Design Portfolio - Rita Curmi

Page 1

PORTFOLIO R I T A

C U R M I


INTRODUCTION I am currently a Lighting Design student with a passion for interiors, art and architecture. Particularly interested in the way design and surroundings influence people. I am intrigued by the impact of walking into a space and changing a person’s mood by choosing a specific colour scheme, material or lighting atmosphere. Despite my experiences and studies, I am always in constant search for gaining new knowledge through practice, travel and meeting new people. In the past years I have grown to learn and understand about interior design as a profession, which attended to my passion. This portfolio represents a selection of academic and professional works from the past four years.

2


CONTENTS

DESIGN WORK

LIGHTING FOR THE ORATORY, ST JOHN’S CO CATHEDRAL

CAPTURE THE LIGHT

ISLAND HUB

CLASSROOM DESIGN

4

9

18

24

RESIDENTIAL PENTHOUSE

40

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

44

48

OTHER WORKS

PANORAMAS

GEOMETRIC PORTRAIT

54

64

TRADITIONAL ART

66

RETAIL DESIGN

32

ELECTRICAL LAYOUTS

38


4


1

RE-DESIGN OF THE LIGHTING IN THE ORATORY AT ST JOHN ’S CO-CATHEDRAL IN VALLETTA, MALTA

A live project which involved the re-design of the lighting scheme of the Oratory within St John’s Co- Cathedral. This space hosts a number of prestigious paintings by Caravaggio and Mattia Preti, as well as other priceless decorations. The Oratory is annexed to the main church nave and has a symbolic, liturgical and architectural value . It is designed in the typical Baroque style with flamboyant gold and florid decoration. The key exhibit, which attracts the majority of visitors, is Caravaggio’s masterpiece, the Beheading of St. John. This project aims to achieve a state of the art lighting scheme, thereby eliminating the current lighting issues within the space, preserving the paintings, while also providing the best possible experience for visitors. Considering the sensitivity of the artwork, the project must perforce be studied by taking into account the latest R&D on the subject and at the same time supported by appropriate simulations and controlled experimental tests.


1

2

LED 3300K

LED 3800K

M O C K

3

4

LED 3800K

LED 3800K

T E S T S

Images of the Caravaggio replicas under four different white light configurations using RGBW LEDs. Each image represents a different combination of colour temperature and colour saturation. Visitors participating in the survey were asked to choose the preferred configuration. This was followed by a questionnaire on a side by side comparison of the two replicas illuminated respectively with the preferred LED white light configuration and the reference halogen source.

LED 4700K

ON SITE TESTS HALOGEN

U P

LED 3800K

6


Luminaries placed on the ornamental cornice on each column, at 2.2m above FFL. These shall be concealed from the observer’s field of view by means of a purposely designed baffle. A total of three luminaires are mounted on each cornice to accentuate the artworks and features on the opposite wall of the Oratory and to illuminate the ornate ceiling.

FLOOD LUMINAIRES

3000K LEDs

RGBW LEDs


D I A L U X

M O D E L S

The proposed lighting scheme in the Oratory accentuates the artwork by means of accurately placed spot luminaires and programmable brightness levels, with the Caravaggio at the top of the hierarchy. A lighting control system gives flexibility on the colour temperature, CRI and colour saturation of RGBW luminaires as well as the option for synchronization of the various scenes with a narrative during group visiting sessions. At the same time, the recommended lux levels for museums and art galleries are respected. The end result not only enhances the overall visitor experience, but also reduces damage to the artwork from exposure to light whilst offering considerable energy savings up to 70%.

8


2

CAPTURE THE LIGHT

This project involved the design of a new architectural space that is specifically built to manipulate natural light. By using an innovative combination of apertures, materials, colored and reflective surfaces, a visually stunning space was created. The design, which focuses on experiencing natural elements within a city such as sea, sky and nature, also provides users with a sense of time. The proposed design allows for different lit effects at different times of day and/ or times of year using natural light during the day while switching to artificial light at night. Through a series of models which allowed the creation of real and simulated daylight conditions, the desired effect was achieved. The idea behind creating these kind of effects within a space was to helping people with seasonal depression or homesickness. These tests were documented through a series of photographs and videos.


S K Y A building designed to manipulate light and simulate the colours of a typical Mediterranean sky. With yellow, blue and red hues as the main focus, a gradient effect is achieved with the help of filters strategically placed on the exterior part of the space. The effect can be viewed through a slit in the back wall. For this concept the same kind of effect is evident throughout the night with the help of artificial light.

D A Y T I M E

10


M O R N I N G

N O O N

E V E N I N G


N I G H T

T I M E

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

Exterior rated tilted floodlight projecting a wide beam. LED 4000K 27W Pre-programmed Dali protocol

12


S E A A building designed to manipulate light and simulate patterns from the ocean. Immersing the visitor in a calm environment. Similar effects will be achieved throughout the night with the help of artificial light.


