Luba Czepil
Sustainability, human behavior and the designed environment has always been a passion of mine when it comes to interior design. This is why I focused my thesis topic on the way interior design affects the users of a space psychologically.
Project Overview
Interior design plays an important role in designing a space, to initially create a positive impact on human behavior and the well-being of individuals. That is why breaking barriers is a built environment from which is strategically designed through the principles and elements of interior design; assisting in the healing process of performance anxiety. Through the theoretical framework that was researched in the fall semester; it stated the importance of implementing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, such as safety needs, love and belonging needs. This ties into interior design by including the following 5 factors to the built environment. The five factors are comfort, community, well-being, belonging and security which initially represents you. In the fall semester as I was researching interior designs impact in a treatment facility; there was a lack of research. Which is why I will demonstrate how a built environment from which is strategically designed through the principles and elements of interior design; brings everyone together as a community, is simulating and supports the well-being of users.
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Theoretical Framework of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
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Conceptual Infinity Cube.
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Breaking the Cube into the Space.
Concept/Design Process
Barriers are entities or obstacles; making it difficult for something to happen or be achieved. The process of an individual breaking barriers, begins in their own self, and the process continues in the built-environment that surrounds them. What an individual is capable of is infinite; this is represented by the infinity cube. Factors such as color, biophilia and light play an important role in designing an environment where individuals break down their own barriers. As individuals break down their own barriers; the building itself breaks down its barriers.
Site Plan/Floor Plans
The location of Breaking Barriers is 21 Ossington Avenue Toronto. It is in proximity to CAMH, businesses, schools, local cafes, theatres and more. On the ground floor, individuals break barriers together as a community, a factor of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The space was strategically programmed to make sure the social, private and treatment spaces are split up. The first floor consists of more social spaces, a few private spaces and a couple semi-private spaces. Upon beginning their journey throughout the space, they are first welcomed by the social spaces, which consists of biophilic elements, natural light and a courtyard which divides the programmed spaces and unites them at the same time. The second floor was programmed to consist of the private treatment spaces. This also encourages users to progress through the space. On the second floor individuals break their own barriers through simulation. Upon completing their journey at breaking barriers, everyone is welcomed back down to the social or breakout spaces.
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Cross Section A and B.
Sections
The relationship of the courtyard and the rest of the space could be seen in the sections. Section A includes the café, library and seminar space, and the simulation room, with the private therapy rooms shown on the second floor. Section B shows the relationship between the fitness room, courtyard, café and again the private therapy rooms on the second floor.
3D Views
Along with visual elements, the infinity cube was exploded, or broken down and its pieces were scattered throughout the building. With the main piece represented by the courtyard, then exploded around. One piece could be seen in the café bar rendering. This represents one of the pieces of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which is the Comfort piece. This is where individuals alleviate through comfort by rejuvenating at our coffee café. This piece is surrounded by natural elements as it helps people feel relaxed, and gain a sense of comfort. The next piece shows the community piece. In between breaking barriers, individuals can socialize at the café which has direct access to the courtyard, and maximized natural light into the space. The last rendering showcases the courtyard. This is the full piece, at it represents individuals, as what they are capable of is infinite.
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View of Our Coffee Cafe Bar.
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View of Our Coffee Cafe.
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View of Breaking Barriers Courtyard.
Breaking Barriers Poster.
Poster
The poster briefly provides a summary of Breaking Barriers at 21 Ossington Ave. A synopsis on how it is a catalyst on simulating the healing process of performance anxiety in the professional industry.
