After what seemed like the shortest summer break in history, I am now back in class and ready to get things rolling! This semester we will be spending most of our time working on the Bienenstock Furniture Library Interior Design competition. This project will be a combination of residential and commercial design. We will be designing a medical spa for M.S. patients that sits at the bottom of a mountain in our chosen location. While I was initially jealous of previous competition themes (stadium suites with music themes and art museums) this project has grown on me. I am enjoying learning how interior design can impact the physical and mental well-being of people suffering from a serious illness. It has been fascinating considering how color effects mood, how contrast helps with deteriorating eyesight, or how busy patterns can over-stimulate. There is so much to consider beyond the usual accessibility codes, and I look forward to the challenge.
So far I have decided my Medical Spa will be located in Bali, where it is rich with ancient natural therapies and allows for complete tranquility, which is where the name Tenang (tranquil in Balinese) comes into play. We have come up with logos and rough concept statements so far, and begin bubble diagrams and space planning next week.
