minimal portfolio by Giana Castelli

GIANA CASTELLI INTERIOR

DESIGN

CONTENTS

ABOUT ME

SPLIT MUSEUM

introduction

bipolar disorder museum

CRESCENDO

STILT

HUT

advertising agency

steel framing exercise

SAVE THE AMAZON

BRANDING

IDEC competition

educational + professional

RESTORE

RESUME

senior design capstone

experience + references

ABOUT ME

about

Giana Castelli I am an entry level interior designer with a huge interest in hospitality design. I have vast experience in designing bars and restaurants - both freelance and as a firm employee. I find that hospitality design is the most rewarding field of design because as a designer I have the oportunity to create dynamic and stress-free environments where users can unwind and appreciate their experiences with friends or family in these particular spaces. I am a big believer of metaphysical & holistic methods in lifestyle and medicine and try to employ them into my designs. Senses and emotions are strongly taken into consideration of each and every design aspect. I choose products and create designs that both benefit the health and wellness and encourage thought in all users. Sustainability, recycling, WELL Building Standards, LEED certifications, restoration and adaptive reuse, and local materials and products are my top priority. I take human behvaior and ADA factors to heart and ensure that all users of a space are comfortable and happy. I do so by designing unique, custom details and systems, individualized human behavior details, and psychological color & material decisions.

hospitality - bipolar disorder museum

Split Museum The mission of the Split Museum is to educate the public about Bipolar Disorder - a chronic mental illness which consists of two opposing states of mind â&#x20AC;&#x201C; manic and depressive. The overall layout of the space was designed using a single directional path. The main architectural feature is a series of unevenly shaped and spaced arches, creating a linear tunnel to guide the visitor through exhibits which create empathy about the symptoms, struggles and treatment options of this disease. It is impor tant for users and visitors of the museum to understand bipolar disorder because the modern stigma of the disorder is warped and desensitized. Many people view the disorder as quick mood changes and emotions throughout the day and do not seem to understand both the magnitude of the episodes or their actual frequency. Each exhibit immerses users in the depressive or manic episodes that patients must endure on a daily basis, and are left reflecting on their experiences in multiple solace zones found throughout both levels. The concept of split order is derivative of the split states of bipolar disorder. The ground level is an experience through the depressive state of the disorder, in which patrons will feel the heavy, uneasy burden of the state of mind. All finishes and exhibits are dark with minimal light sources. Exhibits are both educational and sculptural for all types of learners to excite as most empathy as possible. The second level contrasts the ground level and creates an experience of the manic state. Finishes and exhibits are bright and colorful with open space to encourage roaming and spontaneous decisions, similar to the manic state of mind. A small theater is found in the southwest corner of the second level in which formal education presentations can be performed.

bipolar disorder + its misconception. the facts. chronic

• Bipolar disorder is a reoccurring, disorder that consists of two opposing mindstates: manic and depressive. It includes rapid mood swings 4 and changes in mood, mind state, & energy. • It can lead to cognitive and functional impairment and 4 increased mortality - death by suicide. • About 30% of primary care patients seen for 5 depression/anxiety symptoms may have bipolar disorder. • About 1.5% of the world’s population suffers from bipolar disorder - around 18

million people.

the problem. • Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as general depression since manic or hypermanic episodes do not 4 last as long as depressive episodes do. • It is difficult to diagnose because depressive episodes are easily confused with general depression. It is also difficult to diagnose because bipolar is graded 2 on such a large spectrum. • Before the twentieth century, the social stigma was that those diagnosed with bipolar disorder are 1 a danger to society and must be isolated. Today's modern conceptions are more accepting, but3 many civilians still do not understand bipolar disorder. • The public norm has desensitized bipolar disorder by stating things like “he or she is so bipolar”. It has

how to help.

become an adjective rather than a mentall illness.

By educating those in the dark about the battles, anxiety, and overall effects of bipolar disorder, they will and understand the struggles of those who suffer from bipolar disorder. Walking through the museum will teach users about symptoms of bipolar disorder, as well as other mental illnesses, and may make people seek mental help.

empathize

what it feels like. •

MANIC episodes FEEL like:

-Very happy and excited, energetic -Irritated when others don’t share your optimism -Unable or unwilling to sleep -Full of new and exciting ideas -More important & confident than usual

what the museum will offer. The museum will offer: interactive bipolar disorder screening tests, exhibits that relate to sufferers and teach those who are in the dark, and mental for sufferers of bipolar disorder.

these episodes ENTAIL:

-Jumping quickly from one idea to another -Making unrealistic plans -Very active and moving very quickly -Speaking too quickly to comprehed -Poor decision making - increased spontaneity, sometimes with disastrous consequences -Reckless spending -Less inhibited about your sexual behaviour

•

support

the client + museum funding.

