Lila Wengler Portfolio by Lila Wengler

PORTFOLIO Lila A. Wengler

INTRODUCTION

am intrigued by a buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential, its history, its secrets; I seek to understand its stories. As an aspiring designer, my goal is to help people fully experience the spaces around them, to be curious, and to engage place in a mean-

ingful way. Through my design education, I have realized that the underlying meaning in design is equally important as the surface impression. Often, it is the elements that you do not see at first glance that make a design complete. The observant are rewarded with small details. I believe that behind every design lies a story. As a designer my role is, of course, to make the space accessible, functional, and healthy, but also to reveal and illustrate that story, and to invite users to fully engage in its telling.

CONTACT: Lila A. Wengler | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design Miami University | Attended 2012-2016 | Summa Cum Laude Phone: 513.255.1023 | Email: lilawengler@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilawengler

TABLE OF CONTENTS I.

LIVE | WORK

a. Tend & Till

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

b. Giverny Studios. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

c. Ash Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

d. The Loft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

II.

RETAIL

a. REI Flagship

. . . . . . . . . .

b. Chocolate Shop

III.

LIBRARIES

. . . . .3

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

a. Clifton Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 b. King Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

c. Ideal Reading Room . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

IV.

MODELS + GRAPHICS

a. Lemon Tree, Stair Study, Succulent Study. . . .

FINE ARTS

a. Paintings, Drawings, Photography . . . . . .

VI.

PRODUCT DESIGN

a. Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

b. Lighting Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

TEND & TILL: AN INTERGENERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LIVING, LEARNING, & GROWING

ridging, blending, weaving, and intersecting are all words that can be used to help illustrate the intent of this multifaceted project. Bringing different generations together is not always the easiest of tasks, but often brings about many rewards. One way to encourage these positive interactions

is by providing spaces and activities concerning nature and gardening. Natural environments are a common ground that both generations can connect to, however it is these groups that often have limited access to them. The Tend + Till project works to provide an environment supporting an intergenerational program, which includes providing living accommodations and services for seniors, a nature-based preschool education, before and after school care as well as community outreach, all on one site of a former Columbus junior high school. The concept is brought to life through the winding, sculptural stair through all three floors. The stair creates movement through the spaces, breaking down rigid walls and encouraging engagement, while adding colorful moments with the custom sea glass and cable railing. The stairs help define spaces and create playful learning landscapes. Flowing curves associated with vertical movement in the spaces blend with the horizontal geometric movement. Clusters of residential units around the edges are placed near the intergenerational spaces where residents can catch glimpses of activity through the patterned glass and join in or just CAPSTONE: Research and preliminary programming was com-

pleted during the fall semester of my senior year. In the spring I selected my building and site and continued with the design process. We pinned up for feedback from professionals and professors approximately every other week. This studio was the product of my own values, passions, and interests as a designer. The goal of the project was to find ways to make a positive impact on a community, alleviate societal deficiencies, and develop a unique program that can be adopted in other locations.

QUICK STATS: Senior Capstone Studio Research: Fall Semester 2015 Design: Spring Semester 2016 Location: Columbus, OH Square Footage: 87,000

I.a LIVE-WORK

Tend

to look after; watch over and care for; minister to or wait on with service:

& to labor, as by plowing or harrowing, upon (land) for the raising of crops; cultivate.

Till

PRODUCT DESIGN | Garden smocks

PROCESS SKETCHES

SITE DIAGRAM

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

SECTION N-S

SECTION E-W

I.a LIVE-WORK

8 LIGHTING PLAN KEY

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO REFLECTED CEILING PLANS

LEVEL 3 RCP

LEVEL 2 RCP

LEVEL 1 RCP

I.a LIVE-WORK

LEVEL 3

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 1 ON SITE PLAN

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

GARDEN MARKET+ RECEPTION

LEARNING LANDSCAPE

LIVING + MUSIC

I.a LIVE-WORK

GARDEN TO TABLE

MUSIC + LIVING

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

I.a LIVE-WORK

RECEPTION + GARDEN MARKET CHECKOUT

LIVING UNIT INTERIOR ELEVATIONS

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

GIVERNY STUDIOS: A SERENE LIVE-WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR ARTISTS' GROWTH

raduate students are in a transitional stage. In essence, they are neither tadpoles nor frogs; they have sprouted legs, yet still need water to grow. As graduate students emerge and mature into their future selves, they need convenience, community, and a short commute to successfully create and evolve. The spaces

