2023 Capstone Project

CAPSTONE STUDIO SPRING 2023

Milan’s Biomaterial Showroom - Lauren Chubb

Professors - Kendra Ordia and Andrew Peterson

University of Nebraska Lincoln - Interior Design

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Textile waste has a harmful impact on the quality of earth’s environment and is responsible for producing a significant amount of carbon emissions. Yearly, 92 million tons of textile waste is sent to the landfill. The reduction of these carbon emissions is important in reducing their footprint on the environment and mitigating climate change. Limiting the amount of textile waste is one way to reduce the amount of carbon emissions that is emitted into the atmosphere. Using biomaterials is another way that reduces waste and the emission of carbon. Current and future innovations in biomaterials can make a significant impact on how design industries use and produce textiles. These advancements have the opportunity to teach professionals and the public of the importance that biomaterials have on the environment and how they can be used in the built environment.

PROJECT STATEMENT

A showroom experience with the intention of producing and displaying biomaterials aims to educate the public and design professionals of the capabilities of these material innovations. Showcasing the life cycle of these materials through a laboratory setting will be an important aspect for users to understand the ideation, production, testing, and utilization process. End textile products applied to objects, furniture, clothing, and automobiles will be displayed to provide a tactile experience for the user, while also having flexibility to showcase new innovations as they are created. Set in the Porta Nuova district of Milan, this showroom has the opportunity to transform into an event space to host events, such as Milan fashion week that will further introduce people to the idea and capabilities of biomaterials.

PROJECT QUESTIONS

How can sustainability of textiles be increased through the production and utilization of biomaterials ?

How can design professionals and the general public interact together in a showroom that inspires and educates both about innovations within design industries?

How can a showroom display current innovations, while also adapting with the future of design, and having the ability to adapt into an event space?

How can the implementation of American standards create a welcoming and accessible environment for all?

How can a showroom incorporate the process and life cycle of creating and testing biomaterials, that also develops new ways of using these materials in many different industry sectors?

“Ten tactile Interiors that make use of natural biomaterials” by Lizzie Crook discusses the following biomaterials that are healthy and environmentally sustainable, while also reducing carbon footprint.

Hemp, a strain of cannabis combined with lime binder can be used as a wall element that is eco-friendly and has a low carbon footprint. In the form of compressed blocks, cork is renewable material that can be aesthetically used in many ways, as well as being an insulator. The strength of bamboo can be used as a great supporting material and has naturally occurring patterns.

Paper-mache, made of recycled paper mixed with adhesives creates a unique textured material with visual interest.

The vegetation of fungi, mycelium, has properties of being strong, biodegradable, and a great material for interior furnishings. Material from the raffia palm tree is a durable material with biodegradable fibers that are typically woven into new elements that can be applied in many ways. Sourced from the rattan tree, cane is typically woven to create a unique patterned material that is naturally renewable. Recycled paper is a great interior element that creates texture and pattern and the end product can be re-recycled.

While being the most common biomaterial, wood is also the most versatile and easily recycled material.

Algae can be formed into blocks and used as a unique and colorful tile that reduces the carbon footprint of the interior it is applied in.