Depressive Episodes FEEL like::

The museum’s intended client will be the Philadelphia North affiliate of the National Alliance of Mental Illness, also called NAMI. The NAMI will hold fundraising / awareness 5 events at the museum. There will be private fundraising to meet and affiliate with outside donors as well.

-Feelings of unhappiness do not go away -Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy -Very indecisive -Feeling extremely tired -Feeling restless and agitated -Lack of self-confidence -Thoughts of suicide

these episodes ENTAIL:

-Loss of appetite and weight -Difficulty in getting to sleep -Waking earlier than usual -Constipation 6 -Loss of interest in sex

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. De Young, Mary. 2010. Madness: An american history of mental illness and its treatment. Jefferson, N.C: McFarland & Co. 2. Grande, Iria, Michael Berk, Boris Birmaher, and Eduard Vieta. 2016. Bipolar disorder. The Lancet 387 (10027): 1561-72. 3. Hinshaw, Stephen P. 2007. The mark of shame: Stigma of mental illness and an agenda for change. US: Oxford University Press. 4. Miller, Thomas H. 2016. Bipolar disorder. Primary Care 43 (2): 269-84.. 5. NAMI. 2017. “Mental Health Month.” NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org/mentalhealthmonth. 6. The Mood Disorders Association of BC. "Bipolar Disorder : What does it feel like?" Bipolar Disorder : What does it feel like? Accessed August 25, 2017. http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/bipolar-disorder-what-does-it-feel-like.

hospitality - bipolar disorder museum

Research, Analysis & Sustainability

In order to assess wasted energy, lighting, and heating/cooling solutions have been utilized such as: geothermal pipe systems, daylight sensored and motion sensored lighting, skylights, green roofs, external shades on the south of the building, and passive and active flooring slabs to keep the building cool and/or warm, and operable windows to decrease dependency on HVAC systems. For example, the floorings on the south side of the museum are dark in order to retain heat. Green roofs as well as rain garden located on site will provide water for the green roofs, plantings, and graywater for plumbing. All materials are sustainable and low impact, and rapidly renewable. Materials like cotton, wool, recycled metal, ecoresin, and recycled polyester were utilized, as well as local poured-in-place concrete. Many of the existing materials were sent to Revolution Recover y, a recycling plant for architectural materials and products. Other existing materials were used as well such as wooden acoustic boards found in the original gym. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve decided to place them in the theater for both acoustic and aesthetic purposes because they have been painted in a spray chrome paint. The existing ceilings and trusses have been painted a muted light gray to bounce light around as well as repel heat in the summer.

Human Behavior + Human Perception Notes:

• Moments of seating solace to promote personal inner reflection that will create empathy and awareness towards bipolar disorder. • A single directional path of circulation creates wayfinding for users as well as a forced and uncomfor table journey mimicking the depressive state. • Offset archway shapes to make users feel uncomfor table and forced to follow pathways even if they do not want to continue similar to the depressive state. • A two-stor y, bright lobby space to prepare users for the journeys they will go on. The lobby also acts as a metaphor for the unknowing of the disorder and its modern and unassuming stigma. • Kinetic flooring and bright exhibits on the second level to encourage spontaneous movements and overwhelming decision making - similar to the manic state of bipolar disorder.

Both natural and artificial lighting are used in Split Museum. Warm artificial lighting is used in all ancillary spaces and â&#x20AC;&#x153;tunnelâ&#x20AC;? spaces, with natural lighting used minimally. Lighting control is important throughout the ground level because each exhibit has specific materials and purposes; motion sensors control each fixture as well. Wall washed lighting in the tunnels help guide users, while creating an ominous glow. The second level as well as the lobby have optimal natural light with use of skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows, and vast curtain walls. The use of natural light is important in these spaces to evoke feelings of happiness and productivity. Natural light also has the power of relaxing users, something necessary after touring through the dark and depressing ground level exhibits. Second level arches are lit with LED lights to both guide users through and as a form of wayfinding. To account for safety, all egress pathways and tunnels are well lit. Ambient lighting is found throughout the museum, especially in small corridors, ancillar y spaces, and tunnel pathways. Kinetic flooring found on the second level is lit brightly to ensure users can easily see their path on the white acr ylic backing of the floor.

