Graduate Showcase 2020-2021
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Jack Elsom
‘Seoul-Searching’: Mapo Park Culture Resort
e-mail: jackelsom97@gmail.com
TITLE:
DESIGN AGENDA:
A Culturally-focused Eco-resort, Offering Fresh Cultural Encounters and
In Tank One, an onsite restaurant captures the experience of dining
An Innovative, Contemporary and Poetic Interpretation of Traditional South
in the Hanok with low-level dining and a heated Ondol floor. The
Korean Culture and Vernacular Architecture.
use of Haiku helped to guide the conceptual direction for this space
Shumei Tian
Green Leaf House
e-mail: 283601933@qq.com
TITLE:
DESIGN AGENDA:
An exclusive destination resort, provides a narrative space that speaks about
Appealing to destination tourists, this monumental industrial building
the cultural heritage of the Green Leaf Tea Plantation, situated in the scenic
sits, like a fortress, at the top the stepped foothills around Tongmu
Wuyishan foothills of China
Village. This concept for a responsible destination resort, sees the
to poetically interpret the vernacular architecture, applying semiotic
villagers running this boutique hotel.The heritage of the building, the tea
DESIGN CONCEPT:
theory to encode messages about the traditional home. In Tank Two,
DESIGN CONCEPT:
tree and the stream, being reflected in the palette of motifs seen in tea
An innovative and experiential accommodation resort, located in Seoul, which
a narrative installation takes visitors on an atmospheric walk through
Respecting the spectacular the rural traditions associated with the Wuyishan
gardens. Circular gateways, rhythmic level changes, bridges, a pool and
combines the authenticity of traditional South Korean Culture with a more
the timeline of South Korean culture, with sensorial features including
Foothills, this destination resort represents the industrial heritage of a former
huge ikebana floral arrangements are used to link the contemporary
contemporary, sustainable and future-focused design strategy. Spread over two
sounds and aromas integrated into the journey at key points, creating
Green Leaf House, a tea plantation building. The refurbishment of the interior
architecture with the purpose and history of the tea workers, whose
repurposed Oil Tanks, the design proposal comprises three key facilities, all of
a truly memorable and immersive experience. Tank Two also holds the
of this building, reflecting a sustainable palette of materials and technologies,
families, now run and own the resort.
which have been carefully designed to hold encoded semiotic messages about
accommodation pods which are a modular and innovative interpretation
whilst presenting an elegant and poetic reinterpretation of the Tea Ceremony
the tangible, behavioural and intangible levels of South Korean culture to craft
of the traditional Korean home. These neo-vernacular pods serve as a
and Tea Garden.
a poignant and unforgettable user experience and spatial narrative.
future-focussed exploration of what cultural accommodations could become, integrating smart technology and new sustainable materials whilst maintaining an atmosphere of contemplation and honouring the intangible and emotional layers of the vernacular home.
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Sebastian Demus
‘Sido’ Skincare
e-mail: sebastiandemus@yahoo.com
TITLE:
DESIGN AGENDA:
This commercial interior concept, envisions a novel design taxonomy for
Taking the viewpoint that the vernacular architecture of Eastern
retailing this new global, unisex skincare and wellbeing brand.
Indonesia, provides a dialogue between the people, culture, and
Catherine Abdelshahid
‘Rolex Marine’ Super-Yacht
e-mail: catherineabdelshahid@gmail.com
TITLE:
DESIGN AGENDA:
A super-yacht design concept for Rolex, to showcase their latest brand
Forging a project with the auction house Sotheby’s, Rolex’s affluent guests
innovations and their commitment to ocean conservation.
will be indulged in a luxuriously comfortable interior. The exclusive and
the environment, this project seeks to frame a new perspective of
secure nature of the yacht, fulfilling the need for anonymity.The lustrous
DESIGN CONCEPT:
contemporary Bali. This unisex skincare and wellbeing brandscape, has
DESIGN CONCEPT:
reflective interior, references the exquisite beauty of corals, inspiring
Owned by the Indonesian ginger producer Sido, a prestige retail strategy, has
been created as a flagship store for Sido. Using a design taxonomy
As a floating opportunity, to exhibit and host exceptional auctions, this branded
consumers to consider more than just the timepiece or art, that they
been applied, to create this brandscape. Inspired by the nature and the intangible
that is simple and focused on authentic Indonesian design features -
interior proposal, envisions how a yacht might be used as a promotional tool,
are bidding for. Inspired by the ‘organic’ design forms seen in coral, large
culture of the botanical science, that is particular to this extraordinary island, a
Plants, Geology and Textures to capture the essence of Sido skincare
to service marketing on a global stage, to create meaningful memories and to
laceworks fan into canopies above the guests. The latticework standing
future-focused one stop beauty space, encompasses a retail store and wellness
as a brand. The experiential architecture is staged, into distinct retail
highlight the charitable work that the brand is committed to.