SUPPORTING RESEARCH INTERVIEWS

Q. When you think of the future of design, what do you envision?

A. (CS) prevalence of technology and importance of sustainability

A. (KO) regenerative, circular, and addresses social and environment concerns

A. (KF) accommodating a range of functions, increase in natural elements, and access to the outdoors

A. (EF) having a futuristic appeal, and the use of technology

Q. When you hear the word “bio-materials” what do you think of?

A. (CS) fungi, man-made, biology, lab

A. (KO) material that has a natural basis

A. (KF) materials made from organic substances that can be easily recycled and composted

A. (EF) environmentally friendly materials

Q. What design elements do you think are important in a showroom?

A. (CS) lighting, open-space, atmosphere

A. (KO) flexibility, lighting control, and material palette that allows products to stand out

A. (KF) design for movement, intuitive way finding, and support for functions and activities

A. (EF) making the space feel realistic and having products in a realistic setting

Q. How would you benefit from tactile or physical interactions in a showroom experience?

A. (CS) benefit from touch, visual experience, and understanding of context and textures

A. (KO) having the ability to understand the capability of the product along with human interaction with the product

A. (KF) feel, sound, and smell are needed to achieve satisfaction and a memorable experience

A. (EF) allows users to test products and see if they are willing to purchase

Collin Shearman

Interior Design Student

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Kendra Ordia

Interior Design Professor

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Katie Fonda

Previous Showroom Manager

Current Dealer Sales Manager

Haworth

Emily Francis

Nutrition and Exercise Health Science Student

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

SUPPORTING RESEARCH INNOVATIONS

The life cycle of materials is an important consideration because many textiles are not recyclable, which creates waste and pollution. Having the ability of decomposing and being recycled, biomaterials create less waste.

Glass like structures, transformed into a dress, is made from algae and cocoon protein. As this material is grown, it also has the capability of decomposing quickly in water.

Based on the environment the material is in, this material structure changes based on humidity, temperature, and conditions in which the material would come into contact with water or other elements.

Using technology and biomaterials, the process of creating growing walls is completely circular and the end product is biodegradable, while bringing people closer to nature as they are separated from it in interiors.

Biomateirals must evolve with the ever-changing environment. The built environment and users within the built environment are in need of materials that independently adapt, grow, remodel, and regenerate.

“Building materials derived from living organisms” store CO2, which deduces the carbon footprint. Innovative ways to use biomaterials in architecture have produced thermal and structural properties.

SUPPORTING RESEARCH SHOWROOMS

There has been a shift in the way interior architecture and the branding of products relate to one another. Recently, the design of showrooms and retail spaces have driven the way brands build their image and merchandise, all while drawing the attention of the clients, as before, the product or brand drove the interior design intention.

Important design elements in a showroom include lighting, atmosphere, intentional material or color palette, meaningful ways to display merchandise, concise approach to way finding, and so much more that can truly impact the way users experience the space.

DESIGN STRATEGIES Inspire

The design of this showroom and the creation and display of biomaterials aims to inspire users of the possibilities and capabilities of bio materials. The goal is also to help inspire new ways to increase sustainability for the environment and the utilization of materials in new ways.

Educate

Education of the process, life cycle, utilization, and technologies will be important for users to fully understand the concept of biomaterials and how they will be important to the future of design and sustainability. Methods of learning will also provide a new experience for the public and design professionals.

Produce

An aspect of production will be important for the concept of this showroom design so that users can fully immerse themselves with the process and life cycle of biomaterials. Human interaction with the materials and technology is important to understand the production side of biomaterial innovations.

Evolve

As biomaterials and the innovations associated with them continue to change and involve, it will be important to have a space that can evolve with the product and the technology. A space the can evolve with the culture of Milan, and adapt into an event space will further educate and inspire people about biomaterials.

unifying ceiling element with cohesive furniture, and natural element of living plant wall

use of lighting to illuminate products, natural wood and colorful interior elements

CASE STUDY NIO HOUSE

Chengdu, China

August Green

Showroom

mix of programmatic spaces that are functional and open to the rest of the space

1050 Sq M 2019

The intention of the Nio House showroom and gallery was to create a space that has the ability to adapt to the future of the brand. The electric car brand has a product line that evolves with technology, and a space that had flexibility and the ability to adapt into a multi-use event space was key.

Encouragement for the community , with a luxurious aesthetic appeal, yet being accessible was another key component to the design.

“The design of Nio House embodies Nio’s ethos of technology and lifestyle together into a consistent story told through spaces and form.”

biophilia

product display and ceiling design

lighting and staircase design

raw material used to separate space, while allowing light to pass

CASE STUDY ORIENT HONGDA

Tongxiang, China

PPAA Perez Architects Office and Showroom 2022

The raw material produced by the largest yarn factory, Orient Hongda, is used as an interior element in their office and showroom design. Yarn threads are used as a curtain to divide spaces, which allow for transparency and improved acoustics .