hospitality - bipolar disorder museum

Fabrics, Furniture & Equipment All furniture is deep, ergonomic, and plush for users to relax and reflect on their experience in the museum. They are not too deep for users to get out of with trouble, and all edges and corners are 90 degrees to avoid hitting, tripping, etc. materials/finishes: All materials and finishes are low VOC, flooring meets the coefficient of friction requirement. Where applicable, things are antimicrobial and easily cleanable to ensure users wellness and safety.

longitudinal section

transversal section

corporate - advertising agency

Crescendo

Crescendo is a large music advertising agency housed in a one story, masonry bearing wall, steel framed building. It is located in Northeast Philadelphia, PA. Crescendo is a full service advertising agency, a workplace that must balance organization and research with creativity. The firm is very concerned with the health of the natural environment and the workplace. It strives to utilize environmentally friendly media and promote overall preservation of the natural world. This includes an overall â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? design approach including the use of environmentally friendly products, reducing reliance on non-sustainable energy sources, reusing, recycling,water collection practices, geothermal heating/cooling technology, etc. The agency advertises specifically for music including music companies, music festivals, music product promotions, musical products, instruments, and more.

indoor air quality diagram

thermal comfort diagram

• operable windows + skylights for natural ventilation • low VOC materials • many sealed or smooth surfaces to control dust • using plants near windows

• green roof reduces thermal fluctuation & decreases reliance on HVAC systems • large trees near windows for shade and help with passive heating • light painted ceiling to reflect daylight & deflect heat

summer sun study diagram

winter sun study diagram

• deciduous trees help shield the southern elevation from intense summer rays and heat • sun shelves help bounce sunlight away from building

• bare trees in the winter welcome sun into the interior

corporate - advertising agency

Analysis & Concept To mimic the zoning, opposite imager y, and reflection of Ror schach tests .

Vast research and process was done in order to understand the site, understanding the task, and develop a realistic concept. Using weather, wind, and other environmental information I formed analyses to best space plan the offices. Based on the reflections of inkblot Rorschach Tests, my space is reflected on each side of the bulding with a central axis. Crescendo Advertising’s spaces stem from a diagonal axis with two opposite-reflected ‘wings’ - the private offices v. the creative work areas. Two curved hallways frame the central axis and are unified with suspended metal and wood clouds. The private offices are completely closed off with dropped GWB ceilings and the work areas are completely open and divided with metal screens when needed. The private office wing houses its offices on the building’s perimeter and have at least one glass partition in each office in order to spread daylight.

section

floor plan

corporate - advertising agency

Orthogonals & Site Plan

site analysis - Philadelphia, PA, USA • noise pollution from nearby Philadelphia Airport - south west of the site • main vehicular traffic is in front of main entrance on Drummond Rd. • the average temperature is 54.3 degrees with an average precipitation of 41.4 inches/year • native plants include: woody plants, herbaceous plants, maple and hickory trees, dogwood shrubbery, hydrangeas, and thin-leaved sunflowers.

reception perspective

corporate

Sustainability

In order to fulfill the sustainable goals needed for Crescendo, I incorporated several sustainable aspects. In order to assess wasted energy, lighting, and heating/cooling solutions have been utilized such as: geothermal pipe systems, daylight sensored and movement sensored lighting, skylights, roof solar paneling, and operable windows to decrease dependency on HVAC systems. I also incorporated a rain garden and water cisterns to reuse water for things like utility sinks and plumbing systems. A green roof has been added to filter the sunlight and regulate temperature in the building. The original ceiling and trusses have been painted in a cream tone to bounce light around as well as repel heat in the summer. Utility spacesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; flooring are original concrete that has been polished, while other flooring is rapidly renewable mica. Additionally, all of the materials specified in Crescendo are sustainable and/or rapidly renewable.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Geothermal heating and cooling system Daylight sensored and movement sensored lighting Rain collection garden Water cisterns Local plantings Low VOC materials and finishes Operable Windows to decrease dependecy on HVAC Adaptive reuse building Rapidly renewable materials Green roof to filter heat and sunlight, regulate temperature Dual flush, low-flow toilets

1/8” thick steel cables for support 1” thick recycled plywood & MDF 1/4” thick recycled instrument metal

detail structure elevation

reflected ceiling plan

detail axon

corporate

Brass Ceiling Details

Two forms of ceiling details are employed: the first, a form of wayfinding following circulation corridors; and the second, an acoustical panel to absrob sound in open office spaces. The corridors’ ceiling system is inspired by the forms and pieces of multiple rorschach tests, abstracting their curves and pieces. Its backside is comprised of plywood to help with the acoustics of the open corridors; they absorb any sound that the mica flooring does not absorb. The acoustic panels found in the open office are inspired by ar t-deco geometric forms that consist of 2” felt by DesignTex, and recycled instrument metal sourced from a local scrap metal shop.

