Shelley Lee and Eileen Kwon Project Lobby Proposal October 24, 2024
Parsons BFA Interior Design Students Recognized in Prestigious Design Competition
Louis Kahn is considered one of the greatest architects of the 20th century. His buildings are instantly recognizable and have inspired generations of architects, designers and creators. One of his most famous projects is the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, a world-renowned scientific research center.
For the Spring 2024 semester, Parsons BFA Interior Design Studio participated in the John P. Eberhardt Student Design Competition in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Academy of Architectural Neuroscience. For their final studio project, students were encouraged to work together in teams to design a community center based on neuroscience principles that improve quality of life. The proposed project site is located near the famous Salk Institute, designed by Louis Kahn.
Parsons Interior Design Bachelor of Arts students Eileen Kwon and Sherry Lee received honorable mention for their projects, and Shayni Morakia and Milara Abdullayeva were both named finalists. The competition attracted 80 participants from over 15 countries.
“Our design was inspired by the path of the sun,” says Lee. “We have structured the entire space along the natural path of the sun, so that at certain times of the day, people experience sunrises and sunsets that perfectly align with the path we have created. This connection with the sun Not only does it enhance the spatial experience, it also meaningfully connects the design to its location.”
Kwon added, “The inspiration for this contest was my deep respect and compassion for our elders. I always aim to design for people who are often overlooked. I grew up in South Korea. realized the problem of elderly people living alone, often without proper care and attention. For this reason, I promote intergenerational exchange and meaningful connections between different age groups. We now focus on creating spaces that allow for.”
Lee and Kwon project exhibition space (day and night)
Lee and Kwon collaborated between two different studio sections, guided by Carly Cannell, assistant professor of interior design and program director of the BFA Interior Design program, and faculty member Victor Dadras. Throughout the class, students delve into themes such as sensation and perception, learning and memory, emotion and emotion, decision-making, and movement, explore the relationship between neuroscience and design, and explore how the human body works both psychologically and physically. We focused on how to interact with space.
“At Parsons, we emphasize science-based design as a key element of our design process and strive to push the boundaries of interior design’s impact on the human condition in relation to the built environment,” says Cannell. . “Principles of neuroscience have long been incorporated into interior design because we prioritize well-being, comfort, safety, pleasure, relaxation, and productivity. This competition is an opportunity for students to explore the intersection of neuroscience and design. I have demonstrated how scientific insights can generate creative solutions that improve the lives of those involved. I was deeply impressed by the attentiveness and rigor of the students across the studio’s five sections, who demonstrated a deep understanding of the possibilities of design, while excelling in creative experimentation. He was open to feedback and applied it, and showed exceptional dedication to the project.”
“As I researched more about neuroscience, my understanding and appreciation for this project deepened, and I became fully committed to the competition,” says Kwon.
“For this project, we focused on accessibility, especially for the elderly, while also ensuring that the space was aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with its surroundings,” Lee further explains. “To me, a successful design is one that creates a sense of peace from the moment you step into the space, and one that combines functionality and comfort.”
Both students believe that interior design has the power to not only shape the spaces in which people live and work, but also to influence the way people behave, think, and feel. They believe that interior design plays an important role in improving quality of life because it can be tailored to each person’s unique emotional and practical needs.
“Every element of space, including its materiality, spatial layout, architecture, scale, sounds, scents, temperature, and even geographic location, deeply influences us and enhances the way we interact with and experience our environment. ” says Kwon. .
This competition was an important learning experience for all designers involved and provided ample opportunity for collaboration in true Parsons fashion. The natural environment of the Salk Institute campus gave the designers many ideas to pursue and encouraged them to think about their project’s environment from different perspectives.
“As my work progresses, I realize that being a designer means balancing aesthetics with how spaces affect emotional, behavioral, and even neurological responses. I learned,” Lee says. “This is a complex but rewarding process that requires a holistic approach to every design decision.”
During their time at Parsons, both Kwon and Lee have been pushed to take risks and design spaces that stand out both artistically and emotionally. Both have become more inclusive designers, now incorporating emotional and sensory aspects in addition to the physical.
