M - 41.5
M - 50.5
M - 50.0
M - 49.5
M - 38.0 E. - N/A G - 0.10
LAURA COLAGRANDE collection of work 2009 - 2016 M - 1.08
G - 0.00
B - 58. 5 M - 57.5
G - 0.06 B - 56.0
B - 53.1
M - 50.5 M - 50.0 M - 49.5
M
TABLE OF CONTENT
APP & DIGITAL SPACE LIGHT-it UP / Speculative FIT-ME / Mobile Application, Founder
SPACE & EXHIBITIONS MOB Design Lab / Interdisciplinary think tank EMRICKFLATS / Rethinking Travel
FORMS & PRODUCTS DOVE CREAMER / From Product to Form SALUTE! / A Toast Inspired Product FARMING THE NEST / Work in Progress
SKETCHES & TRAVELS SKETCHES / Ink-drawings
00
00 01
DIGITAL SPACE
LIGHT-iT UP virtual reality // speculative
SITE:
CHALLENGE:
STRATEGY:
spring garden station, philadelphia
safety, medium-high crime rate, difficulty for local venues to advertise themselves.
create light installation that responds to users activity. Light-it Up is both way finding and art installation .
PARKS & RECREATION
FOOD & DRINK
EMRICKFLATS LIGHT-iT UP
LIGHT AS INFORMATION / WAY FINDING / DELIGHT LIGHT IT UP organizes information through virtual reality in the site surrounding Spring Garden Station. The collective information generated by each user’s behavior takes on a physical form as a system of lights that animates the neighboroughoods. Using their mobile devices, users can acess and control LIGHT-iT UP. The system of lights will then guide them through the area, providing way-finding, safety and delight.
HEALTH & RETAIL
A light beacon, made entirely of light, would appear and change colors and locations depending on the activities, emotions and needs of the constituencies that inhabit the neibourhood. TEAM ROLE: organized narrative and design direction for entire project. Modeled and created drawings on page 06-07.
TRANSPORT
00 02
03
TRAIN USER ACCESS FROM BELOW SPRING GARDEN STATION
SITE AXON
HIGHWAY USER
ACCESS TO PLATFORM ENTRY
speeds, users & behavior: 1. PEDESTRIAN 2. BIKE 3. CAR
1.
2.
3.
SPRING GARDEN STREET
EMRICKFLATS LIGHT-iT UP
00 04
LIGHT-iT UP / ACTIVATES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
LIGTH-it UP street level experience
LIGTH-it UP spring garden station experience
SPRING GARDEN STATION SECTION scale: N.T.S.
rhino
maya
adobe
research team-work
05
DIGITAL SPACE
LIGHT IT UP & USERS LIGHT-iT UP notifies users as their trains and trolleys are arriving.
LIGHTiT UP
LIGHT IT UP TOWER IN-FORMATION LIGHT-iT UP responds to the behavior of the community generating information based on the users’s activity. The tower is made entirely out of light
LIGHT IT UP & EVENTS users can be informed of the events and gatherings taking place in their community
benjamin franklin bridge
FOOD&DRINK
RETAIL
TRANSPORT
HEALTH
PARKS& RECREATION
06
07
APP
FITME
FIT ME APP Digital User Interface
REGISTER SIGN IN
FIT-ME APP
PROBLEM FOR TRAINEES:
FIT-ME (APP) SOLUTION TRAINEES:
options for personal training are limited & expensive.
MEET QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL ON THEIR BUDGET & SCHEDULE =
“Alone, i can’t get the results i want!”
ATTAIN RESULTS!
( interviews + research)
PROBLEM FOR PERSONAL TRAINERS:
FIT-ME (APP) SOLUTION TRAINERS:
drained by the system of corporate gyms + tired of looking for clients.
EXPAND CLIENTELE + INCREASE INCOME + MARKETING TOOL + CREDIBILITY
“I would like to work for my self, but how?”