are multi-functional and are able to develop along with them. Giverny Studios provide a safe medium for growth and a controlled public interface. Just as Monet flourished in his creative

practice in Giverny, France, graduate students are invited to develop their creative passions in our studios. Our site features gradual transitions between the inside and outside spaces. As you move towards the core of the space, light is brought in from a gradiated skylight axis. This axis marks the transition from public , communal space to private residential and quiet work areas. An overlook to the gallery provides a connection between the floors and semi translucent glass helps spread light to the dark lower level. Outdoor living space is pulled from the East and West sides of the North end. The design works to create an â&#x20AC;&#x153;en pleine airâ&#x20AC;? environment; a comfortable habitat in which the residents can live and work.

TEAM DYNAMIC: This project was the result of a collaboration

between Kaitleya Frost (Architecture), Julie Norehad (Graphic Design), Jessica Dusing (Graphic Design) and myself (Interior Design). Our team worked closely together in the design decisions for all parts of the project. Kaitleya and I primarily worked together on the space planning, architectural elements and the Revit model. In the final production stages Kaitleya focused on the architectural drawings and I focused on photoshopping the perspective renderings. The graphic designers focused on the digital graphics and the product mock-ups.

QUICK FACTS: Interdisciplinary Studio Spring Semester 2015 Location: Oxford, OH Square Footage Group Project: 4 students

I.b LIVE-WORK

NORTH ELEVATION

SITE PLAN

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

1ST FLOOR PLAN

WEST ENTRANCE

SOUTH ENTRANCE

WEST

I.b Live-Work

GALLERY

GALLERY | TEA-WINE BAR

TEA BAR

WINE BAR

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

2ND FLOOR PLAN

EAST ENTRANCE

I.b Live-Work

FAMILY UNIT

COMMUNAL LIVING SPACE

NORTH-SOUTH SECTION

COMMUNAL KITCHEN

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

I.b Live-Work

EAST-WEST SECTION

COMMUNAL DINING

UPSTAIRS CIRCULATION

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ASH WORKPLACE: A SPACE TO INSPIRE CLIENTS AND EMPLOYEES ALIKE

esigning a workplace for a design firm is a unique challenge. After selecting the firm ASH NYC, investigating their office culture and firm values, five key words surfaced to represent their essence. These characteristics that helped inform the concept included COLLABORATIVE, LAYERED, INTEGRATED,

INSPIRED, and BALANCED. The space plan is based on the idea of balance. The connecting

staircase is centered on the axis that divides the square space of the 5th floor. The other spaces are balanced on the square grid. Layers of spaces, materials, textures, are throughout. The central atrium and stair act as an inspiration center, suspended bookcases of wood, glass, and cable feature inspirational items and resources. Interactive inspiration boards cap each end of the stair. The aesthetic incorporates their brand qualities: spare, masculine, and layered time periods. The space on the 4th floor serves as primarily the client interaction area whereas the 5th floor is more private and serves the employee needs.

UNDERSTANDING A COMPANY: This project began with

searching for a design-related firm. Once the firm was selected we got in contact with the firm to learn more about the their culture, their current working environment, and their needs in the workplace. After collecting and analyzing all of the information we found, we were put to the task of boiling the company down to five key words that would help drive out design and act as a grading card for ourselves.

QUICK FACTS: Workplace Studio Fall Semester 2015 Location: Cincinnati, OH Building: The Edge Square Footage 13,000

I.c Live-Work

RECEPTION | LOBBY

LEVEL 4

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

INTERIOR ELEVATION

INSPIRATION ATRIUM | READING NOOK

I.c Live-Work

SECTION

SHOWROOM-STAGING SPACE

Acoustic Panel Inspiration

Modular Sofa by ASH NYC

WARM-UP | CLIENT PRESENTATION

Area Rug

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

BRAINSTORM SPACE

FOCUS ROOM

KITCHEN

I.c Live-Work

INDIVIDUAL WORK STATIONS

EMPLOYEE PORTRAITS

LEVEL 5

INSPIRATION BOARD

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

RESIDENTIAL LOFT AN ACCESSIBLE FAMILY TREE HOUSE

his residential loft was designed for a Cincinnati family with two biological sons and three adopted daughters, each with a different physical disability. The parents are highly devoted to their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs, and eager to take on challenges that most people would be unwilling to face;

these challenges are met with dedication and do not inhibit their ability to find joy in

