Mais Al Balkhi

In my first year, I was introduced to the idea of biophilic design. Since then I decided that I want to make more research about it which I then did in my final year's thesis paper. I got into interior design because I was intrigued by how space can affect the user, and I hope to continue utilizing research in creating my future designs. I hope to be able to publish my research this summer.

Contact

albalkhimais@gmail.com Share This Page

Project Overview

The Serenity Art Gallery is a biophilic art gallery that will be located at 3120 Lake Shore Blvd W. This design is heavily reliant on the research I conducted in the Fall term. My research which is titled "Biophilic Design in Art Galleries as Means of Stress-Management for Post-Secondary Students" explains the benefits of integrating Biophilic Design specifically Terrapin Bright Green's 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design in Art Galleries. I chose this location because it is on the Humber College campus and within walking distance of students. Colonel Samuel Smith Park is also across the street from this building which provides amazing nature views for the users of this building.

Diagram showing Flow, Resting, Sight Line and Atrium of the project

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Parti Diagrams

Framework of the connection of the project with nature

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Conceptual Framework

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Conceptual Application

Concept/Design Process

The concept is a Moment of Pause. The spatial design allows the visitors freedom in pacing their own experience and in choosing to pause and reminisce about their surroundings. The design of the gallery provides a comfortable flow within an open space. There are several resting points designed within this flow to grant the users a moment to pause. The art gallery displays photography and videography of nature and wildlife in all its diversity along with some nature artifacts indigenous to different places around the world, giving the users a moment to wonder.

Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)

The floor plan is an open concept that uses curvilinear forms to invoke a sense of Prospect and Mystery in the users of the space.

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Floor Plan

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South Elevation

Sections/Elevations

This elevation shows the view that visitors across the street will see when looking toward the art gallery.

3D Views

The gallery includes key spaces such as the outer gallery, the Serenity Atiurm, the Serenity Walkway, the Serenity Cafe, the videography gallery, an art studio and a spiritual room.