
Each program of the space occurs on its own level, similar to the construction of a theatre organ.
sleep perform
SECTION B
bathe
As a nod to the Prohibition Era, hidden liquor cabinets were integrated into the negative spaces created by the shuffle partition. The built in shelving in the kitchen and closet is derived from the client’s organ, which has 5 keyboard and 3 rows of stops. There are 5 shelves in each of the 3 shelving sections.
WORK
SLEEPING BATHROOM
SECTION B
As a nod to the Prohibition Era, hidden liquor cabinets were integrated into the negative spaces created by the shuffle partition. The built in shelving in the kitchen and closet is derived from the client’s organ, which has 5 keyboard and 3 rows of stops. There are 5 shelves in each of the 3 shelving sections.
This Flagship store fully integrates all aspects of the Housing Works brand (thrifting, medical care, food services, dispersion of information, and community engagement), presenting them as a work in progress, reminiscent of a construction site. Stylized scaffolding supports the interior, appearing to hold an inserted “building within the building�: a symbol of the integration of Housing Works as part of the network for the cure of HIV.
Selected for use in the 2016 CIDA Accreditation Show at Pratt Institute 2016 Eric Feignbaum Academic Scholarship Winner
RETAIL • 12 thrift shops
• Online auctions
• 1 bookstore / cafe
• 1 annual design benefit
• 1 catering company
Housing Works is unique in that it brings together very different programs. Programs such as auctions and a catering service would have no connection without Housing Works.
A non profit organization dedicated to ending the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS by offering assistance to those in need, from housing, to medical care, to emotional support. They go about this by the following two methods.
ADVOCACY spread of info via technology
indirectly informed person
housing works advocate
directly informed
Housing Works is a small network within larger networks of communities, which are part of even larger, global networks.
A bag purchased from an existing Housing Works location served as a design driver. In this bag, smaller local pockets exist within larger global pockets, all inside the bag as a whole. Dissection of the bag revealed that all of the layers are held together by one singular piece of fabric that acts as a spine. This spine is essentially Housing Works, as it is holding many unique pieces together to work towards a single cause.
dominant pocket sub-dominant pocket subordinate pocket
pockets within pockets
S H O U L D E R BAG A N A LYS I S holding many unique pieces together
The common theme of one element within another was translated into a building within a building. This strategy of design allows for many different programs to be related under one roof, as Housing Works does. The individual programs of thrift retail, health clinic, and cafe all exist within the matrix of the building. The programs affect each other physically, visually, and audibly but remain separated via 2 screening methods: semi-opaque resin and bamboo slats. The space will allow visitors to interact with multiple programs without ever being in more than one at a time. This is achieved by inserting a smaller building inside of the existing building. The floor plates of the inserted building are offset of the existing floors to emphasize that they are separate entities within the same space.
______ WITHIN ______
networks within networks
pockets within pockets
clinic within retail
cafe kitchen/bar seating H.W. merch restroom storage
floor 3: cafe
clinic reception/waiting exam room lab mental health office restroom
floor 2: clinic
storage
retail donation product display cash-wrap fitting rooms manager’s office
floor 1: retail
conference room storage
vertical circulation housing works info
UNFINISHED MATERIALS FOR AN UNFINISHED MISSION
4
1
The additional “building” has floors offset from the existing floors, emphasizing that it was added and bringing attention to it’s program: the heart of Housing Works.
1 clinic waiting area Housing Works is a work in progress, and this flagship location reflects that trait. Unfinished and matte materials were used to emphasize the “thrift� quality of the store, and the vertical slats are reminiscent of construction scaffolding.
main entrance 2
3
2
UNFINISHED MATERIALS FOR AN UNFINISHED MISSION
4
1
1 clinic waiting area Housing Works is a work in progress, and this flagship location reflects that trait. Unfinished and matte materials were used to emphasize the “thrift� quality of the store, and the vertical slats are reminiscent of construction scaffolding.
main entrance 2
3
2
3 design on a dime reception One of Housing Works’ networks is their Design On A Dime benefit auction, where people bid on designer furniture and clothing. The Flagship store will house night time cocktail receptions before the event takes place.
4 advocacy cafe The central installation in the building carries information about the organization and how patrons can be involved. At the top of the building, the information is scattered onto the walls where customers can learn more about how to get involved, grab a coffee, or meet with housing works ambassadors.