life. The goal of this design is to create an experience that promotes their lighthearted nature. Inspiration was found in the tree house experience, one that is fun and intriguing for any age, but is often out of reach for those with disabilities. This space is empowering and inclusive of everyone, and allows individuals to feel in control of their surroundings. Through the use of bridges, overlooks, and other interactive elements, an environment is created that is fun and supports communication and interaction of a large family. Open spaces transform to accommodate different levels of privacy and activities throughout the day. The kitchen and dining space act as the nucleus of the home, with circulation and auxiliary spaces surrounding it. The concepts are intended to reflect the main values of the family, promote their togetherness while supporting

their individual needs.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF RESIDENTIAL: For his project we were prompted to select a real or imagined family that had special circumstances to design for. I selected a family that I had met while working at an arts center in Cincinnati. I learned more about their unique family from online sources such as the mothers website and father's online page. I decided on designing for this family because of their wonderful story and the challenges of a large family sharing spaces as well as accommodating for differently abled members of the family.

QUICK STATS: Sophomore ID Studio Design: Fall Semester 2013 Project Duration: 8 weeks Location: Cincinnati, OH Square Footage: 3500

I. Live-Work

KEY A. 1st Floor Plan B. 2nd Floor Plan C. Bathroom Sink Sketch D. N-S Section Facing East

E. E-W Section Facing North F. Girls' Bedroom | Overlooks G. Outdoor Patio

H. Kitchen | Library | Play Room I. Living | Music Room J. Model View of Bridge

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

REI FLAGSHIP BALANCING TECHNOLOGY AND NATURE

s REI repositions to suit the millennial customers, it is clear that experience is everything. REI’s 1440 project perhaps best embodies the values of millennials. The tag line of this project “Celebrating every minute spent outside” encourages those that wish to celebrate, share, and experience

the great outdoors. This project illustrates a necessary balance between technology and nature, which is essential to REI’s ability to meet modern standards and maintain their connection to the environment. The design for this flagship store is based on this concept of balance. This idea is applied to the major forms of circulation: an orthogonal aisle that divides the space into three major sections, and a meandering path that guides customers through each department while allowing them the freedom to explore off the “beaten path”.

DESIGNING FOR MILLENIALS: Despite falling into the

millennial category myself, investigating the values, preferences, and lifestyles of millennials was essential in creating a new and innovative retail destination. Incorporating technology while still emphasizing the importance of authentic and real experiences was what I focused on incorporating into the new REI Flagships store, based on my understanding of this generation.

QUICK STATS: ID Retail Studio Design: Fall Semester 2014 Project Duration: 14 weeks Location: Washington, D.C. Square Footage: 50,000 Competition: PAVE

II. a | Retail

FLOOR AND SITE PLAN

DEPARTMENT DIAGRAM

ENTER

CIRCULATION DIAGRAM

| View of entrance with I-Beam Patterning

PADDLE | View of water sports department

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

SUSPENDED SCULPTURE INSTALLATION In contrast to the simple orthogonal path, above the winding path a wire sculpture follows along in the form of REIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sky texture. Light fixtures are suspended through this intricate wire form. Along the path, an overhead track follows with feature fixtures and interactive Gauzy glass digital display panels.

Freestanding Fixture 1

Freestanding Fixture 2

Path Fixture 1

CYCLE| Shop with bikes and bike gear adjacent to the garage where bikes can be repaired

REPAIR | Garage for bike, ski, and snowboard repair

Path Fixture 2

II. a | Retail

CLIMB | Climbing gear and a rock wall for testing out products with the help of employeees

EXPERIMENT | An area for trying on clothes and gear and testing out products

CONNECT | A space for REI and local organizatios' meetings, seminars, etc

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

MEN | View of Men's Clothing Department

CHILDREN | View of Kid's Clothing Department

WOMEN | View of Women's Clothing Department

STEP | View of the Footwear Department

DEPART | View of the Checkout Area

II. a | Retail

CAMP | View of Camping Department

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

THE CHOCOLATE SHOP: A STORE FOR AMEDEI TUSCANY

he design for this store, consisted of three zones that were created to rep-

resent the different regions that supply the Italian company, Amedei, with

cacao. The store is designed to embrace the adventurous, exploratory spirit of the company and create an engaging experience for the customer. The

three zones include Africa, South America, and the Caribbean, each with a distinct color

scheme. For a dynamic shopping experience, the zones are elevated at different heights that are fully accessible with ramps. The cash/wrap, gifts and quick grab items are locat-

ed at the front of the store. There is additional counter space so the employee can serve samples of Amedeiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot chocolate.