M O R N I N G

N O O N

14

E V E N I N G


N I G H T

T I M E

Exterior rated concealed grazing downlight LED 4000K 30W

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S


E A R T H A building designed to represent patterns from the earth. Unlike the rest of the spaces being proposed, people are intended to view this building from the outside rather than the inside. A play of light and shadows will be the focal point of these theme.

16


N I G H T

T I M E

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

Adjustable exterior rated floodlights Corrosion resistant casing LED 4000K 32W Preprogrammed Dali protocol


18


3

DESIGN OF AN INNOVATIVE BUISNESS HUB TO FAC I L I TAT E S TA R T U P S I N G O Z O, MALTA The idea behind Island Hub is to alleviate the current issue regarding lack of job opportunities in Gozo, as a result, offering a new approach to the island’s business sector. The transformation of a derelict building into a trendy design workspace consisting of work hubs and co-working spaces, shall encourage more native Gozitans and especially youths, to start their own business locally rather than having to move to Malta or travel daily to pursue their career of choice. By focusing on different areas within the work environment, this project aims to create a space, which could be utilised by individuals to carry out economic activities in various sectors and to make their ideas come to life. The chosen site is located in Xewkija as part of the industrial estate, formerly known milk factory and has been abandoned for some time. The building has a number of modernist architectural properties thus no structural amendmends have been made.


S E C T I O N

A - A

From right to left - From the main reception area through co working spaces as well as private offices at the very back. A number of buffer zones were introduced in between each area for a smooth transition. Natural elements can be evident throughout the entire building to promote a biopihilic concept that has been proven to enhance productivity levels within workspaces.

20


COMMON


R E C E T I O N

22

A R E A


C O - W O R K I N G S P A C E S

The hub would not limit itself to any particular users but rather provide as many spaces as possible to allow for people from multiple sectors to make use of it. These individuals could be anyone from graduates , entrepreneurs or even professionals Materials chosen were based on the research conducted in the earlier stages of this project, which have been proven to boost creativity and wellbeing at a workspace. A number of neutral Tones, Biophilic elements , accent colours and concrete form part of the theme which is quite consistent throughout.


24


4

CLASSROOM DESIGN

A classroom at the Institute for the Creative Arts in Mosta was re-designed to cater for the needs of students under different disciplines. After intensive research and an in-depth site analysis were carried out, we came up with a design which addresses the current issues of the class. The idea was to divide the existing layout into two main areas; a working area and a presentation room. By doing so the students and lecturers could have the adequate space to complete their tasks in the space provided whether a presentation or hands on work.


S E C T I O N

B - B

From right to left - This section shows the function of the space. From the main entrance through the school garden, passing through the hands on work space to the presentation room. Both areas are divided by a partition which has the additional feature of acting as storage space. Large glass windows which had already been present at the site were kept within the design. 26


L A Y O U T

Theatre Seating made up of three different levels

P L A N

Open faced storage unit

Main Entrance

Window Seatign with adjustable blinds

Presentation Board

Modular Tables

Window Opening

Eames plastic chair with a grey matte finish


P R E S E N T A T I O N

R O O M

From left to right - This section focuses on the presentation room. Contrary to the work space area of the class, in this section we avoided excess of natural light through the existing apertures since the space would mainly be used for presentations by teachers or students. 28


L I G H T I N G

L A Y O U T S

LED recessed linear lighting bar

LED recessed down-lighters


W O R K S P A C E

30


P R E S E N T A T I O N

S P A C E


32


5

RETAIL DESIGN

A retail store was designed for a premium tea brand named YSWARA, based on design considerations for retail environments. It serves a collection of handcrafted teas as well as home-ware. The shop was proposed at the Pama Shopping Village in Mosta. The main scope was to reflect the brand identity through our final design, combining both aesthetics and functionality for the customer to have the utmost positive retail experience. The brand incorporates heavily African culture, contributing to their brand identity while their signature colour is sandy rose gold.


G R O U N D

F L O O R

The ground floor is an introduction to both the products and a hint of scents from the tea on display. The main features here are mainly; the circular display table with various merchandise, and the main cash desk with an illuminated cut out sign of the logo behind it. 34


S E C T I O N

P L A N - 1 s t

F L O O R

A - A

P L A N - G R O U N D

F L O O R


F I R S T

F L O O R

The First floor is focused more on the tea tasting experience. Similar to the ground floor, a circular display table was placed at the center to keep a consistency within the design. It is also used for the preparation and serving of the tea. The design was kept fairly simple, the focus here was on creating an atmosphere with lighting. A laser cut partition is one of the main features in this area since it is a staple piece of the brand within their shops. 36


G R O U N D

F L O O R


ELECTRICAL LAYOUTS

An electrical layout plan was prepared for a small apartment in Malta. Based on the proposed furniture layout presented by the client I developed the power systems layout as well as the ELV systems layout. By working on this project, I gained basic knowledge on electrical services besides working on interior design related work. These elements, I believe are crucial to any project and one could get a better understanding of how everyday things work within a building since sometimes this could effect the overall plan.