MORE CONTROLL ON THEIR CAREER
( interviews + research)
INTERVIEWS / DESIGN RESEARCH / USER EXPERIENCE. “ THIS YEAR I AM GETTING IN SHAPE!” (#1 new year resolution in the US)
FIT-ME mobile application attempted to provide an alternative model to personal training, offering more cost effective options to trainees and more financially empowering ones to the trainers. The project included: 1. Identify consumers’ need and problems through interviews and research. 2. Identity target audiences, Market size Market Drill Down.
3. Developing marketing and branding strategy. 4. Rough draft of financial projections. Marketing and Business Strategy collaborator: Claire Belzidsky. As Founder and Designer I created: - Wire Frames - User Interface - Pitched the project to investors and received funding.
08
09
APP
USER EXPERIENCE OBJECTIVES: - intuitive + clear - geo-location - ratings + review to assure quality and credentials - secure and safe platform - create a sense of community among users
SAMPLE SCREENS: trainees experience from sign in to scheduling session & managing profile:
FIND ME
FITME
OR
ZIP/CITY
REGISTER SIGN IN
1.
opening screen sign in
2.
geo-location or choice of location
FITME
6.
trainee’s profile: visible to trainers and other users.
7.
trainee’s profile: track progress + share results
8.
trainee’s information: available to trainers before a session.
FITME-MOBILE APP
10
FITME TRAINERS NEAR YOU
OUTDOOR
$ 50
KEITH A. WILSON
ANDRA KALEPS
ABS // GET LEAN // MUSCLE
PILATES // YOGA
INDOOR
3.
work-out location options
$ 60
$ 55
$ 60
HANNAH MARTEN
ERIC J.BROWN
ABS // LEGS // CYCLYING
UPPER BODY // INTENSITY
4.
personal trainers selection
5.
personal trainer sample profile credibility + ratings
TEST DIFFERENT BUSINESS MODELS Two possible business models were developed for this idea: A. One- on- one training. B. Join and share: meet new fitness buddies and pay a reduced price for a session with a trainer.
9.
organization + call to action: clear system of notification to schedule appointments and stay on track.
B.
cost effective options:share a work out - sense of community
11
SPACE // 2012
CHALLENGE: design a space for ricmond based design lab led by students + locals
MIDDLE OF BROAD DESIGN LAB Interdisciplinary Think- Tank
MOB DESIGN LAB
space plan study - 1
space plan study - 2
space plan study - 3
space plan study - 4
PROGRAM + SPACE PLAN: DESIGN LAB AS RIBS
“
MOB (MIDDLE OF BROAD) IS A PARTNERSHIP
The proposal for the space is based on the metaphor between a rib-cage - fundamental for our body - and the Design Lab - crucial for the developing of a community.
OF THREE DESIGN DEPARTMENTS OF VCUARTS, INTERIOR, FASHION & GRAPHIC DESIGN. MOB IS AN EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN LAB THAT REALIZES THE POTENTIAL OF DESIGN TO SHAPE THE CITY.
- Camden Whitehead, VCUarts, MoB
”
IMAGES: watercolor space-plan studies.
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13
SPACE // 2012
FROM DESIGNING THE SPACE, TO WORKING IN IT. The process of designing the space included conducting research to understand the site and the potential clients of MOB Design LAB, as well as developing a strategy for its operation.
This speculative project was part of the preparation of the grant that then allowed my class to actually found the Lab. In 2013 we were the first class to work in it.
IMAGES: process sketches + study models proposed renderings. research adobe
study model basic system
sketch
modelling
revit
study model rib-articulation # 1
study model rib-articulation #2
MOB DESIGN LAB
DESIGN LAB AS RIBS MoB (Middle of Broad) is a partnership of three design departments of VCUarts, Graphic Design, Fashion Design and Interior Design. These departments operate an experimental design lab that realizes the potential of design to shape the City. - Camden Whitehead, VCUarts, MoB
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15
SPACE // 2013
RENOVATING EMRICKFLATS: DISCOVER / WORK REST / LIVE RVA rethinking the travel experience SITE: EMRICKFLATS
CHALLENGE:
abandoned building in Richmond VA
how to re-design the travelling experience in RVA utilizing and renovating empty buildings and blocks.
monroe park
institute for contemporary art
EMRICKFLATS
CAN A BUILDING START A NEW CULTURE?
