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Monika Glowaczewska
MA Interior Design Portfolio
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content
Positive & Negative Space
creative
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Advance Research Strategy
institutional
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Manchester International Festival
health & wellbeing
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Material Specification & Design
hospitality
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Advanced Stud in Design
commercial
dies
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Orange Uk Help Desk
creative
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How minimalism can address unsuitability of 21st Century living?
residential
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Solidtude & Loneliness 50
Creative
health & wellbeing
creative
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Positive and Negative Space
This project required each individual perception of positive and negative space and as it plays an important role in determining the overall composition in a work of art, the aim was to understand and capture the relationships between the shapes with greater accuracy.
Positive and negative space formed aspects of visual composition that inform the viewer’s perception of the relationship between each other. In this project it was important to see the negative areas as additional shapes, not as wasted space.
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creative
“ Space, and space again, is the infinite dety which surounds us and in which we are ourselves contained�.
Max Beckmann
The project helped to become more familiar with looking for the negative space between the shapes in a still life. At that time the research was not required, but only capturing of our perception of positive and negative spaces, so I looked at it from a different perspective: how I imagined both areas taking into consideration skim colour and quality of the shapes and their
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Advance Research Strategy
The building is located amid residential area of Mielec city in Poland. It was built in the communist era and had been abandoned before construction was completed.
This great location in the middle of the city gives opportunity to anyone who possesses the heart and passion for art to improve the knowledge in that area. The idea formed on the basis of an existing problem which was lack of an art-school in the city.
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institutional
Poland
While preserving the existing architectural context of the building, the design will feature sustained elements of the city’s culture as well as environmental sustainability. The research showed that Poland spent 1,8bln PLN on Art & Design where the English government grant of £449m dropped to £349m by 2014. It means that Poland spends 3 times less money on Art & Culture than the UK, and that’s after increase in Poland and cuts in the UK.
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Mielec
CONCRETE FLOOR
REISIN FLOOR
TILES OAK FLOOR REISIN FLOOR
SAFETY FLOOR REISIN FLOOR
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Tiles Tiles OAK FLOOR
OAK FLOOR OAK FLOOR
2D
TEXTILE
IT
WORKSHOP
GALE
CAFFEE
WORK
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D
ERY
3D
ETERIA
LECTURE
KSHOP
WORKSHOP
As addition to the classroom, workshop and offices, the space is complete with variety of welcoming areas such as cafeteria, lounge and rooftop garden. These are combined with an exquisite selection of materials, furniture as well as rich palette of natural colours: brown, blue, green and yellow to give the space the touch of nature. Here are some examples of the materials proposition.
The design inspiration came from the quote by French painter Pierre Bonnard that “Art will never be able to exist without nature�. Taking that thought into consideration my aim was to apply features of nature in the structure of the school.
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Therefore the idea of a tree appeared as the foundation of the values to the nature, allowing the energetic sculpture of a tree to wholly engage students will always lead to versatile inspiration, self-growth and as a reminder that anything is possible.
A sustainable choice, such as fitting out the building with glass curtain wall to maximise the influx of natural day light. The whole glass wall has a mobile system which consists of a series of individual toughened glass panels with top and bottom suspended clamping profiles and an aluminium ceiling track for sliding. The panels can be pushed together and interlocked to form a wall for optimised space flexibility and visibility. Thus for glass finishes I applied a laminated feature of the forest to give them the “inside out� feeling.
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MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
My choice for Professional Platform was a live project designed for the Manchester International Festival, the festival square area with the interior Pavilion taking into account opening time, space circulation and budget Manchester International Festival requested a design of multi-purpose space with a coffee bar suitable for families during the day and at the same time for the evening facilities with specific capacity for standing and seating. The Festival showcases series of leading artists and thinkers to create ambitious new partnerships with local people.
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experience
My part in this project was to design a single installation in the pavilion and the limited budget guided all design decisions. The concept was to use the theme of creating an atmosphere inside and out. I thought of weather as a good theme, as it is a strong topic in Manchester and connects people. The answer was to use a rainbow which held a ubiquitous meaning of unity in numerous cultures. The idea was to use fluorescent ropes to create additional atmosphere during the evening events. This section gave me opportunity to be able to research for companies with good values and pay attention to any additional costs.