proud of mirrors, that cast reflections around the ceiling coffer and
facilities in one place, to create an immersive experience that juxtaposes the
and treatment spaces, to appeal to a prestige orientated international
onto the walls. Washes of neon colour can be programmed, to change
commercial and wellbeing sectors.
consumer. In the future each store design concept, will be conceived
the mood of spaces, mirroring time passing as inevitably, the sun sets
to appeal to global consumers, who are interested in eco-science and
on the sea.
homoeopathy.
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Kristine Sipjagova
The Sunk in Poetics of Imants Ziedonis
e-mail: kristine.sipjagova@gmail.com
TITLE:
DESIGN AGENDA:
An immersive world, representing a poetic interpretation about the charming
This exhibition is designed to promote cultural understanding,
Latvian authority Imants Ziedonis and an emotionally powerful installation
appreciation, and the finding of true values.The experiential facility takes
strengthening his importance for the Latvian culture.
viewers through a physically, philosophically, and poetically challenging
Jiameng Wu
‘Lhasa Lawcourt’
e-mail: wuwumone@gmail.com
TITLE:
DESIGN AGENDA:
A new civic building, aims to represent the moral and spiritual beliefs of
This contemporary law court is dedicated to the representation of
the citizens of Lhasa. The spaces and architecture embody, new aesthetic
Buddhist philosophy. The architecture and spatial design being created
interpretations of the evolving multi-cultural identity of Tibet.
for a new blended society that reside in Lhasa. Using semiotic encoding,
journey, where the two contrasting themes of gravity and lightness
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Buddhist motifs and sensory details, can be experienced in the interior
DESIGN CONCEPT:
meet each other. Philosophically understood as restrictions and tension
DESIGN CONCEPT:
design scheme. It is hoped that these subtle moments of symbolic
A philosophical, poetic, and immersive interior atmosphere in honour of Imants
versus hope and freedom. Every design nuance encapsulates a message,
Inspired by contemporary architecture and Buddhist traditions, this egalitarian
interpretation, will help the lawcourts to better connect, with each of
Ziedonis - one of the most influential representatives of the Latvian culture
and it is perceived individually by each viewer. The design culmination
and ethical public building, draws from contemporary and historic design
the distinct and different communities of users in and around the city. By
in the 20th century – conveys messages speaking of his legacy and status as a
is achieved halfway through the journey, which acts as an influential
motifs to create symbolic architecture that is elegantly combined. The interior
breaking the normative rules for the design of a law courts, this scheme,
modernist poet. Designed for initiatives fund ‘Viegli’ in a cultural venue Hanzas
point of change and enlightenment. The design incorporates two key
has been created to introduce, fresh new semiotic messages about the varied
pays special attention to the accommodation of the architecture to
Perons, offering to experience a poetic environment fulfilled with the ‘other’
disciplines (poetry and nature) that positively impact the physical and
beliefs, customs and values of the community that the building services.
cater for social distancing, security and culturally specific interactions
existence.
spiritual state of man, forming a true connection in between.
between the officials, defendants, prosecutors and the public.
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Mojie Sun
‘Bazaar China’
Hanya Elsayed
CERAMICA
e-mail: sunmojie1997@163.com
TITLE:
DESIGN AGENDA:
This modular indoor market concept, has been created to showcase the best
This flag-ship Pop-Up retail proposal, embodies traditional market
e-mail: Hanyaehab98@outlook.com
TITLE: Ceramica - A Design Destination is a design destination in Cairo, that presents a fresh new branded face for the
DESIGN AGENDA:
of contemporary Chinese arts and crafts, poping-up in Moscow, London, Paris,
place design aesthetics, in order to create a nostalgic Chinese shopping
Ceramica Cleopatra company. This flagship showroom, providing a bespoke
With an emerging design scene in Cairo, the contemporary ‘Design
Sydney and Shanghai.
experience using contemporary modular architecture. Borrowing from
design and consultancy space as well as product display.