“
WE SET OUT TO CREATE SPACES
THAT COMBINE THE BEST OF A TRUSTED COMMUNITY, INNOVATION LAB, BUSINESS INCUBATOR AND THE COMFORTS OF HOME. SPACES WITH ALL THE TOOLS AND TRIMMINGS NEEDED TO GROW AND DEVELOP INNOVATIVE VENTURES FOR THE WORLD.
The more significant aspect of a building consists of its ability to produce and promote new culture, values and behaviors. When travelling, we rarely think of ourselves as “tourists” but more as active explorers that are going to momentarily join an existing community and participate in the collective urban life.
BUT ABOVE ALL, SPACES FOR MEANINGFUL ENCOUNTERS, EXCHANGE AND INSPIRATION,
’’
FULL OF DIVERSE PEOPLE DOING AMAZING THINGS.
(Impact Hub - London)
This is the quote that inspired the project.
A new kind of hospitality experience has to be designed to follow this cultural shift. Emrickflats elaborates on the idea of travelling and examines new opportunities of engagement and exchange for both visitors and locals.
art district site: emrickflats.
00 16
17
SPACE // 2013
EMRICKFLATS rethinking the travel experience:
where to work solo or in group
a space that provides
for visitors
that want to be more than tourists
PROGRAM: CONNECTION / HIDDEN PLACES / LANDMARKS The program came from considering the psychological and emotional aspect of travelling; more specifically that sense of discovery, curiosity, and surprise inherent to the travel experience.
specific landmark allows you to reorient yourself. Such effect is produced by the juxtaposition between open and enclosed spaces, solids and voids.
I always reference the experience of walking around a small, yet lively, Italian city like Gubbio and feeling both amazed and lost until you turn around and that
get lost in a new space
sense of discovery
way finding
need for landmarks
EMRICKFLATS
18
1.
2.
3.
RAPID MODELLING: HAND-CARVING SOAP DISCOVERIES 1. SURPRISE A block of soap is hand-carved to explore the interaction of solids. How can space generate surprise?
2. LANDMARKS A block of soap is hand-carved to explore the potential of the facade in two dimensions. How can a building become a landmark?
3. HIDDEN SPACE A block of soap is hand-carved to study how similar geometries at varying heights produce concealed niches resulting in intimate spaces.
19
SPACE // 2013
Karley m. 25 + Mark k. , 29 // from Philly social worker // bike designer
“
WE COME TO RVA FOR BIKE EVENTS. EMRICKFLATS IT’S LIKE BEING HOME.
”
Brent N. 36 visiting ucla professor
Alissa Cross, 21 Tomas M., 28 summer intern // DC graphic designer // NYC
“
WAY “TOBEST MEET NEW
IT IS A LIVELY PLACE WHERE TO WORK + HAVE FUN!
”
”
PEOPLE IF YOU ARE NEW IN RVA
SMALL PLACE “LARGE COMMUNITY!
”
IINTERVIEWS+PERSONAS: EMRICKFLATS MORE THAN AN HOTEL The program for Emrickflats is developed as reaction to the typical hospitality program. I interviewed several Richmond’s tourists and together we imagined what the experience at EmrickFlates could have been.
rest space
IMAGES: Personas created after interviews with RVA visitors.
meet + rest (dormitory)
work + rest (private room)
leisure space
leisure space meet + play
lobby
public space open to street
TYPICAL HOSPITALITY PROGRAM DIAGRAM
EMRICKFLATS PROGRAM DIAGRAM
EMRICKFLATS
5 // ENJOY PUBLIC SPACE AT ROOF TOP
4 // SHARE MEET + SOLO REST (DORMITORIES)
3 // LIVE REST + VIEW OUT REST + VIEW IN WORK
2 // ENGAGE PLAY MEET WORK
1 // DISCOVER SIGNAGE + SCREEN INTERIOR FACADE PUBLIC SPACE WORK
FOR ALL: RESTROOMS E. STAIRS + ELEVATORS
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21
SPACE // 2013
seating
bar area
seating (intimate)
MEET: PUBLIC + PRIVATE view out
mix of open and enclosed and partially hidden spaces to allow several type of interactions
PLAY + ENJOY pockets of space to play or enjoy the view on the city.