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The overall results of the project received extremely positive feedback not only from the management of Manchester International Festival but also from public who shared them on Twitter, Facebook and other online social networking platforms. Most significantly, this project gave me the design experience to suit the needs of the clients, their budget and working to deadlines. It offered a great and appropriate learning exercise and at the same time I gained skills to collaborate with a team of students and clients, to discuss their requirements and ideas. It enriched my interpersonal and team-building skills. I also had a chance to improve my knowledge of materials, fabrication and different fixing possibilities. The project allowed me to increase my understanding of designing multi-purpose seating as well as fully flexible and suitable space for day and night activities of the festival. Regardless of how much I have learned already, I know that this project gave me innovative practical skills. The most meaningful thing to me was to share the results of this life project with people who knew how to appreciate art and hard work.
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Material Specification & Design
The place for the design was the Cliff in Salford near Higher Broughton. The project was to understand the outdoor structure built from materials that are sustainable in surrounding environment and likewise carry out technical detailing and material specification. The design proposal was to create a closer relationship between the community and natural environment which once attracted attention of the neighbourhood. The design inspiration for this project came from the idea of merging installations in the landscape rather than those standing out from it. The challenge and the solution at the same time was to find common language with the nature that was why I chose root as a signature object of the forest.
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health & wellbeing
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Locally sourced timber from manufacturer based in Salford allowed to sustain the construction of the waterproof shelter with a seating area on the outside. I also took into consideration the educational aspect of that area. Anyone could learn about the trees in the Cliff area by collecting or photographing leaves and comparing them with the ones engraved in parts of the shelter.
Advanced Studies in Design
The project focus was to redesign the Salford Museum Cafe located in Chapel Street at the main Salford University Campus. The museum wanted to improve customer engagement throughout the building.
The new scheme had to incorporate the adjacent former library into the scheme, not necessarily as a restaurant but as a public space. It is currently used as a store room. To examine the creation of an appropriate atmosphere including the effects of natural and artificial lighting in order to create atmosphere, and taking into consideration the required changes to the reception and sales areas. All professional presentations of the concept were introduced to the Museum and Library Management.
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hospitality
The foremost design approach was to ensure that the space could facilitate the negotiation between day time activities and parties allowing a subtle sense of harmony and connectivity.
ATIONAL PRODUCT
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Decorative furniture schedule Eames DSW, DSR, DSS Faux Leather
Modern lounge armchair with ashwood conical legs fully upholstered MLA1764_1 from Bourne furniture Modern chair with ashwood conical legs fully upholstered. MCC1760_1 from Bourne furniture Modern armchair fully upholstered Wooden legs can be stained to a variety of different colours. MCA1614p from Bourne furniture Stylish metal table base - available Modern table for 8 Stylish twin metal table base - available in black, chrome or beech finish Samson Twin D4 table base Hill Cross Furniture Coffee round and square table
Modern lounge armchair fully upholstered. Supplied by Bourne furniture MLA1614_4 Stylish modern two seater sofa fully upholstered Wooden legs can be stained to a variety of of different colours
Modern chair fully upholstered Supplied by Bourne furniture MCC1614_3
The design inspiration for this project came from ocean which can be peaceful, meditational and balanced. When thinking of oceans, qualities such as serenity, fluidity and beatification may come to mind. Beyond the cool blue tonal areas, the interior conveys a sense of spectacle in its dynamic convergence of species, space and light. It provides not only the aesthetic element to the design space but also a sense of lightness of book pages which were used in the design of the bar, the counter and the shop area. Thus to create contrast to the serene feeling, the Northern light Ash Classic Solid White Board was chosen for the flooring of the main dining area.
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Furthermore variety of tables were provide in response to the demand of customers such as families, students, couples and anyone who felt like reading a book in a peaceful environment with a cup of coffee.
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Orange uk Help Desk
The reception desk was initially designed for the mobile network operator Orange UK and the final product was developed with the understanding of office and public space.
he piece of furniture was designed to emphasise the company’s colour palette and branding with the focus on their selling principles. The task was to produce a series of technical detailed drawings with material specification, as well as working with a limited space to come up with a solution to help aid circulation.
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commercial
The middle part of the design offered different experience to the viewers, the illusion of mobile waves. The design incorporated service desk into the branding package which was why maintenance and durability became important factors in the design thinking process.
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Technical drawing of the desk and detail specification.
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How minimalism can address unsuitability of 21st Century living?
The choice of this particular topic was easy as it is relevant to the subject of my degree studies, and as future designer I would like to be more aware of how decisions can impact everything around us, to be more efficient and sustainable with all the choices made by me for my clients. Architect Ludwig Mies van de Rohe adopted the motto “Less is more”; he applied extreme simplicity and functionality; “Doing more with less”. This dissertation examines the role of a minimalist interior which can help to address the problem of overconsumption that has caused the planet to suffer from this over- extraction of natural resources, soil, forests, water, minerals and many more, resulting in collapsing ecosystems. In addition to this, the numbers of goods created has been increasing, not only the actual, physical objects we have in our homes that the earth is no longer able to sustain, but also pollution of the essentials of life like air, water, land. According to the Center for Sustainable Economy to sustain current levels of consumption we would need 1.5 Earths.
