Yu Liu_Interior Design _Portfolio

Design Philosophy

A mirror of essence that is beyond time and ever-changing. It turns a moment's experience into the meaning of eternity and creates boundless possibilities by integrating different needs.

Flourish Gallery & Apartment

Competition Project

Location: Buffalo, NY, U.S.A.

Area: 4396 sqft

Project Brief

The project involves designing a three-story brick row house in Buffalo, a "Rust Belt" city, to function as a gallery and an apartment for Emma and Andrew. The first and second floors will be dedicated to the gallery, while the third floor will be their private social and living quarters. The primary objective is to support artists in showcasing their ideas, helping the community regain energy while creating a comfortable and energetic environment for the client to spend a pleasant time in the apartment. Flourish Gallery and Apartment is a competition project, and the building is located in minority enclaves, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, community involvement, and social responsibility.

Location

Buffalo, New York

8000 BC

The Indiana hunting ground

1 1750s

The French arrived and traded fur with the Indians

1 1828

The Erie Canal led to establish Buffalo as a industrial city

N Nowadays

The adaptive reuse of spaces has given the city a new era

Population Loss

Technology Industry

Transitions

1 1812

The British withdrew and burned Buffalo

Concept Statement-Vitality

Urban Decay

Adaptive Reuse

1 1970s

The struggling era of economic downturn

Economic Decline

Logo Design

Logo

Culture Center

V Variation of Logo

CULTIVATION · RISE · VITALITY

Logo Development

Font

Flourish Gallery serves as a gathering spot for artists and the local community. The design c concept of vitality is dedicated to c cultivating artists to root themselves in the community and s share their art. The gallery s supports artists from diverse backgrounds, to r raise their reputation while i igniting the community's energy The artists’ works c continue and contribute to their history in this energetic environment.

The interior reuses the original architectural materials, the application of n natural finishes, and o organic forms to express the reciprocal g growth that f flourishes when an art gallery and its patrons connect The space uses n neutral tones as the backdrop to the vitality of the artists' work, and o occasional accent colors add a sense of e energy.

+ =

Blooming & Art Frame

Art Frame

Vitality - Flower Flower Blooming

FLOURISH

Logo

User - Gallery

• Primary User

-The broader community who will visit the gallery and potentially engage with the space as a cultural hub

• Secondary User

-The artists who create and showcase their artwork in the gallery

-The owner and staff who run the gallery

Client - Emma & Adrew

• Emma is 30 years old and Adrew is 36 years old

• Emma works for the Artists Rights Society in New York, a advocating for artists' legal protection

• Andrew runs a gallery and is a landscape p photographer and critic.

• Emma and Andrew share a passion for u unique handmade items and care about the c community and environment

• They view their residence as a place to s share ideas and e enjoy time with friends.

• The couple wants to open a gallery in Buffalo to s support artists and provide m more opportunities for them to s showcase their work

Photography

User Journey - Gallery

Feeling energy and welcome, and Getting guidelines

Entry

Exploring the exhibition, viewing and engaging with the artwork

Interacting with artist and others to gain a deeper experience

Exiting the gallery with a sense of inspiration and energy

Gaining a deeper insight and appreciation of the art and community

Reception & Community Display︱Revit & Enscape & Photoshop

The reception and community display welcome visitors and artists, showcasing the community's artwork and promoting local artists, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, and supporting the local art scene

Lecture & Presentation Area uses a variety of chairs to showcase the vitality and foster an engaging and inclusive environment for the community to share ideas and for visitors to know more about the community and artists.

Exhibition Area embodies vitality with its vibrant displays, highlighted by a striking brick wall, green railing, and elegant curved lines that create a sense of energy.

Living & Dining︱Revit & Enscape & Photoshop

The living room and dining room are designed with a cozy and inviting atmosphere, using neutral colors, accent colors, comfortable seating, displays, and soft lighting to create a space for relaxation and socialization.

The green TV wall was designed with curved brass inlay. Both the color and form give people a sense of vitality.

2 Custom-made display wall

The custom-made display wall is for Emma and Andrew to showcase their interests, handmade items, and passion for life to their friends.

Master bedroom provide a comfortable and relaxing environment. It uses soft tones and lighting, wooden furniture, and green elements to create a naturally warm space.

