Colomba Pecchioli
The program is offering all students enrolled in the studio the opportunity to complete a series of projects based in Florence, Italy. Overall, this studio will engage students critical thinking skills and increase creative, analytical, and technical design capacities through acts of engaging with historical contexts, documenting historic globally-significant structures, and designing with the aim of adaptive reuse and retrofitting. As with most interior design studios, this course will address inhabitation, tangible and in- tangible historic and cultural heritage, and programmatic complexity by working in the context of Florence, one of the world’s most important and historic cities.
As serious interior designers, students will address design problems through research, design inquiry, the application of drawing and modeling techniques, materials, construction, detailing, scale, color/texture, lighting, and program. We will encounter new ways of relating contemporary interiors, new and old materials, cultures programs, and historic architecture
together in a European context.
Projects will be situated in Florence, in the complex known as Le Murate, a former 14th century convent converted into a prison in the 19th century and returned to the city in the 1980’s. Students will be asked to transform one of its portions into IDeAL (Italian Design and Arts Lab), a place dedicated to Italian industrial design, meant to function as an active extension to the mission of the existing MAD (Murate Art District).
Nicole Warnement
Beveled
Beleved is a proposed redesign for Caffe’ Letterario and the ground level of Le Murate. With the inspiration of the Italian architect and furniture designer, Umberto Riva, I created a space that will allow the functions of exhibition displays, cafe service, and design workshops and lectures to take place within the site. While keeping historic elements, modern touches were added to revive the space and welcome guests to check out IDeAL and what it has to offer to the local community of Florence, Italy.
Philip Tucker
Blend
The core idea of this project is to blend new ideas with what is existing to create a harmonious dialogue between old and new. This vision was achieved by redesigning the Le Murate complex in Florence, Italy. The design itself was heavily influenced by the Italian designer Matteo Thun. Thun often uses a natural palette that creates a lightweight feeling in the space and focuses on sustainability. These aspects of Thun’s work quickly became core elements of the project. In addition to these features, Thun’s background in ceramics was the focus of the primary exhibition space. The use of the trade that Thun grew up learning with his family was another way to give new life to the past. Although the exterior facade was not as directly influenced by Thun as the interior his philosophy was still at the center of the design. The new canopy sticks with his natural palette and the open-air construction continues the lightweight feelings of his work. The primary goal for the new facade was to make the interior feel more accessible and inviting with an open design that lets you see further into the building. Throughout the design of “Blend,” the hope is to provide an experience that respects the key pieces of what is existing while also enhancing it through the introduction of new ideas.
Emily Daiker
A Radical Remodel
The IDeAL headquarters’ renovation into an arts and cultural center for Italian design is meant to remind creators and the public of the playfulness that design can offer. Inspired by the Memphis Group, an icon of Italian design, the space uses bold colors, patterns, and juxtaposing geometries to challenge design norms in an intentional manner. The exhibition space is currently staged as a temporary display for the Memphis Group’s most iconic pieces, and the newly renovated Caffe Letterario provides a new and playful front to the historic courtyard of Le Murate.
Celia Chamberlain
Working with the (In Between)
The renovation of the IDeAL cultural center was heavily inspired by the notion of “in between” spaces, maintaining the user community, and the ideals of Mario Bellini. Bellini uses timeless aesthetics, innovative materials, and playful sophistication to pull his designs across, from products to architectural spaces. Historic elements are not hidden, new elements stand out without compromising the integrity of the old. The new facade of Caffe Letterario emphasizes this point, as does the main exhibition area - which currently hosts a Mario Bellini exhibition.
The idea of the “In Between” sprouted first when visiting the site of Le Murate. The modern construction makes no attempt to disregard the old. It was almost as if we were constantly on the threshold of historical vs modern elements. The design approach I took helped to solidify this idea, as well as the inspiration taken from Bellini’s work - he jumped between different design practices, always between projects, and always elevating the future of Italian design.
Federico Grazzini
The program is offering all students enrolled in this studio the opportunity to complete a series of projects based in Florence, Italy. Overall, this studio will engage your critical thinking skills and increase your creative, analytical, and technical design capacities through acts of engaging with historical contexts, documenting historic globally-significant structures, and designing with the aim of adaptive reuse and retrofitting. As with most interior design studios, this course will address inhabitation, tangible and intangible historic and cultural heritage, and programmatic complexity by working in the context of Florence, one of the world’s most important and historic cities. As serious interior designers, you will address design problems through research, design inquiry, the application of drawing and modeling techniques, materials, construction, detailing, scale, color/texture, lighting, and program. We will encounter new ways of relating contemporary interiors, new and old materials, cultures programs, and historic architecture together in a European context. Both our projects will be situated in Florence, in the complex known as Le Murate, a former 14th century convent converted into a prison in the 19th century and returned to the city in the 1980’s. Students will be asked to transform one of its portions into IDeAL (Italian Design and Arts Lab), a place dedicated to Italian industrial design, meant to function as an active extension to the mission of the existing MAD (Murate Art District).