Reflecting the identity and quality of the brand was important to translate through the design of the space.

The natural fabrics of Orient Hongda “create interior sensations and atmospheres that function as independent elements and perceptually make the structure of the building disappear.”

texture and transparency lighting reflective wall material

main entrance and main circulation

functional spaces and furniture settings, mixed with product displays that elevate the design

street views into the interior that entice people about the products and the design

CASE STUDY IONOI

GALLERY

Milan, Italy

Fabio Novembre

Retail Space and Gallery

2022

The blank canvas of the gallery interior allows works of Kartell furniture, Lasvit lighting, and Venini glass to stand out .

Color is used through the space to aid in way finding and aesthetic accents.

The gallery, overall design, and display of objects is a link between fashion, art, design, and architecture.

“The research of connections, often unplanned and undeclared, helps pave the way for an inclusive and cross-cutting approach to knowledge.”

exterior branding

grid background

exterior branding on dual sides of the street corner

centralized path/way finding to the back of the showroom

Milan, Italy

Roberto Murgia Showroom 2013

Muji has a minimalistic brand identity that is translated into the design of the showroom at the Piazza Gae Aulenti. The brand also is dedicated to recyling and limiting waste. One way they limit waste is through avoiding packaging of their products.

exterior branding and views into the interior from the outside

unifying staircase design visible from the exterior

SITE PLAN NORTH I

buildings

showroom building outline

streets

walking paths

water shops

restaurants

parking/bank/traffic light

railroad

bike path

Piazza Gae Aulenti

Via Francesco

Vigano

VialeLuigiSturzo

Via Gaspare Rosales

ViaMelchiorreGioia

CONTEXT PLAN NORTH I

buildings

showroom building outline

streets

walking paths

water shops

restaurants

parking/bank/traffic light

railroad

bike path

important landmarks

Bosco Verticale

Piazza Gae Aulenti

Cavalcavia Eugenio Bussa

Varesine

Porta Garibaldi

Bosco Verticale

Cavalcavia Eugenio Bussa

Piazza Gae Aulenti Varesine

Porta Garibaldi

SPATIAL PROGRAMS

Builidng Area - 16,000 sq ft

Showroom - 8,000 sq ft

Offices - 2,400 sq ft

Client meeting space - 500 sq ft

Lobby - 500 sq ft

Restrooms - 600 sq ft

Laboratory - 4,000 sq ft

Public Employees

USER PROFILES Public

Little to no design or biomaterial knowledge

This user group includes people that may walk into the showroom, be attending an event in the showroom, or purchasing items from the showroom.

Professionals

Significant design knowledge - little to no biomaterial knowledge

Professionals

This user group includes professionals or educators that have a background in design. They may be representing clients, or gaining knowledge about biomaterials and learning about innovations within the showroom.

Employees

Little to moderate design knowledge - significant biomaterial knowledge

This user group includes employee that will run, manage, and maintain the showroom, along with lab technicians, and any supporting roles for this showroom.

Salespeople

Moderate to significant design knowledge - highest biomaterial knowledge

This user group includes people with knowledge of the product and material in order to make a profit off of the products, and teach users their knowledge.

Salespeople

EXISTING

BUILDING

SCALE 3/64” = 1’

existing columns

existing walls

existing curtain wall

aperatures

main access

circulation

STUDY

facade/mullion system

glass metal

concrete

existing materials

WORKSTATIONS AND COLLAB

ADA RESTROOM

SECTION 2 SCALE 1/8”

ILLUMINATED WALL DETAIL

BATHROOM - 9 FT

BAR - 15 FT

DISPLAYS - 15 FT

MEZZANINE - 10 FT

allsteel workstations

allsteel work table and storage

white washed concrete

biophilia

glass

vegan biomaterial leather

moss

moss

recycled wood

magis sequoia stool grand rapids andy armchair

allermuir axyl stool

CUSTOM STAIR

specified laminate top

specified plant

freestanding support

specified laminate base

knee space

built in pot

attached surface