Selected for use in the 2016 CIDA Accreditation Show at Pratt Institute Selected for use in the 2014 Green Week Design Show at Pratt Institute
Utilizing the unique qualities of 3-Form’s Eco-Resin material, an empty suite in an international airport is transformed into an interactive and customizable installation. The space allows users to leave a little piece of their culture behind, creating a document of diversity.
single function
opaque
private
traditional wall: A permanent upright construction presenting a continuous, opaque surface except where pierced by doors, windows, etc.; used for shelter, protection, privacy, or to subdivide interior space, to support floors, roofs, or the like, to retain earth, to fence in an area, etc.
W H AT I S A WA L L ? contemporary wall: A construction used for shelter, protection, privacy, or to divide space while serving another function such as storage, seating, to block light, etc.
multi functional
semi private
light diffusing
Premium Finishes
* requires additional lead time and cost
Premium Finishes
Chroma, Koda XT, Struttura*, Varia Ecoresin * requires additional lead time and cost
finishes overview Patent
A high gloss finish with highest light transmittance.
Patent
Koda XT, Struttura*, complex geometries via miter joints and heat foldingChroma, Varia Ecoresin
Markerboard Plus
finishes overview Varia Ecoresin
High gloss finish with dual purpose dry-erase board capability.
Premium Finishes
* requires additional lead time and cost Markerboard Plus
ECO-RESIN: CUSTOMIZABLE AND SUSTAINABLE Varia Ecoresin
High gloss finish with dual purpose dry-erase board capability.
Light Satin Infinite Glass
This lightweight, sustainable materialAPatina issubtle suitable for complex finish perfect for removing glare Markerboard Plus Plus Varia Ecoresin
while maintaining image clarity. Varia Ecoresin
fabrication that would not be possible with similar materials such
High gloss finish with dual purpose dry-erase Non-glare finish with slightly frosted boardascapability. appearance. glass. Eco-Resin is available in 10 surface finishes with hundreds
Light Satin
Glass colors and textures available through Infinite a unique lamination process. It
Patina Plus
A high gloss finish with highest light Varia Ecoresin transmittance. Non-glare finish with slightly frosted appearance.
Patina Plus Varia Ecoresin Renewable Matte
Non-glare Chroma finish with slightly frosted appearance. Our most popular Chroma finish. Durab scratch resistant and easily renewed in the field.
Renewable Matte Chroma
Our most popular Chroma finish. Durab SFX Frost scratch resistant and easily renewed in Varia Ecoresin the field. Applied Satinfrosted finish with paper-like appearance. Infinite Glass
An etched finish that provides diffusion privacy without imparting an overly fros SFX Frost appearance. Varia Ecoresin
A subtle finish perfect for removing glare while maintaining image can be heat formed, mitered and joined with adhesive, andclarity. custom
Applied frosted finish with paper-like Supermatte appearance. Chroma, Struttura*, Varia Ecoresin
made to almost any texture and color, creating infinite possibilities.
A frosted matte finish for maximum light diffusion.
Supermatte
Chroma, Struttura*, Varia Ecoresin pg 1 Š AUGU A frosted matte finish for maximum
Development of the module began with a series of tests on the materiality of Eco-Resin. Studies began with organic thermal testing, but shifted to a more graphic and geometrical form.
MATERIAL TESTING
The geometric studies evolved into modular pieces that integrated shelving and seating into the wall. The proposal on the right used miter joints and notches to assemble the construct, and used two finishes of Eco-Resin to offer semi privacy, air circulation, storage, seating, and division of space.
The initial wall proposal achieved the stated functions, but used a large quantity of material and took up nearly 6 feet in width.
Development of the module began with a series of tests on the materiality of Eco-Resin. Studies began with organic thermal testing, but shifted to a more graphic and geometrical form.
MATERIAL TESTING
The geometric studies evolved into modular pieces that integrated shelving and seating into the wall. The proposal on the right used miter joints and notches to assemble the construct, and used two finishes of Eco-Resin to offer semi privacy, air circulation, storage, seating, and division of space.
A CULTURAL AND INTERACTIVE INSTALL ATION The goals of the wall were reworked into creating a way of dividing space while allowing the user to directly interact with the construction. A new module that creates division of space and interactive seating was designed using much less material than before. Utilizing Eco-Resin’s marker board finish, users are able to leave their mark and customize the space for the temporary time that they are using it.
Located in an international airport, this installation creates a temporary document of diversity through culturally informative displays and interactive travel themed walls.