Endiah Johnson
Le Muse "creating experiences"
Le Murate - IDeAL Headquarters
This project is a tribute to the enduring influence of Italian design icon Matteo Thun. Thun’s career has been marked by a commitment to a holistic and refined design approach. He now creates environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also prioritize functionality, sustainability, and social responsibility. Drawing inspiration from the organic shapes found in nature, at the cellular level, this project embodies Thun’s core design principles. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Thun’s philosophy, and this project reflects that commitment. Natural elements, recycled materials, and energy-efficient solutions are all woven into the design. The result is a space that seamlessly blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, fostering a connection with nature and promoting a sense of well-being while celebrating Italian design.
Tina Patel
The studio focuses on Global and Historic Context. Students are tasked with researching a lost, oppressed, or underrepresented history – documenting and endangered historic building – design an adaptive reuse project that merges their found history with the assigned site.
Courtney Dedmon
Alliance Brew Yard
By exploring the archived research and observing the interconnectedness between communities, it's evident how Ohio's canal systems have served as fluidity for transformation, holding a dynamic flow that shapes the landscape over time. For this space, the necessary change of modifying the community and taking into account bringing the community of Alliance, Ohio together was a staple. The space will bring local vendors into a community gathering and spread the activity of entertainment for the surrounding members. It will showcase a beer garden with a two-story patio inclusive of discovering new activities. The top floor will continue this concept by hosting a speakeasy, where customers can see the transformation of society, and create a space unfamiliar to the area. The contrast of new gathering space with existing and gradient of acoustic, visual, and interaction scale are the driving strategies for the space. The metamorphosis of this area will establish a design style that encourages flexibility and enjoyment for the local community.
Samantha Nielsen
Adaptive Reuse of 154 E. Main Street, Alliance, Ohio
With archival research on the marginalization of women, a central theme illuminated: the collaborative formation of support networks. It revealed how women and various community elements joined forces to foster meaningful change. This historical progress not only continues to influence current endeavors but also underscores the interconnectedness of past and present struggles. In Alliance, Ohio, a nuanced picture of support and its absence emerged. While physical support was provided by the old Knights of Pythias building and communal endorsement by the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce, a noticeable scarcity of support infrastructure persisted in the area.
To address this, the adaptive reuse of the Knights of Pythias building would transform this building into a versatile community space for Alliance. This inclusive venue aims to provide a supportive environment for marginalized entrepreneurs and serve as a hub for local gatherings. It will offer coworking facilities, a café/bar, and flexible event spaces. The design concept integrates historical significance with contemporary needs, emphasizing connectivity and inclusivity. Linear design elements symbolize the interconnectedness of various programmatic elements and the importance of communal interaction.
The envisioned space seeks to foster collaboration, creativity, and a sense of belonging among individuals and businesses. It aspires to be more than just a physical location but a vibrant center where the community can thrive and come together. By bridging the past with the present, this initiative aims to create a welcoming and supportive environment that benefits both the immediate community and the wider region.
Taryn Bambach
Artist Incubator
The archival research focused on the KoKoon Arts Club, a group of unconventional, Cleveland-based artists promoting the Modern Art Movement. Alliance, Ohio, has demonstrated this same support for its local artists but currently lacks a dedicated establishment for this purpose. The presence of arts is linked to strengthening cultural identities, social well-being, and engagement, which could help revitalize Alliance. An art incubator would serve as a supportive and nurturing hub where artists could gather to encourage and share art, fostering a feeling of togetherness. This envisioned space would seek to promote entrepreneurship, socialization, and interaction within the community of artists, furthering their engagement with the community of Alliance. This creative and social hub will raise levels of involvement through thoughtful design elements such as framing, layering, and movement.
Karli Goellner
Stage 1
Stage one is designed to elevate the site of 154 into a hub of entertainment excellence. Games and activities on level 1 will have the power to captivate, connect, and delight people of all ages. The bar on level 2 offers a mature, lounging environment. Each floor takes inspiration from the innovative spirit of the 1960's Musicarnival era, where the inventor, John Price, exemplified visionary ideas and decisions that stood out in the prime production years. Preserving some of the site’s original aspects will leverage the building's rich history and will serve as a catalyst. Stage 1 will cater to the surrounding communities, bringing them together to positive change to the town.