plywood framing 2” thick acoustical felt

1” thick recycled metal glued onto felt

acoustical panel axon

29 11

corporate

Color & Material Statements Only sustainable textiles and finishes were chosen in order to contribute to LEED and WELL Building Standards points. My chosen materials include: metallics, textures, and luxurious cut pile materials to further evoke a swanky feeling of a jazz lounge and remind users of instrument metal. Smaller patterns were used to remind users of small musical notes and the amount of work and pieces that go into musical FSD HBDS pieces and crescendos. A back-lit ecoresin is being used for desk partitions as well as the reception desk. Its pearl finish feels luxurious and had just enough contrast against the patterned carpet. The carpet’s pattern is the only large pattern in the space to mimic the metal and felt ceiling elements’ large patterns. Crescendo’s color palette is classy and swanky, reminiscent of a 1920’s art deco jazz lounge. The colors and metallics remind users of instruments and luxurious theaters. An analogous color scheme of grays, golds, beiges, and black have been utilized to evoke the feeling of a jazz lounge. These colors relate to my concept because they are plays on the reflection of black and white.These colors make sense in an office because grays and yellows are aesthetically pleasing as well as not distracting. Workers will focus on work when they have to, but it will also give creative employees the inspiration they need to produce good work. + Rapidly renewable materials such as: •mohair upholstery •mica flooring - covered in linseed oil and polyeurethane •natural fiber blends - (cotton + wool, wool + polyester) + Recycled instrument metal - that cover ceiling element faces + Recycled EcoResin partitions and reception desk’s face + Wool felt - to absorb sound located on ceiling elements + FSC certified wood + Low VOC paints + Original concrete polished flooring

steel frame structure

tech: structures

Stilt Huts: Steel Framing

For a Technology, Material & Methods course, I was to create and design plans and a model for a small steel-framed “stilt hut”. Inspired by Olson Kundig Architects’ “Rolling Hut” project, I created a steel frame hut with two cantilevered balconies, large glass windows, a small living area and kitchen, and a small lofted bedroom. The purpose of the project was to teach basic structure methods and materials and the principles of cantilevers and their construction ratios. Indepth knowledge of wall framing was taught - headers, door jambs, king studs, cripples, etc. The structure and drawings include all joists, I-beams, connectors, bracing, and steel decking.

steel frame structure with metal decking

steel frame structure elevation

hospitality - government center

IDEC Competition:

Save The Amazon Center As part of a three week long IDEC competition, two group members and I designed a sustainable orientation and education center for the government organization, Save The Amazon. Our project was nomianted for both regional and national finals. The center is located near Miami, Florida to prepare volunteers of the organization for the climate of the Amazon where they will go on to live for 3 to 4 months. Inspired by the tree canopies of the Amazon and the vast shapes their shadows create, we employed a concept of tree canopy mimicry through shape, light, and form. A tree canopy is the tree tops layer of the rain forest that holds the wealthiest and most diverse networks of the ecosystem, and received the most sunlight. To mimick the shadows that these canopies create, we composed a system of FSC cer tified wood acoustical ceiling panels that suspend from steel below a large array of skylights. All furniture, textiles, and textures chosen followed our tree canopy mimicry concept. The design of the Orientation and Education Center draws from abstract representation of the forms created by these lush canopies and their complex systems. The abstracted forms suspend from the ceiling at 11â&#x20AC;&#x2122;-0â&#x20AC;? and embody the shape of the tree canopies. Sky lights placed above these forms force light to create shapes and shadows and looks like sunlight filtering through leaves. The natural lighting effect of the forms help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as stimulate creativity and promote a comfortable learning environment. Amongst the space are modular gathering spaces, interactive wall systems, and sensory experiences.

floor plan

37 11

hospitality

Sustainability Only sustainable systems, textiles, and finishes were chosen in order to contribute to LEED and WELL Building Standards points. Specific features include: • Low VOC paints • Original concrete polished floors • Daytime sensory window treatments and lighting • Rainwater collection systems • Solar shades • Geothermal heating & cooling system • On site garden center + rain garden • “Plant Identification Station” green walls • Bamboo wood flooring • Clerestory windows for cross breeze • Operable windows • A 100% recycled trash content accent wall

