2014 COLLABORATION
ART & SCIENCE
SPECIAL PROJECTS IN DESIGN & ELI AND EDYTHE BROAD CIRM CENTER
ROSKI SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN 2014 COLLABORATION
ART & SCIENCE
SPECIAL PROJECTS IN DESIGN & ELI AND EDYTHE BROAD CIRM CENTER
THE DESIGNERS EWA WOJCIAK IVAN BLANCO JOYCE LAU CHRISTINA LEE AMY LIU HUY LU ALEXANDRA NGUYEN ALEXANDRIA PADILLA MAUREEN PERRY JEAN PONGSAI BRITTANY TOVES
THE PROJECT USC Roski School of Art and Design / Special Projects designs the interior environment for the new Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at the USC Keck School of Medicine. The goal was to create a designed environment that would enliven the space, enrich the researchers’ experience, convey a sense of the current research to visitors, and be visually energizing and engaging.
THE PROCESS Our class functioned as a design studio. We spent several weeks on research, we visited the Broad Center, and we looked at the kind of research that was being conducted by the scientists. Several scientists gave us lectures on their research, and we let their information inspire us. After extensive research, we identified what the building could benefit from, including graphics and wayfinding, and we each developed our own conceptual solution. We met once a week and critiqued each other’s work, combining and expanding on concepts until we felt we had several different ideas — each offering something unique.
The underlying theme throughout the process was the idea of collaboration. The research at the Broad Center is collaborative, and the building’s architecture is similarly designed to inspire collaboration through its use of open space, the glass facade creating a play between the interior and exterior of the building. Our process mirrored that collaborative model. We worked together in the classroom and with Broad Center researchers throughout the process, synthesizing concepts and sketch material to come to the best solutions. We hope to continue in this spirit by coming to a solution together as we proceed to the next phase of the project. Working on this project has been extremely rewarding and we look forward to discussing next steps to seeing our ideas to fruition. We will work with you to execute the concept you choose and follow through with the company responsible for installation.
Sketching Process
CELLULAR SUPERGRAPHICS Design Inspiration
The researchers of the Broad Building are constantly observing stem cells. This design conveys the beauty and intricacy of these cells reminding the researchers the art in their work. Furthermore, this design allows guests to have a glimpse of the work being done in the building while at the same time providing them comprehensible way finding.
The shapes seen on the way finding is derived from the structure of the stem cells. Each floor is identified by a color and an increasing number of shapes of the cells that corresponds the the level of the floor. The patterns within the stemcells can be seen on the glass partitions as well as a bold image that plainly shows the research done on each floor.
CONCEPT BY IVAN BLANCO
Images Used
Floors
CONCEPT BY IVAN BLANCO
507 Pashmforoush, Mohamme
511 Sucov
512 Ying, Q
513 Kobielak, Krzyszt
Lobby
CONCEPT BY IVAN BLANCO
Elevators
Hallways
CONCEPT BY IVAN BLANCO
STEM CELL PATTERNS Floor Plan
In science, researchers formulate a question based on a given topic and conduct experiments in order to come up with an idea that brings new knowledge to the field. Similar to this scientific process, the manipulation of biological graphics reflects on discoveries and breakthroughs in stem cell research.
color palette creates a calming and inviting atmosphere that complements well with the overall collaborative environment. The metal bars wrapped around the walls introduce the core laboratories on each floor. The interior space incorporates design elements from the outside such as how the metal material ties in with the exterior signage and the rectangular shape resembles the building architecture.
Symmetrical cutouts of vessel images decorate the walls and glass panels. The floors are identified by a color-coded wayfinding system. The pastel
Administration Qing Liu 301 Microscopy Core Seth Ruffins 306
McMahon Lab Andy McMahon 312 Jill McMahon 311 Lipari Heather 311 Lab 309
Ichida Lab Justin Ichida 307 Lab 305
CONCEPT BY AMY LIU
ELEVATOR Transparent symmetrical cutouts on the elevators and stairwell mirror the images on the glass panels. These images provide inspiration and excitement for new discoveries. The different color bars define each floor level.
CONCEPT BY AMY LIU
HALLWAY Glass cases are installed in the hallway to provide a functional space where different laboratories can share current projects and researches such as images of the month or scientific posters. Strips of color continue to run through the hallway as wayfinding.