CAPSTONE: Designing an exciting and accessible store within a narrow shell and minimal square footage was an intriguing challenge. The solution that I decided on in the end was making the entire floor ramps and landings as well as introducing other ramps to elevate certain zones further. As the floor elevated towards the back, the ceiling lowered, creating a more dramatic and exaggerated perspective. Although changing floor and ceiling heights is not the only way to create an exciting space, I wanted to take advantage of the ample vertical space the store possessed.

QUICK STATS: Sophomore ID Studio Fall Semester 2013 Project Duration: 2 weeks Location: Cincinnati, OH Square Footage: 1,560

II. b | Retail

PLAN

SECTION

PERSPECTIVE

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

CLIFTON LIBRARY: CREATING A COMMUNITY SPACE FOR CURIOSITY

oming across the ruins of a site or passing by an abandoned building stirs a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imagination, drives a curiosity to explore, and connects them to the past. Engaging a community is perhaps the most important goal of a library, and an architectural take on an abandoned building is one way

to accomplish this. Through the erosion of the facade, stairs, and floors, the building invites patrons inside. As they venture upward through the expanding atrium, the natural light encourages reading in this serene environment.

INTERPRETING A COMMUNITY: The first step of this project included a site visit. During the visit we explored the Clifton community, entering shops, peeking down alley ways, taking in the life, and making observations about the community, as well as carefully evaluating the much smaller existing Clifton Library. Post site visit research was done on the demographics and history of the neighborhood. The research combined with photos, notes, and sketches taken on site allowed me to develop a concept to bring more community members in to use the library's resources.

QUICK STATS: Sophomore Studio Spring Semester 2014 Project Duration: 6 weeks Location: Cincinnati, OH Square Footage: 25,785

III. a | Libraries

EXTERIOR | View from Ludlow Street

INSPIRATION

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

ATRIUM with perforated metal stairs

CHILDREN'S LIBRARY

N USED BOOK SHOP + circulation GROUND LEVEL

LOWER LEVEL

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

WEST ELEVATION

LEVEL 4

III. a | Libraries

SECTION E-W

SECTION N-S

LEVEL 5

LEVEL 6

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

KING LIBRARY: REVITALIZING A CAMPUS HUB

his project developed the underused space outside of Miami Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary library, and created an indoor-outdoor room to make better use of an area adjacent to the cafe. Segmenting the space through seating features that used vegetation and water, helped in the creation of a variety of areas

to accommodate different activities. For shading, a contemporary wisteria covered arbor

extruded from the existing arch forms around the windows, tapering off on the West side of the area. The indoor-outdoor space transitioned with the help of a mechanized and movable glass panel with a perforated overlay. The panel could be used to shade and create a nature inspired dappled light quality in the space.

INDOOR-OUTDOOR SPACE: This project challenged me to think about how we apply strategies we associate with indoors such as acoustic and visual privacy, in an exterior atmosphere. Developing areas outdoors that feel like distinct spaces with unique activities was essential to the success of this project.

QUICK STATS: Sophomore Arch+ID Studio Spring Semester 2014 Project Duration: 3 weeks Location: Oxford, OH

III. b | Libraries

MODEL

ELEVATION

SITE PLAN

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

AN IDEAL READING ROOM: EXPERIENCING FOUR SEASONS OF READING

he intent of this project was to develop an ideal reading room without regards to a surrounding context. The design is based on the idea that reading outdoors is an enjoyable and desired experience. Tensile structure was used to impact the lighting quality and to create a space that felt like a bio-

sphere rather than a room. Four distinct zones reflect the seasons and correspond with a related mood and interaction level. Entering into the space occurs through a skylight gallery that houses a special collection of artwork depicting outdoor reading. Stairs wrap the glass elevator, which draws people into the bright and peaceful space.

DESIGNING WITHOUT CONTEXT: A project without out a particular site, location, or building, creates both challenges and opportunities for a designer. With this short term hypothetical project, when imagining where people most often wish to read, I thought about outdoor environments, i.e. in a park, by a lake or ocean, on a porch, deck, or balcony, in a hammock between trees. The list goes on and on and often the places were associated with the outdoors or soothing natural environments. Translating the qualities of the outside into an indoor environment became the challenge I took on within a short time frame.