Human Behavior Features of the Center • Smart walls to promote active learning • Oculus Rift virtual reality goggles and earphones to immerse volunteers in the Amazon environment and par ticipate in test situations • Tablets for individual testing & walk-through experiences • Mobile glass boards on castors to promote small group learning • Smart board for overall group learning • Rainwater collection barrels to resuse grey water for plants and toilets • Low flush toilets to conserve water • Green walls to improve indoor air quality • Addition of geothermal cooling system • Operable windows to utilize natural breezes for improved indoor air quality • Plant identification station to teach volunteers both the dangerous & beneficial uses of Amazon indigenous plants • Solar shades on all glazing to deflect heat • Re-hydration stations to promote the reuse of water bottles and hydration • Daylight sensors • Natural sunlight decreases the use of ar tificial lighting and electricity

The facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s site near Miami, Florida, experiences a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and warm winters. The South, East, and West facades of the building receive ample sunlight. Because of the climate, cooling and air quality are a large concern in the area; our solution was to make the windows on all facades operable and create several green walls to improve indoor air quality. Similarly, the Amazon Rainforest is a tropical climate, hot and humid throughout the year with high annual rainfall. Although the high humidity is often oppressive, the Amazon provides the world with about 20% of its oxygen supply. Unfortunately, due to deforestation, thousands of species are losing their homes and becoming extinct, rainfall is decreasing, and air quality is declining. There is an increased risk of forest fire due to a lack of rainfall. It is important that our site helps educate those about the major problem of deforestation in the Amazon so that we can help to restore it.

restore reiki healing & meditation center

To whom it may concern,

Lo Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, volu eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vita. e dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.

Sincerely, Giana Castelli Ca

locat

restore reiki healing & meditation center

5101 s. 16t philadelphia, pe

conta

215.888. restoreRHM@

l o c a t i on

restore

5101 s. 16th street philadelphia, pennsylvania

reiki healing & meditation center

contact 215.888.8000 restoreRHM@info.com

capstone branding

41 11

personal + academic

Branding

split museum logo

personal branding logos

corridor perspective

hospitality - public center

Final Capstone

Restore: a reiki healing + meditation center

Restore is a reiki healing and meditation center located in the Philadelphia Navy Yard with the goal of cleansing usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bodies, minds, and souls while preventing disease and ailment. One of the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other main goals is to aid strained men and women in stress relief, and to educate users in reiki and meditation practices. The space creates an immersive experience that feels like a zen getaway from the urban chaos of the city using magnolia tree species and a pool of local water. An interior park separates the main meditation and reiki spaces from the entry and public space, acting as a transition space. The interior park makes users truly feel like they have left the city and are ready to decompress and unwind in the center. Series of magnolia trees are dispersed throughout the building and serve both as aesthetic ar t and as wayfinding. The projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s site is perfect for the center because it is a hub of over 30,000 stressed employees aged 18-65 who will utilize the facility after work. The main design goal was to promote mindfulness and serenity using quiet interior spaces and nature through progression and transition.

inspiration - vegetation in dark places

parti drawings

parti diagram

inspiration - takeover of nature

hospitality - public center

Inspiration & Process

transition lounge proposed entry

vest.

interior park

reception

locker #1

elec rm. mech rm

laundry rm. janitor cl.

data cl.

security office

MAIN CORRIDOR women W.C.

kitchenette

meditation room

men W.C.

transition lounge

storage

2 unisex WC

storage

meditation room

emp. WC

storage

locker #1

meditation room

employee break rm.

private med. rm.

MAIN CORRIDOR

open to below

preliminary block test fits

salt therapy room

private private med. rm. med. rm.

3-4 reiki treatment rooms

public

semi-private

private

public v. private diagram

interior

exterior

968 S.F. 10 occup.

425 S.F. 4 occup.

171 S.F. 2 occup.

TRAVEL DISTANCE

indoor v. outdoor diagram

845 S.F. 18 occup.

880 S.F. 8 occup.

TRAVEL DISTANCE

260 S.F. 2 occup.

345 S.F. 3 occup.

400 S.F. 6 occup.

’ DEAD END DISTANCE

60 S.F. 68 S.F. 2 occup. 1 occup.

335 S.F. 2 occup.

345 S.F. 3 occup.

S 34 PAT H ’

50’

268 S.F. 2 occup.

270 S.F. 8 occup.

332 S.F. 10 occup.

330 S.F. 6 occup.

450 S.F. 5 occup. 156 S.F. 1 occup.

400 S.F. 4 occup.

146’

CODE COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST: • All doors minimum 36” • Exit access doors must open in direction of travel • 2 exit access doors must be provided for spaces with occupancy load larger than 49 in Occupancy Groups B (Business) or exceeds 29 in S (Storage) • Interior corridors must have minimum width of 44” • 18” wall space on the pull side of doors and 12” wall space on the push side of doors

code compliance diagram

circulation

circulation diagram

* *