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residential
Thus through the visual work I chose to draw a model of a modern apartment to demonstrate how most of us clutter our living space with unnecessary belongings. I decided to measure my apartment and draw the exact layout. The flat consists of an open space living room joined with the kitchen, the master bedroom, the single bedroom, the bathroom and the hall. Changes were needed to clear out the space. Interiors tend to be refurbished more regularly which has a significant impact on the environment. Sustainably sourced hardwood flooring outlasts carpets and vinyl coverings. Kitchens can be fitted with carcassing that could help to avoid the use of particleboards which show high contents of formaldehyde. Doors and worktops can also be made from solid timber rather than veneered chipboard. I designed the space by choosing only what was essential.
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Solidtude & Loneliness
Being alone has two faces: one is loneliness, the other solitude. The major project of my inspiration was to explore the connection and the differences between both of them and how we can stimulate ourselves to improve solitude and reduce loneliness. The idea was to design an “anti-loneliness” device in non-places where people could interact with it during waiting time. As humans separate and build barriers between each other, I aimed to change this perception, applying additional function to a wall. It could open us to different possibilities and relationships amongst each other. As well as that, it could allow us to feel “inside out”, giving an opportunity to meditate at any time. This could be a way of meditation and also interaction not only with the object, but also with other people who are engaging with the wall.
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health & wellbeing
Theoretical research gave me an in- depth understanding of the subject and connection between different areas of studies, from philosophical to psychological, whereas visual research allowed me to understand our physical interaction with the environment. Theory helped with navigation to creation of visual practice. The visual demonstrate key icons which influence me: people, text and places. I intended to create a cyclic movement pattern, like in walking, which allows to repeat movement to register the principal material properties pertain to surface texture, compliance, and thermal quality. Geometric properties generally comprise shape, size and movement itself through the quality of touch. Touch bring the sense of well-being, it can reduce stress and pain, revile tension and help with relaxation.
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Throughout my year of MA Interior Design education I have become more and more aware that everything around us affects the way we behave and interact with each other, like a stone thrown into the water.
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At the beginning of the year I questioned how will the future change interior spaces, what kind of outside impact will affect the design? Most importantly, who will I design for? Statistic research indicated that the number of people who live alone has risen. It made me question, what kind of qualities of environment we are seeking out. Interior spaces and objects of our surroundings affect our relationships, feelings, memories and even decisions we make. The reason I applied for Master’s degree was curiosity to explore our relationship with space, people and our needs through different areas such as humanistic studies, science and well-being. I also aimed to gain better understanding of how designers work, which is important in order to respond to different social and environmental problems, and to identify clear direction for my future career.
On the exhibition I noticed that overall outcome focused on a haptic perception that involves a direct interaction, such a interface, visualisation design and communication which establish emotional, sensual and connection not only with ''Wall'' itself but also other people around it. What caught my attention was people reaction during passing by from one space to another. They were curious what the sphere where made of which made them stop. By touching and experiencing the surface it was discover the movement , which made them question to another person which was doing exactly the same thing the mechanism of it. What I liked the most was that the audience did not know, that was my intention the interaction with surrounding in between space which is so difficult to achieve.
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It is important to build community through taking down the physical and psychological barriers that sociality build between each other. By creating spaces where people can mix naturally and get to know one another it will allow to build tolerance between culture diversity which can become understanding communication and interaction. The role of the designers has important influence on our interaction in the world. Therefore, they not only have duty to create functional and well-design spaces, but also to provide possibilities of interaction with the object and other human beings. It is important not to create isolation which will led to loneliness. Reflecting on the relationship between space and object, finding balance and meeting our needs inspired me to put my research into practice. I learned that we are giving to meaning to the space through our actions and designers are responsible for changes made on the space because of the design. The idea of Interactive Wall have intention to be used in a busy environment where people feel the most lonely during waiting time, like underground, bus stops, hospitals or any reception space. It could also be used in area for children with special needs like autism or indoor playground. The design of the Interactive Wall allow us to feel inside out, giving opportunity to meditate at any time allowing us to gain solitude time where as interactive attitude can reduce the loneliness through interaction with environment surrounding us. Interaction can appear not only with the object but also with other people who are engaging with the Wall. It allows big things happen through small approach.
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creative
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