Show’ is tapping into the global calendar of Design Festival events
nature, the hexagonal shape of the spiral of seedheads, of the Sunflower,
hosted by major cities.With an aim to be part of this creative happening,
DESIGN CONCEPT:
representing the harmonious and collective nature of Chinese citizens
DESIGN CONCEPT:
this sculpturesque proposal, aims to position this showroom as a
Inspired by the philosophical book ‘In Praise of Shadows’ (Tanizaki Junichiro),
is used as a repeated modular form. The concept of the “Chinese
This future-focused branded concept for Ceramica, will use semiotic symbols
must-see design destination. The proposed user journey through the
the moody atmosphere of a bygone Shanghai, is re-presented, in the sparkling
Bazaar”, is to showcase contemporary arts and crafts in multifarious
and motifs in abstract ways to capture the intangible culture and heritage of
Cheops Observatory building by Studio Malka (2020), will facilitate four
wayfinding and illuminated signage of the marketplace. This lighting has been
ways. Using simple aluminum frames, advanced light-permeable plastic
the ceramic industry in Egypt. This signifying a contemporary shift in interiors,
key memorable moments; the paradise garden with a staged artisan
created to accentuate, the lacework of arcades and the colonies of the
materials and artful illuminated signage, the abstract colonies of forms,
furniture and architecture, to honour hand-crafted artisan production. Using
crafting space, the reception and design consultancy space offering
hexagonal market stalls, standing out, against the contemporary architectural
provide a neutral canvas for stallholders to; rent, stage and brand. These
the abstraction of Egyptian geometry, this concept systematically symbolises
new algorithms and envisioned plans for creating tiled architecture
setting of the Xintai warehouse.
stalls can be arranged to be open, or enclosed and can be scaled up into
universal ideas of expansion.
and furniture, and on the second level, a sculptural display area to see
complexes of shops or kept simple as retail tables.
the latest innovative ceramic products, this supported by office and managerial spaces.
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Weiyi Luo
Reincarnation
e-mail: luoweiyien@163.com
TITLE:
DESIGN AGENDA:
An exclusive vegan restaurant for Generation X, has been created to marry
The market for vegan cuisine in China is flourishing. Innovations in
the innovative practice of chef XU Dong, with Buddhist design principles and
this form of vegetarianism, are elevating the act of vegan cooking, to a
motifs.
fine dining level. This interior design scheme, envisions a new cultural identity for the celebrated chef Dong XU, that taps into his creative
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Wenwan Wan
Growing Together
e-mail: wanwenwan1997@gmail.com
TITLE:
DESIGN AGENDA:
A staged gardening barn, that is designed as a film studio, to capture the elderly
In this contemporary barn setting, this project draws on the principles
and children in the collaborative act of gardening.
of Biophilic Design. In the proposed concept, there is no mental barrier between the indoor and outside. ‘Gardening Together’ spaces, bring the
DESIGN CONCEPT:
very elderly and the very young together, to learn from each other. This
Set in the landscape of Forest Park, Shanghai, this organic design proposal for
idea has been explored by psychologists and the results have shown
DESIGN CONCEPT:
praxis around vegan cuisine and this developing market trend. Drawing
This responsible and ethical dining concept, for the brand of the celebrated
of design references that include Buddhist culture and images of lush
an innovative gardening school, integrates learning and conversational spaces,
that when the elderly meet regularly with the same children, that their,
chef ‘XU Dong’, is designed to showcase interior architecture as a medium
flora, a new visual aesthetic has been created for the XU brand, that
which can be staged, to facilitate a TV film crew, who aim to record and screen
mental and physical health improves dramatically. In order to replicate a
to convey messages about contemporary Buddhist philosophy. This Shanghai
is not like his traditional restaurant, but is lighter, brighter and much
the charming and funny engagements between the two generations. This fluid
similar experiment conducted in the UK and Australia, the central space
restaurant, presenting a fresh new aesthetic and sustainable perspective on
more fun. With an aim to foster prosperity and offer a site-specific
space is designed to be accessible, inclusive, sustainable and safe.
in the barn is to be open-plan, with good sight-lines for filming of the
vegetarianism as a positive lifestyle choice.
restaurant, Feng Shui conventions and principles have been applied to
TV show to take place. As a consequence, the space is created to be
the layout and key features of the design scheme.
inclusive by design and staged in terms of Biophilic aesthetics.