WAYFINDING THROUGH COLOR Floor Plan
Vivid colors from stem cell and regenerative medicine research create a motivating environment for experimentation. These colors inspire a wayfinding system that help identify various laboratories and offices. The bold graphics bring excitement and inspiration. The relationship between
4
Adams Lab Gregor Adams 411 Lab 405
the main images and textures on the background of the wall and glass panels create a sense of movement. With the same color palette, the core laboratories are written across the wall on each floor.
Crump Lab Gage Crump 406 Lab 403K
Lu Lab Wange Lu 413 Lab 409
Mariani Lab Francesca Mariani 407 Lab 405
Miki Lab Toshio Miki 412
CONCEPT BY AMY LIU
ELEVATOR Transparent textures on the elevators reflect on the same images as on the glass panels. Strips of colors next to the elevator help identify each floor.
CONCEPT BY AMY LIU
HALLWAY Color-coded wayfinding continues through the hallway. Glass cases provide a functional space to display images of the month, share ideas, and learn about the various projects within the building.
LOBBY Similar to collaboration and discoveries in research, this graphic is a combination of four images seen on the floors. The textures and soft pastel colors complement well with the natural open space. The light from the entrance enters the large seminar room and brightens the overall environment.
CONCEPT BY AMY LIU
BOLD WALLS Lobby and Conference Room
The Broad Center does captivating research that contains intricate designs and vibrant colors. The researcher’s process of taking these macro-images of their research helps bring their work from a scientific level to an artistic level. The images contain such fascinating detail and I have brought them to larger than life proportion to bring you from the petri dish to life size. Many of the images have such small detail that I wanted the viewer to feel like they were within the microscope experiencing the research as it is being done. I felt that bringing these images to a grand scale would revitalize the space and bring some much needed energy.
The researchers have created the image of the month to take their images from something that they see everyday to a medium that it is appreciated for its artistic value. In that, I wanted to take these images and bring them to a level of space that is in both the art sphere and a scientific one. I chose three images, and reflected the image that I chose for the frosted glass onto the elevators. The same images that appear on the elevators and the glass are reflected as transparent images on the windows in the conference room. There is also photo design on the front counter that mimics the usage of large photos on the walls of each floor directly outside of the elevators.
CONCEPT BY ALEXANDRIA PADILLA
Floor 2
CONCEPT BY ALEXANDRIA PADILLA
Floor 3
CONCEPT BY ALEXANDRIA PADILLA
Floor 4
CONCEPT BY ALEXANDRIA PADILLA
Floor 5
CONCEPT BY ALEXANDRIA PADILLA
MITOSIS Floorplan
Through my first few times of exploring the space, I really admire how clean and relaxing the atmosphere is. Since this is a research environment and behind the walls are filled with complicated experiments, I want to balance this idea by taking on the minimal design approach. The stem cell pictures shown here caught my attention because they are colorful and expressive in the ideas of movement and interaction. The different shades of blue will be my main color palette taken from the hues of these images because it communicates “research.” Blue is also a “cool” color that fits into this professional space since I do not want to overwhelm the audience. Based on the chosen four images, I started to zoom into the most interesting part of each pictures and this process also transformed them into abstract pieces. Instead of placing the original image on the entire wall, I want to simply have one centered vertical banner because it allows the space to be more balanced and transitional. The only typographic treatment would be a single number to indicate the floor level. This way, the audience will feel engaged without being consumed with too much information. The back wall will be painted with the shade of blue that corresponds to that main image. In essence, this minimal approach will provide a subtle and quieter experience, which fits with the personality of this research building.
CONCEPT BY HUEY LU
CONCEPT BY HUEY LU
CONCEPT BY HUEY LU
MITOSIS
Elevators and Hallways
For the elevators and hallways, I will be using the same image from each floor and extending them horizontally. The image will cover both elevator doors and parts of the exit doors. In the hallways, the top portion of the picture will be faded to avoid being too loud. In addition, I want to include a flat screen TV on the blank wall by the elevators as well and use it to display the “picture of the month� and other sources of advertisements. This will provide some sort of visual entertainment while people are waiting for the elevator.
MITOSIS Entrance Lobby
As for the entrance lobby, I will showcase the flat image of stem cells that appeals to me the most. To maintain consistency, I will treat the graphics the same way I did to the hallways and elevators. The image will be horizontally spread throughout the glass of the meeting room with little transparency. This technique will make the lobby look more elegant and interesting visually. The blue and gray hues of the graphic are quiet and subtle. Thus, this will enhance the overall experience of the building.