BUILDING RE-MAKE: NEW POCKETS IN THE EXISTING SPACE New pockets of spaces are inserted in the existing building to allow for the several programmatic functions. Particular attention is given to different level of privacy and intimacy of the space.
EmrickFlats users have the option of choosing to stay in a single room, or a dorm and for each space category, they can decide whether they like a more private or a more public space.
EMRICKFLATS
kit of parts diagram: NEW VOLUMES PERFORATE THE EXISTING BUILDING TO CREATE NEW EXPERIENCES
LIVE + REST SPACE all you need to feel at home 1 or 2 person room prototype.
REST + SHARE compact space and storage, dormitory room prototype
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23
SPACE // 2013
DISCOVER // WORK // REST // LIVE RVA IMAGES: top - interior public space opens up to the street becoming part of it. Dashed lines indicate existing exterior walls. interior facade with apertures on each level culminating “solo experience� at the very top.
Other page: Top: View taken from the new elevator. The perforated screen with the RVA map is used as signage for the building. It produces the shadow of the RVA map and reinforces the connection between the city and Emrickflats. Bottom: First impact with the interior space at Emrickflats after the 1st floor public space. Dashed lines indicate hidden volumes.
research
adobe
sketch
fabrication
revit
EMRICKFLATS
00 24
25
SPACE // 2013 exhibition wall-2 exhibition wall-4 lobby
book store
MO
N
NU
ME
NT
exhibition hall
AV .
history gallery usable walls for exhibition not part of exhibition space
T
EN
N
M NU
exhibition wall-4
. AV
exhibition wall-5
MO
lobby
virginia center for architecture: existing gallery space
book store
RESEARCH + DESIGN + CURATE As part of Middle of Broad studio I was asked by Assistant Professor Roberto Ventura to curate the content and design the space for the exhibition commissioned by the Virginia Center for Architecture. Responsibility included: selecting a team of students, working on defining the content of the of the exhibition, researching material and history.
Our Team designed the exhibition space as well as developed the identity system for the show. IMAGES: top- Exhibition space diagrams created by Laura Colagrande. Other page: Identity System and Banner created by Laura Colagrande, Ying Jun Cheng, Liz Belt, Mia Zhou, Sarah Brown, Llewellyn Hensley.
MUTATIONS
MUTATIONS the dna of 20th century design
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27
1.
3.
SPACE // 2013
2.
MUTATIONS
1. EXHIBITION DESIGN + FABRICATION
28
Villa Savoye exploded axon
detail image of the system we created and built to exhibit the work of each designer.
2. HISTORY THROUGH SKETCHES to explain each project we created sketch diagrams for each designer.
history through sketches sample
3. TIME LINE: OVERALAPPINGS & INTERSECTIONS the time line served to highlight how the different disciplines influenced and interacted with eah other.
team
research
adobe
sketch
revit
fabrication
29
PRODUCTS // 2015
PHASE 1: Deconstruct the object to create a new form
NESTLED DRIFT - 1 product to form. phase 1
DOVVY CREAMER
FORMAL STUDY OF ORIGINAL PRODUCT American Modern Collection - R. Wright
side elevation
front elevation
plan view
neck detail
axis of rotation
FROM ORIGINAL PRODUCT TO A NEW FORM - PHASE 1. The American Modern Collection from Russell Wright is one of the most famous collection of objects designed by a product designer. This exercise is a study of a particular piece of his collection - the creamer.
The process questioned the geometry of the prodcut and aimed to investigate at what point does an object loses its connotation / association with creamear and takes on new forms?
