EMILY BALES

THE COAST & PALATTE

HOSPITALITY STUDIO | WINTER 2017 | REVIT, PHOTOSHOP, AUTOCAD

For this design, I was inspired by watercolors and their variety of transparencies and saturation. I felt that this medium would best bring a diverse set of patrons together at the site of 229 Arch street. This building was a former factory, and the designs highlight the authenticity of the Old City area. By creating a fluidity of program, with areas meant to play with light and concentrations of color, visitors are meant to feel as though they are living within a watercolor. Additionally, style inspiration was taken from the Norther Californian coast and their laid-back style of living. The blurring of interior and exterior environments was also explored, making use of as much natural daylight as possible. Natural materials and color palattes were also inspired by the sea-salt air genuine to that part of the country. The hotel, named The Coast is separate from the restaurant, Palatte, but is still accessible from either entity. 

GATHERING GARDENS

GLOBAL/COMMUNITY STUDIO | FALL 2016 | REVIT, PHOTOSHOP, AUTOCAD

LOCATED ON MARKET STREET IN UNIVERSITY CITY, GATHERING GARDENS WAS DESIGNED AS A RESOURCE FOR BOTH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, AND REFUGEES FROM MYANMAR. THIS PROJECT WAS FOR A RESEARCH-HEAVY STUDIO FOCUSED ON TECHNIQUES OF INTERVIEWING, BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION, AND FUNCTIONAL SPACE DEFINITION. THROUGH MY STUDY, I LEARNED THAT FARMING IS ONE OF THE MAIN TRADES IN THE REGION. THE DESIGN SOLUTION INCLUDES SEVERAL GREENHOUSES, ONE RESERVED FOR JUST THE REFUGEES BUT ALL ARE ENJOYABLE FOR THE COMMUNITY. A TEACHING KITCHEN BRINGS IN LOCAL RESIDENTS TO SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND LEARN ABOUT A CULTURE THEY MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE. A RETAIL COMPONENT ALLOWS THE REFUGEES TO SELL THEIR GOODS AND PRODUCE, PROVIDING A STABLE SOURCE OF INCOME AND SUPPORT FOR THE SOME-WHAT FOOD DESERT EXISTING IN WEST PHILADELPHIA. 

UNEXPECTED PERCEPTIONS

COMMERCIAL STUDIO | SPRING 2017 | REVIT, PHOTOSHOP, AUTOCAD

This project was designed as the office location for a collective of installation artists. There were strict requirements for the deign, including multiple touchdown locations, work stations and conference rooms. A centrally located cafe brings together the two sides of the business: creative installation designers and the business minded professionals they need. As part of the design, I created and detailed a private working location that could also serve for smaller, more private conversations. Reminiscent of an onion, these units connect through a network of fabric in the ceiling, both as an acoustic control but also as a way-finding tool.