Weidman, Ashlynn

In life both in and out of design I strive to be the most authentic version of myself, trying not to change my beliefs and ideas for others. I want to be courageous and take risks because you never know what good can come out of something if you don’t try. By using this courage I can come up with creative solutions to different situations in design, in my career, and in my personal endeavors. I hope to always be passionate about what I am doing and strive to make an impact in this world. Making an impact on the world in big and small ways. Showing compassion towards others can leave a positive imprint on their lives and hopefully brighten their day, week, year, etc. I always want to show gratitude for all that I have, and those that have helped me along the journey of life, and to be flexible and patient with people because everyone is trying their best in this life. I strive to be intentional, I want every relationship, conversation, project, etc to be something that is helping me in my life and has purpose and thought behind it. By balancing all of these aspects I can achieve a sense of harmony. Harmony in all sectors of my life; design, work, school, life,etc.

Origin Of Life Museum

The Origin of Life Museum by Fenhom UMO in Meishan, China implements a neutral toned and natural material palette creating a subdued space that does not take away from the art, but instead provides a designed backdrop to complement the exhibition. The main designed features are the curving and undulating walls, stairs, and ceiling changes that are to reflect the variety of curves, lines, and differentiation that is seen in the human body. This creates a dynamic space that gives a sense of flow, guiding the user from exhibit to exhibit. The building is its own sculpture and piece of art where visitors can explore its curves and crevices.

Where do you want to work?

D-A Studio on Avenida Infante Santo, Lisbon

The DA Studios office in Lisbon, Portugal, designed by Domitianus Arquitectura , implements a variety of seating, and privacy levels along with different wall shapes. There is one large area defined by two large pillars and a curvilinear wall. The curve makes the space feel larger and more open and encourages people to circulate the space. This area is used for a community workspace with two long tables facing each other for optimal collaboration. The community workspace is bordered by 3 private offices large enough for 2-3 people each. This allows for more private conversations with better sound quality since it is a smaller space. The glass walls separate the offices to make conversations private, but does not close the person off from what is happening outside. As one sequences through the space privacy and occupancy levels change as well as wall structure. Seating heights stay at average height to ensure comfortable posture during a long workday.

Small Hotel sequencing

1- entry 2- capsule area 1 3- lavatory 4- lounge & kitchenette 5- spiral stair to 2nd level 6- lounge 7- lavatory 8- capsule area 2 9- 2nd floor egress

Small Hotel by CAPD Architects- Hiroshima, Japan

The Small Hotel by CAPD Architects is a capsule style hotel in Hiroshima, Japan. The hotel contains contrasting light and dark materials to delineate space and to provide contrast for calm vs wake spaces. For example, the lounge spaces have light wood tables, white chairs, and floor to ceiling windows to energize and improve mood with the abundance of natural light. Warm, hidden track lighting allows the space to still feel inviting at night due to the cozy feeling the color of the light provides. In the capsule spaces, there is also warm lighting to promote feelings of relaxation as well as natural wood materials. Each capsule has customizable features of lighting and privacy. There is individual lighting systems per pod so that each guest can change their levels of brightness based on activity such as sleeping, watching tv, working on a laptop, reading etc. The same goes for the blackout curtain that is attached to each capsule. The curtain will block out any light coming from the hall or from other pods when guests are sleeping as well as provide privacy for sleeping, changing, or relaxing while still giving the user the option to keep the curtain open if they want to socialize with other guests, employees etc. The capsules also have 3 under-bed compartments for storage of luggage. The sequence of the space puts emphasis on the capsules, as that is the first thing a guest will see as they enter, and is the main attraction of the hotel. A linear plan to the space makes it easy for guests to find restrooms, lounge, kitchenette, etc. The lounge gives guests the opportunity to work, eat and socialize without disturbing guests in the capsule areas.

Where do you want to live?

Steps Flagship Store by SAY Architects

Steps Flagship Store in Hangzhou, China focuses on relaxing retail rather than the typical overwhelming, noisy retail experience that comes with purchasing beauty products. The brand is trying to revert back to when shopping used to be seen as an elegant and leisure lifestyle rather than fast and immediate consumption. Through the use of display shelves and glass encasements, warm wood tones, and soft lighting, this flagship store is one where customers can come off the street and take a moment to relax in the joy of shopping. The implementation of a coffee shop also encourages users to think of shopping in the space as more of an activity and an experience rather than a quick in and out.

Neil Dusheiko Home

The Neil Dusheiko house in London was converted from an old fashion showroom into a household designed to fit the needs of aging. The home has a studio suite on the ground level to accommodate for changing mobility restrictions. The primary focus on the main level is bringing in natural light to the space. To do that a skylight is included above the main stairwell with gridded glazing on each side of the stairs to let light into the living spaces. A built in bench is included for extra seating. Wood and oatmeal tones throughout the home and timber ceilings in the bedroom bring warmth into the space as well has hidden light panels in the ceiling and along casework. Allowing for a calming feel and even light without distracting from the main glazing work and implementation of natural light.

Which space do you think best embodies equity, inclusion, and social justice?

MLK 1101 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

MLK1101 is a community based, supportive housing complex in the Los Angeles area that strives to help the substantial homelessness problem in the city. The complex is for homeless individuals and family and has many supportive programs within the design including rooftop gardens for recreation, edible greenhouses, and community rooms for skills based lessons. The design is bright, white and clean with elements of greenery and vegetation to give the space an uplifting feeling and a clean and well-kept space that the people who live there might not have otherwise.

I chose to alter the original axonometric from assignment 4 regarding hospitality. The axonometric of the Small Hotel in Hiroshima Japan originally was neutral and felt closed off to the outside world. Although the small pods cannot be directly accessible to the outside world, a faux sky simulation screen can be implemented overhead to give a relaxing and calming scenery that can be customized to whatever scene the guest prefers. Another added comfort that I have added to the axonometric of the space is an adjustable backrest for maximum lumbar support and ergonomics. This way the bed can be customized based upon the size and shape of the guest and whether or not they are laying down or sitting up. More storage that was more easily accessible to the user sitting on the bed was added on both the right adjacent wall and the wall at the foot of the bed in combination with a television at proper viewing height for added entertainment in the space, but does not take up valuable room in the pod due to it being built into the wall. This will provide maximum space for lounging. Finally, customizable lighting was implemented in the under-bed storage space to provide an ambient environment in which the user can choose which color they prefer. Due to the small area that pod encapsulates, this color of light will fill the space and also illuminate the floor so the user can better see when getting on and off the bed. This design can be considered “compassionate” due to the care for the guests comfort and the ensuring of a positive experience while spending their time in the Small Hotel.