The selections mimic the natural look and feel to show vitality while incorporating sustainable materials such as solid wood and recycled fabrics.

The concept inspired the design of the wall created by an organic shape with 1/2" brass inlay.

3 Living Furniture & Lighting Selection

Master Bedroom elevation

Tao Yuan Ju

Senior Living Community

Location: No.57 Ye Ming Zhu Road, Yichang, China

Area: 16511 sqft

Project Brief

In traditional Chinese culture, it was believed that the elderly should live with their children to ensure their happiness. With changing times, this traditional idea and the Chinese elderly identity have been challenged. The Tao Yuan Ju project aims to enhance the mental and physical health of the elderly by improving their connectivity to nature through interior design. With a focus on regrowth, the project seeks to help the elderly adapt to a new environment and embrace their new identity while providing opportunities for mental, physical, and social activity to alleviate psychological pressure.

Issue

The number of people over 60 in China

=10 million elderly over 60

2009 2020

12.5 % of total population of China

It means only 30.9 beds for every 1,000-elderly people

17 % of total population of China

has

led to

One couple eventually needs to take care of 4 or more elders. Therefore, moving into the nursing home become an inevitable trend.

There is an urgent need of professionals

Chinese elderly feeling lonely Chinese elderly are social isolated Chinese elderly feel depressed

Formerly Farmers Formerly Workers

Elderly experience a feeling of having

The elderly in the nursing home.

The personal space of the elderly has been

The elderly in the nursing home.

The elderly have over whom they have contact with

Solution

Question Methods Findings

Clear boundary between private and public is needed Need for wayfinding in Space Choice nature material in space

Choice proper lighting is necessary

Biophilic Design

A concept seeks to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment.

Healing Space

Access to nature is required

How to i improve elderly c connectivity to nature and elderly m mental and physical health in an interior environment and what can interior designers do to help r relieve their psychological pressure and s stay active in mental, physical, and social ways?

Horticultural Therapy

A professional practice that uses plants and gardening to improve mental and physical health.

Activity Space

Love talks with others, walking, reading, and dancing

Natural elements let the elderly feel relax

Need large indoor activity space and natural element

Interested in indoor farm and garden

Leino-Kilpi Four

Dimensions of Privacy

physical privacy

psychological privacy

social privacy

informational privacy

User & User Journey

• Primary User

-Elderly who are over 60 and living in central China

• Secondary User

-The families and friends of the elderly

-The senior living community staff and volunteer

Concept - Regrowth

Feeling belong and welcome Adapting to new environment Getting autonomy and privacy Keeping Energetic

The senior living community-Tao Yuan Ju will be the h home of the Chinese elderly. T The concept of regrowth is dedicated to helping the Chinese elderly to a adapt to a new environment and e embrace their new identity. They will r regrow in this e energetic environment created by n natural elements, t textured materials, o organic shapes, and b bright lighting. Moreover, the space will use a w warm tone, s soft and comfortable materials, circular shapes, and t traditional Chinese patterns, which provide the elderly with a sense of b belonging and security.

Concept Diagram

Advantages

• The amenities surround the site are convenient.

• Having beautiful natural scenery, historical and cultural heritage

• Schools nearby can organize volunteer activities to promote the interaction between the students and the elderly.

Lobby welcomes the elderly and evokes a sense of belonging upon arrival at Tao Yuan Ju The square artificial landscape and curved ceiling serves as a focal point along with the spiral stair to represent nature and make the elderly feel e energy

Indoor Farm

T Tree-like Seat

1 Plan Elevation

The seat provides a place for rest and encourages the elderly to exercise

Tree-like Planter

2 Plan Elevation

Moveable shelves allow the elderly easily to use and create a sense of nature

3 Custom-made Shelves

Reading Area-1︱Revit & Photoshop

The reading area provides a s semi-private space for the elderly that ensures their p physical privacy. The d different seat options give the elderly autonomy.

Reading Area-2 Elevation

Custom-made desk that the elderly can learn new thing with volunteer in this area

Moveable shelves provide energy to the elderly and promote them to exercise

Gathering area provide different seat option for the elderly

Social Area︱Revit & Photoshop

The social area is a place to help the elderly establish new relationships and identities. Also, it is the place that lets them get energy and help them adapt to the new environment. Also, the different seat options allow the elderly t to decide who and where they interact with, which provides them the a autonomy.