This exercise consisted of 2 phases: 1. Deconstruct the object to create a new form 2. Reconstruct the object into a space.
research
maya
rhino
3D-print
adobe
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31
PRODUCTS // 2015
PHASE 2: reconstruct the object into a gallery space.
Russell Wright’s house
GALLERY TOP VIEW scale: N.T.S.
ELEVATION scale: N.T.S.
NESTLED DRIFT-2
NESTLED DRIFT - 2 product to form. phase 2 SITE: MANITOGA, NY
DESIGN CHALLENGE:
Russel Wright house & foundation + private forest. R.W. collection is archived here. The proposed gallery will sit in the small lake.
Create a series of gallery buildings - objects interpreting the original Russell Wright’s product. Gallery will display R.W. collection.
STRATEGY: Gallery as Object: Nested objects are covered by an exterior shell to create a more intimate gallery experience: users can feel as if they were sitting inside a product.
exterior building profile line
DETAIL: interior gallery experience
32
00 33
1.
PRODUCTS
2.
3.
RECONSTRUCT THE OBJECT AS INTERIOR GALLERY SPACE 1.ORGINAL OBJECT: CREAMER
2 + 3. INTERIOR VOLUMES FROM ORIGINAL FORM.
3 . EXTERIOR SHELL NESTING
American Modern Collection, Russel Wright.
Modelled in Rhino and 3D-Printed. Aggregation of forms derived from original product.
3D-Printed model of extetior shell, developed after series of nested objects studies (images below)
5. EXTERIOR SHELL, GALLERY SPACE
6. INTERIOR EXPERIENCE: SIT INSIDE AN OBJECT
Rendering of Gallery Space, The gallery is located in the middle of the lake.
Users can feel as if they were sitting inside a product.
nested-ojbect study - 3
nested-ojbect study - 1
nested-ojbect study - 2
research
maya
rhino
3D-print
adobe
3.
4
NESTLED EMRICKFLATS DRIFT-2
00 34
5.
6.
gallery space interior
34
PRODUCTS // 2015
typical fit
salut! SHOT GLASS a toast-inspired project
typical glass
shifting axis
smooth modelling vs. polygonal form making
SALUT!
RE-IMAGINE / TEST / REFINE / PROTOTYPE. pocket for finger
form development
finding optimal fit
curves modelled on movement of liquid
Last December, during the holiday celebration, I was inspired to re-imagine the toasting experience and design a new shot glass. Salut! Shot Glass form and volumes come from studying how our hand holds a cup as well as undestanding how liquids move in the container.
research
sketch
modelling
maya
3D-print
form responds hand’s position
36
36
WORK IN PROGRESS // 2016
FARMING THE NEST Urban Farm + Art Centre
WORK IN PROGRESS: PERFORMING ART CENTRE + URBAN FARM
This is the project I am currently working on in my studio class at UPENN. The programm asks for a performing art centre, a visual art grllery, a series of retail spaces and a food court. Thanks extensive site reasearch,
IMAGES: preliminary rendering: the performing art center and the vacant lots turned into a urban farms / community garden space.
This inspired me to propose to turn the vacant lots in community gardens. A strip of green spaces also connects each building, creating a secondary circulation. I am now finalizing the design of each building component and further integrating it with the program.
research
maya
rhino
3D-print
adobe
CURRENT
GREEN STRIP TOP CIRCULATION STATION VACAN LOT NOW GARDEN
RETAIL+ FOOD MARKET VISUAL ARTS CENTRE
PERFORMING ART CENTRE VACAN LOT NOW: GARDEN
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36
SKETCHES & TRAVEL
MILAN, ITALY
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
RICHMOND, VA
SKETCHES
RICHMOND, VA
NEW YORK, NY
37
CV - 2016 Current Projects & Research 01/ ’16 - Present
MEDICAL DEVICE - PATENT PENDING Currently working on a physical prototype for a medical device and mobile application. Role: product design + Mobile User Interface. Team project with 2 engineering grad students at University of Pennsylvania.
