thespottedspaniel

Pat and Chris Helf requested a holistic and environmentally friendly design for Malama Med Spa. The materials and finishes for this project will be a mix of reclaimed wood, cork, cardboard, concrete and bamboo. These materials will be incorporated in flooring and walls to the reception desk and furniture. Bringing nature indoors is important to the Helf's. It is not only environmentally friendly, but lends to a sense of wholeness and well being. Here are some examples of materials that will be used:

 Translucent Concrete
 Sustainable Concrete
 Recycled Glass
 Silestone
 Birchwood
 Color Palette

 Reclaimed Wood
 Blizzard Cork Wall Tiles

 Slate Tiles
Cork Flooring

The color palette chosen for Malama reflects that same sense of calmness and well-being. A neutral palette was chosen for the interior building materials, incorporating colors that represent clarity, cleansing, the earth and energy, serenity and tranquility. Pops of purple, green and blue were selected for decorative elements such as flowers, greenery, water features and lighting. These colors signify healing, balance, tranquility in addition to a meditative and spiritual state. This entire color scheme is representative of what Chris and Pat Helf desire to help their clients obtain. 
Texture also plays an important part of the design. The Helf's are passionate about the care of the body as well as the care of the earth. This attitude is evident in the natural building materials used to create this holistic environment. In addition it lends to a sense of unity and balance as well as the healing power of nature. The style of Malama Med Spa is organic with varied contemporary features throughout. When the clients of Malama Med Spa enter this space, they may feel stressed, agitated or overwhelmed by their health issues and daily routine, but it can be expected that as they walk away they will have been touched emotionally and physically with a sense of restoration

For the fall term of 2015 we will be working on a semester long project, which will also be entered into the Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library Interior Design Competition. This project is to test our skills in interior design. The judges of the competition will be looking to see if we have met the minimum requirements of the project as well as our creative abilities.

The space we are planning for sits at the base of a mountain and is surrounded by wild life and water features in a park like setting. It is owned by Chris and Pat Helf who are a husband and wife seeking to convert their 4600 square foot building into a 1000 square foot residence with the remaining space acting as holistic day spa. Both Chris and Pat who are not only married, but also a doctor and physical therapist have a passion for multiple sclerosis patients. They would like their spa to provide an escape for people who are looking for a natural and healing environment. They are conscious of the body as well as the earth and would like to incorporate as many sustainable and environmentally friendly products in the design as possible.

The project not only requires a name and logo, but also five digital pages that will be submitted electronically. The pages will include a concept statement, space plans with FF&E for the day spa and the residential space, interior renderings (hand or computer), materials/color boards for both the day spa and residence and lighting/electrical/switching plans for the lobby, receptionist station and bookkeeper's office. Although this seems like a lot of work and will be very trying at times, I'm sure, it will also be a wonderful learning experience and a chance to win a little cash!

When most think of Art Deco they associate it with the 20's and 30's and for the US that is accurate, but the movement came out of a transitional period in the early 1900's that began in Paris. In 1901 began the Soiete des Artistes Decorateurs, where designers could exhibit their work. There was talk of a desire to return to a purely French mode without the influence of foreign design, as well as a desire to rid design of the curve, which was predominant within the Art Nouveau style. Art Deco would've reached maturity by 1920 had it not been for World War I. The war prolonged the peak of this style and helped to maintain its longevity and intensity. This style is said to have began with the  influence of set designer Leon Bakst who is known for the elegant set of the 1909 Ballets Russes of Paris.

Art Deco is most noted for abstract designs, bright colors and bold elements. The style also contains sunburst, zigzag and chevron patterns. Furniture designs included the use of exotic woods such as rosewood, Macassar ebony, and amboyna because they could be layered with rich veneers that accentuated there  textures and grains. Sharkskin, parchment, snakeskin and lacquer were applied to add color and interest. It should be noted that the very elements that were sought to be forgotten and forsaken when the movement first began are some of the very elements that give Art Deco its uniqueness. Styles of Neoclassical and Empire can be seen in the octagonal and oval forms as well as the contrasting veneers. A low center of gravity and use of black and lacquered finishes lend to a Chinese style. Industrial materials like aluminum and chromium give a machine aesthetic and even Cubism can be seen in the use of vibrant colors and geometric shapes as well as a primitive style found in using exotic woods and other natural materials with an unusual flair.

There are several architects and designers that stand out from this period, one being Adolphe Chanaux. This excellent furniture designer excelled using the above elements and even included vellum, ivory and straw marquetry. In America names like Donald Deskey, William Van Alen, Ralph Walker and Jacques L. Delamarre and Irwin S. Chanin gave designers and architects a platform to dive into fame. Buildings like the Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, the Chanin Building, Majestic Apartments and Radio City Music Hall came into view. Ocean liners, cinemas, hotels, trains and even salons became a symbol of a life of luxury. Of course coming out of a World War would make anyone want to live in the glitz and glamour in order to forget the horror that had proceeded, but by the onset of World War II, most felt as if this life of luxury had run its course and it was time to become more conservative. Regardless, Art Deco lives on even today. It's influence can still be seen in furniture, decor and even fashion. Movies and music that represent that time in history are embraced by a people who still secretly desire to have lived in an era with such elegance and grace.