Dining Room provides a space for the elderly to e establish new relationships and i interact with others, which helps them a adapt to the new environment and new identities. The sloping ceiling creates a sense of security and belonging. Also, the two different height countertops provide convenience for everyone.

Indoor Garden is a place that promotes the opportunity for the elderly to access nature. Moreover, the curved ceiling and plants allow the elderly to b be energetic.

Werklab Coworking Space

Location: 230-240 W Broughton Street, Savannah, GA, U.S.

Area: 15846 sqft

Project Brief

In a busy society, people are under increasing pressure, and finding ways to release stress has become a top priority. Werklab, a membershipbased coworking and event space, is home to a community of individuals who choose to live differently and on their terms. Comprised of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and creatives, Werklab offers daily classes such as meditation, Kundalini, and Pilates. With the belief that slowing down and taking care of oneself leads to more efficient living, the project aims to provide an environment where individuals can explore their lifestyles.

Location - 230-240 W Broughton Street, Savannah, GA, U.S.

User Journey

Commuting to work

The project location in downtown Savannah provides easy access to trans entertainment options, offering a dynamic environment for exploration a Werklab community members to embrace new experiences.

Concept-Explora

Adjustable chair

Big windows

The Werklab coworking space is designed to provide a positive and exploratory environment that supports a v various lifestyle. The concept of exploration draws inspiration from t the community's desire to live on their terms. The project will use n natural materials and tones to establish a positive foundation, while o organic patterns and forms will represent the exploration of a v vibrant lifestyle. By promoting exploration and well-being, the Werklab coworking space offers a dynamic environment for members to e embrace new experiences and make m meaningful changes to their lives.

Moveable setting cushion

Circular light with plants

Work in a public area

Reflected material

Go to cafe to get drink or food

Sharing and socialization

Reception sign in Present ideas

Wooden wave ceiling

Taking class to relax

Acoustical wall panel

Returning home energized and accomplished, look forward to continuing their exploration of lifestyle in the space

Mosaic

Wood Strip

Restaurant Green Square Cafe & Bar Sho

Reception︱Revit & Enscape & Photoshop

The reception welcomes visitors and members with plants and a background wall with the company ’ s logo that serves as a focal point and conveys the concept of exploration. The curved pattern on the wall as the wayfinding attracts people to explore the space.

Reception

Reception Table- Semicircle reception table with two different heights of countertop is convenient for user of different heights and represent the concept of exploration.

Café Elevation

Revit & Enscape & Photoshop

The cafe is close to the break area, and for the user to r recharge with food and coffee drinks to c continue exploring the lifestyle they are interested in this space. Plants and mosaics are introduced in this area to stimulate a more e energetic atmosphere.

Setting Wall- This mountain-like setting wall is created to show the concept of exploration.

Top View Elevation Axonometric Perspective

Wood Wood Concrete Bamboo Wood Brick Mosaic

Break Area︱Revit & Enscape & Photoshop

The break area is a vibrant social hub designed to provide different seating options, with plants and bright red chairs to create an energetic and inviting atmosphere for people to recharge and connect with others, facilitating the sharing of ideas and exploration.

Daily Office a place for people who want to work in a public space for the long term. There are different types of the desk and seat for the user to e explore the most suitable way to work.

Classroom (Yoga & Zen) is a place that offers Yoga and Zen class to help the user r release pressure. The waved ceiling, brick wall, and natural elements create a comfortable environment to p promote the user ' s mental health.

03

Other Works

Mix-media Hand Drawing

Hand Rendering

Sketch Physical Building Model

Graphic Design

Hand drawing & Photoshop

Self-portrait

Ball-point Pen

Portrait - Aged in Color

Ball-point Pen & Colored Pencil & Cosmetics

Hand Rendering

Marker & Colored Pencil

Hand Rendering

Marker & Colored Pencil

Hand Rendering

Micro Pen & Colored Pencil

Hand Rendering

Marker & Colored Pencil

Hand Rendering

Micro Pen & Colored Pencil

Front View Digital Rendering

Hand Rendering Marker & Colored Pencil

Hand Rendering Marker & Colored Pencil

Physical Model Carpet & Textile & Tree Branch & Steel Wire & Vinyl Tile