QUICK STATS: Sophomore Arch+ID Studio Spring Semester 2014 Project Duration: 2 weeks Location: Unspecified

III. c | Libraries

INSPIRATION IMAGES FOR GALLERY

PLAN

OUTDOOR READING ART GALLERY + CIRCULATION

STUDY NODE

SPRING ZONE

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

MODELS + GRAPHICS DEVELOPING DRAWING SKILLS AND CRAFT

IV.a | Models + Graphics

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

PAINTINGS + DRAWINGS + PHOTOGRAPHY FOSTERING A PASSION FOR FINE ARTS

V.a | Paintings + Drawings + Photography

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

GLASS BEAD PHOTO COMPOSITION | 2015

P.E.I | 2012

NICE | 2012

OXFORD | 2014

V.a | Paintings + Drawings + Photography

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND | 2012

BIARRITZ | 2012

P.E.I | 2012

BIG SUR | 2014

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

FURNITURE DESIGN-BUILD TRANSLATING DRAWINGS TO CONSTRUCTION

urniture, like spaces, can tell a story and reflect both the designer and consumer. The furniture pieces that I designed speak through their layers and the meticulous details; from the way I organized the grain pattern down to the precise rules for dimensions, numbers, and

proportions. From afar it appears contemporary with its clean lines and crisp edges. Up close a subtle pattern is laser cut into the surface. The pattern was taken from a historic English dress that used a hand painted Indian textile. This intersection of history and modern day technology adds to the layers of this design. The pattern invites people to look more closely and explore all of the intricacies. The two furniture pieces blends contemporary details with subtle reminders of an old world aesthetic.

FURNITURE: The design process began with the task of designing an

office space with a cabinet wall component, as part of a team. The details of the cabinet wall were designed individually. I then selected one cabinet to design in detail and construct. The flat file drawing cabinet was built of hickory, with particle board in discreet locations to lower costs, aluminum handles, and magnets to keep the five parts aligned and doors closed. The second task was to design a coordinating two person seating piece. It was constructed out of birch veneer plywood, with cold rolled steel bar inlay, and hand-painted cushions. It was finished with layers of platinum shellac. Both pieces incorporate laser cut surfaces in a pattern taken from a hand painted Indian textile used in a historic English dress. The pattern on the storage bench was created by mirroring parts of the pattern on the cabinet.

QUICK STATS: Furniture Studio Spring Semester 2015 Project Duration: 12 weeks Location: Oxford, OH

VI.a | Product Design

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

TEXTILE INSPIRATION

ILLUSTRATOR FILE | Used to laser cut

VI.a | Product Design

LILA WENGLER PORTFOLIO

ROWSCAPE RBT LIGHTING COMPETITION | 3RD PLACE

ineyards are a human manipulation of the natural landscape. The inspiration behind the wine bar lighting fixtures comes from the stunning landscapes of vineyards, a product of human interaction with natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources. Struck by the dramatic lines of light bouncing off the rows

of vines and the dramatic shadows in between, this effect begs to be reinterpreted in an interior setting. The wall mounted fixture projects rows of light onto the wall surface and creates a dappled and diffused light towards the lounge space. The pendant creates softer rows of even dappled light on the bar top , representing the vine texture and their unique play on light. Subtle rows of light are also cast onto the ceiling surface. The even lighting of the pendant represents the balance of sunlight moving from East to West, whereas the more dramatic light of the wall mounted fixture celebrates the asymmetry of the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s angle in the landscape.

COMPETITION: The design problem for the 2015 Robert Bruce

Thompson Annual Student Light Fixture Design Competition, involved designing a pendant and wall mounted light fixture for a new west coast wine bar. The rules called for the use of LED, OLED, or other lamp types that were long lasting and had good color rendering quality. The design process involved creating several prototypes at various scales to create the lighting effects. The submission included detailed diagrams and sections of the light fixture's parts and assembly.

QUICK STATS: Interdisciplinary Studio Spring Semester 2015 Project Duration:3 weeks Location: West Coast

VI.b | Product Design

INSPIRATIONAL IMAGES

WALL-MOUNTED | Top view

PENDANT | Section

WALL-MOUNTED | Rendering

PENDANT | Rendering

WALL-MOUNTED | In the Space

PENDANT | In the Space

LILA A. WENGLER lilawengler@gmail.com phone|513.255.1023