CONCEPT BY HUEY LU
LIGHT PROJECTION+GRAPHICS Floor Plan: 1
Light Projection Graphics involves multiple elements of light, drawing, graphics, and video. The focus was on the concept that the research would inspire the art and the art would inspire the research. My objective was to recreate the idea of looking through a microscope; the act of examining artwork or dissected samples. The drawings from a medical illustrator were digitally edited to create the main graphics. Using the Broad’s researchers’ photographs, the images were digitally edited to create mosaic graphics for glass partitioning on the back wall. The projection will be displayed on top of the drawing graphic on the main wall. The
Original Medical Illustration
video for each floor will come from the Broad’s research. The projection will display a repeating video of stem cells; a recording of their behaviors, their lifecycle, their differentiation, or other videos recorded in the laboratories. This imagery depicts the layering and overlapping of the scientists’ work and the work of the artist. The recording visuals will be subtle and transparent so that the graphics can still be visible beneath it. Each element could be a work of art or a piece of science on its own, but together they intermingle and inspire each other.
Original Broad Image
CONCEPT BY ALEXANDRA NGUYEN
LIGHT PROJECTION+GRAPHICS Floor Plan: 2
Original Medical Illustration
The video that will be playing over the graphic illustration will be a research video of the stages of stem cells or stem cells differentiating. An example of the video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_9WNwC-4L8 Original Broad Image
CONCEPT BY ALEXANDRA NGUYEN
LIGHT PROJECTION+GRAPHICS Floor Plan: 3
Original Medical Illustration
Original Broad Image
The video that will be playing over the graphic illustration will be a research video of the stages of stem cells or stem cells differentiating. An example of the video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUcE1Y_bOQE
CONCEPT BY ALEXANDRA NGUYEN
LIGHT PROJECTION+GRAPHICS Floor Plan: 4
Original Broad Image
Original Broad Image
The video that will be playing over the graphic illustration will be a research video of the stages of stem cells or stem cells differentiating. An example of the video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UtrKvFAnFE
CONCEPT BY ALEXANDRA NGUYEN
LIGHT PROJECTION+GRAPHICS Lobby Treatment
Behind the front desk, a projection will be displayed on the dark wall. Depicting stem cells floating as if in a petri dish being viewed under a microscope. There will be a vinyl of an entire image displayed across all seven glass panels for the conference room. Vinyls of graphics from the Broad’s images and research will be displayed across all the glass walls. There are many different options that can be chosen to be displayed. Natural colors may go better and have a more relaxing ambiance to the environment. Light Projection Graphics has many positive aspects to it; uniting graphic art with research science. The concept relies on both graphic art and projection videos, however, one or the other can be used. The point of the concept is so that it is easy to constantly update and change the graphics or video. The concept also works if there is no video or if there is no graphic. Ideally, both would be present; although it is not necessary and can be as visually stimulating and inspiring both mediums alone.
CONCEPT BY ALEXANDRA NGUYEN
COLOR-BLOCKING momentum through color
When visiting the Broad Center, Researchers showcased their discoveries, their enthusiasm as well as their excitement for their work. This design for the Broad Center focuses on color-blocking as a method for way-finding and energizing the space. Using angular motions and positive steeps in the design, the pattern of the graphic works to stimulate and provide a vibrant interior.
Looking through the microscope or in dark rooms for hours can heavily strain the eyes. Utilizing the traffic of the space, the shift between color and white walls naturally exercise the eyes throughout the day. The choice of the color palette was to create an energetic atmosphere in the environment. Rather than utilizing color from the photographs provided, the bright colors selected are a series of compound colors that suit each other. The main selection of orange served to ‘pick up’ the feeling of the environment and complement the tone of the space.
CONCEPT BY JEAN PONGSAI
research: first floor
Blue diagonals run in the hallway to highlight the motion of traveling and serve as a way-finding method to locate rooms.
First floor, utilizing color-blocking and a black and white skeleton graphic. Poster can be pinned onto the opening-wall.
CONCEPT BY JEAN PONGSAI
research: third floor
A more powerful use of color to energize the space and highlight the room.
Color-blocking in a different pattern to signal the different floor.