02 / ’16 - Present
REBUILDING TOGETHER PHILADELPHIA Construction Volunteer working on housing projects in underserved neighbourhood of Philadelphia.
10 / ’15 - Present
BRUCE MAU + MASSIVE CHANGE WORKSHOP MODERATOR Selected student to moderate workshop led by Bruce Mau. Role: guide different teams in brainstorming new strategies for the development of Philadelphia.
10 / ’15 - Present
RESILIENT DESIGN + NATURAL DISASTERS Research focuses on Resilient Design and Reconstruction for the areas of Nepal and Japan destroyed by the earthquake. Indipendent Research.
Fall- ‘15
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY + STRUCTURES SEARCH COMMITTEE Selected for academic merit to represent Master of Architecture students. Role: worked with the committee to develop the new curriculum for the advanced Technology and Structure class; interviewed and evaluated applicants. Team project.
Summer- ‘13
SCI-ARC FABRICATION + MOCA Worked on fabrication & installation // MOCA LA exhibition: “A new Sculpturalism”
Awards + Recognition Spring- ‘16
AIA AWARD / a-e ProNet David W. Lakamp Scholarship National Scolarship assigned by AIA.
Spring- ‘16
UPENN / TUITION SCHOLARSHIP + SCHENK-WOODMAN COMPETITION University of Pennsylvania, Scholarship assigned on Merit
Spring- ‘13
VCU / OUTSTANDING DESIGN STUDENT AWARD Merit Scholarship + Work Exhibited at Anderson Gallery, Richmond, VA.
Fall- ‘12
AIA / NEXT LA AWARD / UNBUILT PROJECT CATEGORY Project: Antelope Valley Residence.
Spring- ‘12
ASID / LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP National Portfolio Competition. 2012
2011 - ‘12
VCU / TEACHING ASSISTANT Design Studio // VCU Arts.
Experience 2015
WIRTDESIGN / DESIGNER Interiors. Schematic Design to construction documents phase Moose Toys and Crown Media Holdings.
2013 -14
WOLCOTT AI / DESIGNER / LOS ANGELES, CA Architecture, Interiors. Concept Development through Construction Administration of 50,000+ sq. ft. for: Sunkist Headquarters, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, First Pacific Advisors. 3D Model and Drawings for renovation of exterior plaza and interior lobby of Kennedy Wilson. Concept Development Team for Redbull Headquarters and Campus.
2012 -13
MIDDLE OF BROAD / DESIGNER / RICHMOND, VA Research + Design for experimental interdisciplinary design lab. Designed bike rack prototypes; led community workshops and explored strategies to enhance the life quality of under-served areas of the city. Worked with Professor Roberto Ventura to research, curate and design “Mutations” exhibition featuring 20th Century Design - for the Virginia Center for Architecture.
2012 -13
3 NORTH / DESIGN INTERN / RICHMOND, VA Worked on concepts and presentations for Grove Park Inn Hotel and Washington Redskins Training Facility. Produced construction documents and assisted with finishes.
Summer- ‘12
WTARCH / DESIGN INTERN / LOS ANGELES, CA Created drawings, diagrams and renderings for AIA Award Winning Project: Antelope Valley Residence. Worked on presentations for Hollywood Hills Residence and competition entry for Campus 2015 Aalto University.
Education 2015 - Present
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Master Of Architecture & Emerging Design Technology, Merit Scholarship
2014
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES - X Business Program: Marketing + Branding Concentration. Courses: Global marketing & Brand Strategy, Crisis and Risk Management + Founded and Developed Mobile Application.
2009 - 13
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU ARTS / Bachelor of Fine Arts. Magna Cum Laude
Skills: Computing + Fabrication COMPUTING: Objective-C, Java, Rhino, Grasshopper, Maya, Revit, Sketch-Up, Adobe Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, LaserCutting, CNC Mill, 3D-Printing, Wood Working.
THANK YOU! lcolag@design.upenn.edu