Mera 赵欣怡

Ba (Hons) Interior & Environment Design - 2019 Cohort

My Design Philosophy

I believe there are no limits to the power of design. Its value is not only in providing convenience for human beings but also in affecting human behaviour and emotion. I want to add some fun to the boring life through design. By designing, we can enjoy life more, love life, and bring users a positive attitude while increasing the fun of life.

Honours Project - Community Integration

Project Brief

Segmental fit

  • Nature - Interactive with architecture 

  • Nourishing one's mind - personal development

  • Humanization - development of a space for human interaction

  • Suitable for aging - inclusive design 

  • Excellent culture - cultural focus

Idea Generation & Design Process

Sketch

Segmentation 

Cut

Develop

Sketch

Segmentation 

Cut

Develop

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Design thought sketching

The design thought sketch, inspired by the verdant beauty of the bamboo forest around the building, which is emitted onto the window glass, has shaped this group of buildings. The sod and wood symbolize the vitality of nature, and the reflection on the glass mirrors the natural style, allowing the building to seamlessly integrate with nature. The upper and lower splicing and orderly layout further enhance this integration.

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Segmentation in design 

The design idea is based on a segmented fit, which shares the same concept as integrating building blocks. The entire space has been reorganized, and different areas have been allocated for different functions.

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Inspiration from building blocks

As my design idea focused on fitting sections together, I drew inspiration from building blocks to create a cohesive group that also shares a connection with the elderly. Building blocks, in this context, represent the vitality of individuals gradually rising and interacting with objects that can pass through bamboo. With this inspiration in mind, I created a series of sketches depicting this group of structures.

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Design Development 

These two sets of drawings are my design sketches. In the first set, I replaced the old elevators with new ones, and designed a reading room tailored to the needs of the elderly. Additionally, I incorporated spaces for Weiqi players, Chinese paintings, and an exhibition area for interests and hobbies. The aim was to create a dynamic and vibrant space. In the second set, I distinguished the main activity time during the day from the main activity time at night, leading to the development of the actual partition plan depicted on the right.

Step 1 of 4

Final Design Scheme

Design Segmental fit

Drawing inspiration from building blocks, they serve as an extension of the concept of "objects." Just like bamboo grows section by section, building blocks are assembled to create a whole. The principle of unity in diversity is reflected in the various ways the same blocks can be arranged. Segmentation entails rearranging sections based on different time periods and building divisions. Fit, on the other hand, implies that different sections can come together harmoniously despite their diverse roles. This concept of fitting sections together serves as the inspiration for my design approach.

Final Design Proposal

With the primary objective of preserving the greenery within the local park, the transformation of abandoned land and building resources can offer improved activity spaces and service facilities for the elderly in the community. Therefore, the site selection design will prioritize functions that cater to the needs of the elderly. In order to meet the material requirements of the elderly, specific attention is given to providing chess venues that fulfill their desire for chess activities. This ensures that the elderly have suitable places to engage in chess games, fulfilling their needs in this regard.

General Views

Present your landscape portfolio in thumbnails. Combine and show the adversity of nature in one place.

Context, Site analysis, Design Narratives and Concept

Get to know the thorough design development from the stages listed below.

Honours Project - Site Research and Representation

Part I: Research and Analysis

The abandoned buildings are located in Huaibei Park, covering an area of 12.7 hectares in the southeast of Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. The park is divided into north and south areas along Huaibei Road, with unique design and diverse vegetation. The north area of 75 mu is divided into activities, services, and entertainment areas, while the south area of 120 mu is the main park, with two gates and three areas, including an office area, a lawn plaza fitness area, and a central area dominated by large undulating terrain and a variety of tree communities. The central area features a rich variety of medicinal plants, with a river valley running through the north and south, and various garden ornaments and facilities along the wooden trestle, trestle road, pavilion, viewing bridge, and aquatic plant planting area. The abandoned building site is surrounded by the Garden Bureau and the Cultural Association and a large bamboo forest. The first floor has a staircase, with an open space in the front and the other three sides surrounded by bamboo forest. The shading and greening of the abandoned buildings are still preserved. The park has five residential districts, two primary schools, commercial streets, and some hardware convenience facilities at the front gate, with a large residential area opposite, and the park's population mainly consists of the elderly, teenagers, children, and a small number of middle-aged groups.

Part II: Site Representation

My site object is bamboo because there is a large bamboo forest around the abandoned building. Although the bamboo inside sometimes blocks the lighting of the building, it is the green vitality of the park and adds a lot of vitality to the park. There are many kinds of bamboo, some low like grass, some high as a tree, and it grows rapidly. It is the world's fastest-growing plant, and bamboo is very tough. Many materials are made of bamboo. Bamboo sticks are tall, slender, green all year round, and proud snow Ling frost. It is much loved by the Chinese people, and along with plum, orchid, and chrysanthemum, it is called the "four gentlemen in flowers." Plum, pine, and bamboo are also known as the "three friends of cold." From ancient literati to modern times, many have loved and written about bamboo. Bamboo has many origins in China and is considered a cultural relic of the country.   

Honours Project

Theoretical Underpinning

Part I: Generation Z and Self Identification

'.....young people pay more attention to the life attitude and values conveyed by products and brands when purchasing products.'

Brand Recognition of Generation Z

Facing the unique cognition and attributes of Generation Z, there should also be a change in marketing methods and strategies. Up to now, most young people pay more attention to the life attitude and values conveyed by products and brands when purchasing products. As a characteristic of soft power, culture is more obvious in the socialist market economy. In addition, if you want a product or brand to be recognized by young people, you must start from the perspective of young people to understand the world. In the life of entertainment to death, they are more likely to accept the promotion of entertainment products. For example, shop decoration photos uploaded by customers on the internet and gorgeous interior decoration are powerful conditions to attract people of the Z era.

Part II:  Pre-generation Z and Self Identification

'In fact, we have entered an era of extensive cultural absorption and information feedback from the older generation to the younger generation.'

Knowledge Economy

Through the internet, the knowledge economy, and the integration of popular culture, the experiences and thoughts of the older generation have become outdated, while mainstream ideology and traditional cultural values have lost their appeal. Young people are no longer interested in protesting against old ideas or systems, and may not even try to explain their own ideal blueprint to the older generation. Instead, they amuse themselves and live in their own world. In fact, we have entered an era of extensive cultural absorption and information feedback from the older generation to the younger generation. The entertainment sector is the first to experience the impact of this cultural feedback on millennials.

Part III: Generations and Community

'The most significant difference between Generation Z and the Baby Boomers is the difference in communication, creating a generational gap that is difficult to bridge.'

Identification of the Generations

By pinpointing the interests of Gen Z and millennials, you're halfway through the battle. In the process of manufacturing, the designer is the producer, and the main customers are the users of the product: Generation Z and millennials. In the design, the essence of the product should be grasped and whether the main functions of the product meet the pain points of this generation. This is necessary in order to create innovative new designs that are in line with the requirements of the public and the times.  

To Explore, Discover, & Regenerate