CONCEPT BY JEAN PONGSAI
research: fourth floor
The color-blocking in this floor is approached in a more reserved manner to promote a calm energy in the space.
The color-blocking on this floor is more relaxed, to stimulate a vibrant interior with a calming ambiance.
CONCEPT BY JEAN PONGSAI
research: fifth floor
The fifth floor, the last research floor utilizes yellow as a surprise. Again, the color runs along the hallways to assist with way-finding and promote a vibrant atmosphere in the enviroment. The color here is the dominant feature in comparision to the graphics because the vibrancy is a surprise factor.
CONCEPT BY JEAN PONGSAI
The lobby does not utilize the scientific photographs, but uses color-blocking as a representation of completion. Because the research at the Broad Center is a focus on stem-cell and regeneration––the color-blocking functions in a amnner where the shapes are reused to complete itself.
CONCEPT BY JEAN PONGSAI
The designs of the elevator still utilizes color-blocking and knockout text to create a contrast in the environment. This interrrupts the static flow of the environment to stimulate movement in the space.
CONCEPT BY JEAN PONGSAI
RESEARCH SHOWCASE Floor Plan
The overarching concept in this design encourages collaboration between people by displaying each floor’s research in installed display cases. One display case will be a vertical cabinet, which can display various objects of research, including but not limited to skulls or skeletal displays, test tubes of preserved specimens, and other diagrams. Another display
will have the addition of a sliding magnifier, which allows for the display of the research under the microscope, such as the zebrafish in a petri dish. There is also an option for an electronic display. This display would be able to display the photographs of the stem cell research as a slideshow, as well as video recordings of research.
CONCEPT BY CHRISTINA LEE
With the open display of the research of each lab, the scientists will be equipped to construct connections based on their knowledge of the research. The display of research also serves to spark interest and enthusiasm from the many visitors as they are inspired by the research material.
Detailed Display Cases
CONCEPT BY CHRISTINA LEE
The vertical display case on the left is a cabinet made of glass. Being transparent, it allows for a clear, unobstructed view of the research within. Some examples of research include skeletons of research specimen. The case on the right is a horizontal display, equipped with a sliding magnifying glass. With the magnifier, research that is too small to be seen in the cabinet can be displayed as well. For example, the juvenile zebrafish as pictured above.
Elevator and Hallway
CONCEPT BY CHRISTINA LEE
Lobby
CONCEPT BY CHRISTINA LEE
JOURNEY : CELL TRACKING Traveling Entities
Each floor inherits a color identity from the beautiful colors that are used in research. The different dyes are used to identify and track cells and in the same way, the colors identify the floors. As the individual travels between the floors, the numbers also travel across the front wall. The color continues throughout the halls which mimic the path of the dyed cells as they grow and travel through the organism, their journey is tracked and documented.
CONCEPT BY JOYCE LAU
CONCEPT BY JOYCE LAU
CONCEPT BY JOYCE LAU
SCULPTURAL PATTERNS A Petri Mosaic
Our first visit to the Broad Center, one researcher shared with us his endeavor to cast his research in resin. Inspired by his vision, I created an installation on each floor to display these castings. In addition to the color accents on each floor, the castings will be displayed in different patterns that are derived from basic biology concepts of population distribution and molecule structures.
My vision for the installation is to have both sequential arrangements of various research subjects cast in resin in petri dishes. The castings, representing cells, are mounted onto the wall in uniform, random, and clumped patterns of distribution. This takes the research out of the lab and into the public space as both a decorative and an educational function. For researchers, the installation lets them see the science in a purely aesthetic perspective; on the other hand, when visitors come, they are able to see the research at a close distance where with live research they normally would be restricted from.
CONCEPT BY JOYCE LAU
CONCEPT BY JOYCE LAU
COLOR VERTEBRAE Floor by Color
Vertical bursts of color greets as one steps out of the elevator on each floor. The bright colors differentiate each floor as well as add energy and liveliness to the research facility. Though the colors are carefully contained in this professional setting, by placing the vibrant panels close but slightly off the wall the color will diffuse on the white background and create a glow around the panel to add a sense of movement to the color. White on white patterns created from the beautiful research images compliment the solid colors with detail and texture on the glass windows around the building.
