Sarah Mesaric
Sarah has always had a passion for creation, and empathy to all she encounters. Beginning her career in Hospitality and Tourism after completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality. Sarah realized she had a passion to change the user experience from the design, after seeing firsthand in the hotel industry some areas that were not human centered. Sarah strives to create designs that are human focused and allows for positive changes for the users in the space. Her primary goal of this space was to create an innovative college dorm that focused on the human experience and transform the traditional approach.
Project Overview
Emerald Living strives to create a private college residence that allows the students to create a community with like-minded individuals. The human-centered design places an emphasis on the user experience by linking primary research obtained in the previous semester with all design decisions. All amenities were determined based on the survey questions and high-ranking answers. The space combined biophilic elements to increase well-being and creating unique spaces for students to create a community. The goal for this space was to increase well-being for the students who in first year may struggle.
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Interconnected Venn Diagram
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Conceptual Diagram
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Conceptual Diagram
Concept/Design Process
The research has found that today's students have higher expectations for what their college dorms have to offer. Interconnected is the idea of having all parts linked or connected between the parts or elements.
In this college residence the main idea is the connection of three pillars; biophilic design principles, net-zero design and creating community. Interconnected allows the private suite to connect the students with the amenities to increase well-being. Interconnection will aim to link the three aspects of connection in the design. Connection with nature through biophilic design application, connection with the elements (sun, water, wind) in net-zero design and connection with people to create a sense of community for the students.
Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)
The primary objective of the Floorplan was to maximize the daylight in the student suites. Providing the students with an above average suite size to provide them with a space they can feel comfortable in and increase their well-being.
All of the public student spaces are located in the center which provides connection to the students for all living in this residence. The cafe, student study area and in-suite study provides the students with flexibility in studying.
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Ground Level Floor Plan
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Upper Level Floor Plan- 12 suites, Student Lounge, Movie Theatre Room, Meditation Room, Study Room
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Latitudinal Section
Sections/Elevations
The student suites form on the outer parts of the building creating a inner hub for the student spaces.
3D Views
These 3D views aimed to show the use of Biophilic elements throughout the space while emphasizing a sense of community.
Poster
This poster is a summary of the design intention through materiality and 3D views.