38

6


F U R N I T U R E

E L V

S Y S T E M

L A Y O U T

L A Y O U T

P O W E R

P O W E R

S Y S T E M

S Y S T E M

L A Y O U T

L A Y O U T


40


7

RESIDENTIAL PENTHOUSE

This was one of the first professional spatial projects where I got the opportunity of working directly with a client. After evaluating the architect’s plans and site itself, a meeting with the client was held to establish his wants/needs for the space. A number of drafts where assessed and the client then chose the most suitable design which included some of his own creative ideas for his future home. In this case I was not restricted with a set budget however I found that to be more difficult. Preparation for the bill of quantities was also required which was another aspect learnt through work experience. The overall design is simple yet materials and textures give it a luxurious feel.


L I V I N G

&

B E D R O O M

The client had already specific materials in mind for certain areas, therefore I had to work around that requirement. The proposed colour scheme and material choice were all based around the charcoal grey tiling, which creating an overall muted colour scheme. However the apartment itself is very well lit naturally, so there would still be a balance between light and dark. The bedroom incorporates a feature wall behind the bed itself rising from the floor to the ceiling, with integrated storage space using open faced shelving on the sides of the wood panel. 42


L A Y O U T

P L A N

Terrace

Custom Headboard Main Bedroom

Pull-up TV Jacuzzi

Bathroom Spare Bedroom

Kitchen

Pool area

Extendable Table

Living Room

Aspen fire place

Modular furniture

Outdoor Lounge Area


44


8

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

The main theme for this unit was to re-use and re-design an area of 390 square meters within the Institute for the Creative Arts in Mosta. The team was asked to explore multiple possibilities for the regeneration of the said area. Several research methods such as the site inventory, site appraisal, pedestrian movement and manageability mapping have been used in order to investigate the current state of the site. By doing so it enabled us to pin point any difficulties within the existing setting and to create a simple brief to address them.


P H Y S I C A L

M O D E L

46


D E V E L O P M E N T S K E T C H E S

The idea behind the concept was to remove all the boundary walls surrounding the area to make the space look more inviting. The circulation and overall theme were inspired by organic shapes. Small green hills were placed at different levels to encourage a sense of adventure. Several olive trees were also introduced to provide shelter over the concrete plates where users would be able to sit.


48


9

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

As a group, we were assigned to design an Artist’s Residence to be placed adjacent to the Institute for the Creative Arts in Mosta. The design addresses the basic needs for the client as well as necessary elements related to his or her profession. As a requirement, we had to make use of at least two high cube containers and were able to modify the exterior or interior panels depending on the design.


A R T I S T I C

L A Y O U T

50

P L A N


A R T I S T I C

S E C T I O N

The main feature of this project is the elongated workstation which connects the interior with the exterior. The furniture piece can be used as a desk on the inside while incorporating seating around the tree on the outside. Overall the design has a very rustic feel to it.


I N T E R I O R

E X T E R I O R

S C E N E

52

S C E N E

-

L I V I N G


I N T E R I O R

S C E N E

-

W O R K S T A T I O N


PHOTOGRAPHY

10

A selection of panoramas taken around Malta and Gozo. A compilation of over sixty individual photos in each piece which were manually compiled and edited using Photoshop. The task was based on exploring different compositions around us.

54


Tr i q i r- Repu bb lika,Va lletta 2015


A z u re Wind ow, Dwej r a 2 0 1 5

56



58


Azure Wi n d ow, D we j ra 2015


Tor r i Ta ’Sopu, Nadur 2015

60



62


The Grand M as t e r ’s Cr ypt, St John’s C a t h e d ra l 2015


GEOMETRIC PORTRAIT

Inspired by low-poly portraits, I decided to transform one of the pictures I had taken of a friend into a digital geometric graphic. The process was very timeconsuming because each patch of colour on the real photo had to be formed into triangular shapes connected together, which were later filled in using te bucket tool with the same exact colout of the original. The result was a geometric image of the original picture. A yellow backround was added to highlight the central piece.

64

11



TRADITIONAL ART A selection of paintings and drawings created using different kinds of media.

66

12


Object Drawing - Panton Chair Pencil Colours


Gozitan Door Pen, Black Ink and Watercolurs 68


Carpenter’s Window, Black Ink , Pen and Watercolours


70

Distortion Pencil and Watercolours


Distortion Pen


72


Face Study Pencil and Pen



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.