CONCEPT BY JOYCE LAU
INNOVATION FIELD Color Blocking
The Broad Center as a professional environment is organized in a clean grid. I repeat the contained design with the use of squares and rectangles but with color and vibrant images to bring the grid to life. On each floor, a quote is written on the wall to inspire the researchers as they step out of the elevator. The type on the wall is cut out of metal, mimicking the materials used throughout the Broad building, and directly referencing the lobby.
CONCEPT BY JOYCE LAU
CONCEPT BY JOYCE LAU
To bring in an element of movement, inside the elevators is a responsive mtion graphic that is also an interactive directory. Ideally, it is displayed on a monitor installed inside the elevator and animates as the elevator travels to each floor.
DYNAMIC REFRACTION Concept Inspiration
In creating this concept, I was inspired by the idea that cells are responsive to movement, evolving and regenerating. I was also inspired by the architecture of the building, which prominently features glass and light and has an open structure to encourage collaboration. My concept mirrors the openness of the architecture by bringing the sunlight in. Prisms reflect and channel sunlight, casting moving light into the room and onto the walls. This idea of moving light—light evolving as the sun naturally moves through the day—is essential to my concept, as it echoes the responsive quality of stem cells.
CONCEPT BY MAUREEN PERRY
When researchers or visitors step out of the elevator onto each floor, they enter the space with the prism structure and are greeted by a minimal wall graphic that depicts a scientific photo specifically from the research at the Broad Center. This photo is muted in color so as not to disrupt the calm, open, airy feel of the room, and light from the prisms plays across the image. The frosted blue glass displays subtle imagery.
Floor 4
CONCEPT BY MAUREEN PERRY
Floor 3
Floor 4
CONCEPT BY MAUREEN PERRY
Floor 5
The lobby repeats the same subtle imagery that is displayed on the frosted glass panels of the upper floors. Here, the delicate translucent images line the glass walls of the conference room.
CONCEPT BY MAUREEN PERRY
1st Floor Conference Room
EVOKING LANGUAGE Inspiration
When addressing this concept, I envisioned this space of research as a powerhouse of life-harnessing potential and a frontier for the field of regnerative medicine. I was compelled to translate this energy into a spatial design concept by using typography and language as an integral feature. Before addressing the fully dimensional aspect of this design challenge; I thought of this space as a 2-D messge system that welcomed short bursts of dynamic tag lines. I aimed to integrate bold typography against organic and delicate images of stem cells and forms found in nature. It was my goal to address the unique visual tension of stem cells as something both small and extraordinarily powerful. I was compelled to create a space using juxtapostions of light, airy textures against dense, unshaken words.
Lunaria Annua Seeds
Inspiration: Palette & Imagery
Organic imagery, bright hues and flourescent light sources inspired many of the compositions and palette choices shown in this concept. Luminous organisms inspired use of transparency and clusters of overlapping compositions. I was also drawn to stark and very heavy typographic compositions.
Level One
The architecture of the building also became a reference point for almost every design choice within this concept. The building supported the intended juxtapostion of an open, airy quality against a strong, geometric floor plan. The image featured in the lobby is a custom illustration that combines the cellular structure of a stem cell with the movement of an invertibrate-like organism. This became one of the major motifs throughout my concept and helped to establish a color palette.
Level Two
Level two emulates the texture and flow of the aesthetic used in the lobby. Each proceeding level will feature varying palettes of cool cyan hues with magenta accents. The featured taglines and quotes are meant to inspire visitors and to bring visibility to the capacity and promise of the field of stem cell research.
Level Three
On levels 3 & 4, stem cell research has a visual presence that continues to highlight and evoke the use of language. The complexity of the design is meant to be achieved in the visual tension rather than the content of the phrases. The messages are intended to be direct and concise, allowing the viewer to engage with the meaning; even if just in passing, in a way that is both memorable and easily understood.
Level Four
Level Five
Level five aims to address the unique power of the stem cell trajectory from universal toward very specialized cell structures. The large feature wall uses bold typography to briefly reiterate the limitless nature of undifferentiated biological cells. The billowing images aim to mirror the self-renewing qualitities of stem cells.
All Levels
Level 2 Each floor aims to achieve a degree of likenesss as if they are each an offshoot from the imagery first seen in the lobby. However, each floor also aims to achieve unique compositions in order to emulate the path of stem cells toward a heightened dimension of differentiation.
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Elevators - Alternating Levels
Images Used