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Chunwei Li
‘Tate 2’ Vicky Lau’s Kitchen
e-mail: lichunweisz@163.com
TITLE :
DESIGN AGENDA:
An exclusive destination cookery school, provides an elegant welcoming
The Regional Modernist setting of the poetic architecture of the Xitang
creative kitchen, in which adventurous tourists can leave the city, and have a
Resort created by IAPA (2018), acts as a minimal backdrop, for this
brand experience of Vicky Lau’s contemporary Cantonese dining culture.
creative cookery school. Rather than a sophisticated city aesthetic, the
Jiabei Su
‘School of Life – ‘唐樓 Shop House’
e-mail: 316118019@qq.com
TITLE:
DESIGN AGENDA:
A regional reinterpretation of the brand created by the Philosopher Alain de
A unifying and conversational space for an emerging tribe of young
Botton, The School of Life – Shop House, offers a unifying and conversational
philosophers, has been created in an historic ‘唐樓 ‘Shop-House’.
space in the heart of Hong Kong.
The School of Life in Hong Kong, aims to foster in its visitors; selfawareness, resilience and connection. In an atmosphere that is staged,
more rustic and softer design for Tate 2, draws inspiration from the DESIGN CONCEPT:
coastal vernacular architecture and memories of Grandma’s Kitchen.
DESIGN CONCEPT:
to optimize the calmness, wellbeing and hospitality, the spaces that have
Drawing on the Chef’s memories of her first experience as a child, in her
The growing market for destination cookery schools, has driven a
This concept for the brand ‘School of Life’ adds another major city to the suite
been sustainably and compassionately created include; offices to deliver
Grandmother’s kitchen, this concept aims to present poetic stories of Vicky
desire to elevate the ‘experience’ of ‘cooking together’. Collaborative
of public arts centers, opened to support a global platform for contemporary
online psychotherapy, a talking together arena, a substantial library and
Lau’s past. The colour-story, design motifs and material palette for the proposal,
and creative workspaces for preparing, cooking and tasting Cantonese
philosophical debate and new understandings. The interior is poetically
bookshop and refectory for sharing tea. Throughout the scheme, design
have been created, to strengthen the Vicky Lau brand. Tate 2 – Vicky’s cookery
cuisine, have been created to be serviceable, safe and staged for learning.
designed, to re-present the traditional motifs associated with the Cantonese ‘
motifs relating to ancient Chinese philosophy reference the symbolism
school, facilitates a kitchen garden and hospitable lodgings, designed to appeal
Ceramic tiles used in unique ways, pastel tinted glass paneling, Chinese
唐樓’ Shop House vernacular, as a medium to convey messages about the rich
of the tree, mountain and river in this contemporary envisioning of a
to an emerging community of passionate amateur cooks.
heritage colours on painted furniture and glass cabinets for displaying
cultural identity of this amazing city.
traditional pavilion.
piles of diverse tableware and serving dishes make the space culturally contextual.
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Caroline Nanyanzi
Bulamu Veterinary Clinic
e-mail: carolinenanyanzi36@gmail.com
TITLE: A future-focused veterinary centre of excellence in Uganda, for the charity
DESIGN AGENDA:
‘Vets without Boarders’, which seeks to position animals at the centre of the
This serviceable interior scheme, for veterinary treatment spaces, has
design process.
been designed so that the vets can collaborate in purposeful and practical ways with injured animals. Treatment, recovery and recuperation facilities
DESIGN CONCEPT:
have been engineered, to be a place of efficiency and compassion. In
Set in the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, this healthcare design
contrast the hospitable lodgings for the Vets without Boarders, are
proposal, is for an innovative veterinary school. Being sensitive to its natural
created to be humane. Making memories and experiencing the culture
environment, this high-tech clinic has been systematically planned, in terms
of Uganda is very important. By using a narrative design approach,
of treatment, recovery and recuperation spaces. A hospitable refectory and
elements from the authentic regional vernacular; low technology lighting,
lodgings, offer the volunteering vets a communal ‘home from home’ in the
crafted textiles, hammocks, recycled plastics and geometric murals, have
tropics.
been used to connect the guest, with the homes and heritage of the people that live and work around Kazinga.
For further information look at the website for: MA Interior Architecture and Design Birmingham School of Architecture and Design Birmingham City University www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/interior-architecture-and-designma-2022-23 If you have any questions, contact: Delia Skinner Course Director for MA Interior Architecture and Design Email: delia.skinner@bcu.ac.uk
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Tel: 01213315866
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