Double-take
Exploring social connection in urban parks through confusion
TYPE: M1.2 RESEARCH PROJECT
CLIENT: TRANSFORMING PRACTICES, TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF EINDHOVEN, SIX FINGERS
YEAR / LOCATION: 2022, EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS
DURATION: 25 WEEKS
GROUP: Individual project
Public spaces are essential for establishing social recognition and interaction. However, social interactions in public spaces are decreasing. It is therefore necessary to re-consider the design of physical features and the needs of park visitors during the process of designing public spaces. The objective of this study was to explore how a product without a clear aim can change social connection in public spaces. A final prototype ‘’Double-take’’ was built and a series of field observations were carried out in urban parks to understand how people interact with others while using these prototypes. The qualitative data was open coded and thematically analyzed. The results show how the interaction with the prototype stimulates discovery, initiates social connection, causes confusion and lifts people’s spirits. Consequently, researchers and urban planners should further explore products without a clear aim as a design consideration to strengthen social connection in public space.
How does a product without the presence of clear aim change social connection in public parks?
VoetZie
A diabetic feet scope
TYPE: M1.1 DESIGN PROJECT
CLIENT: HEALTH SQUAD, TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF EINDHOVEN
YEAR / LOCATION: 2022, EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS
DURATION: 25 WEEKS
GROUP: L.G. (Guilherme) Assis Mello de Baère, B. (Bibi) van der Meulen
People with diabetes have the risk of developing neuropathy that can lead to reduced feeling in their feet. That condition, called diabetic feet, can lead to the development of wounds that can go initially unnoticed, are difficult to treat, and could even lead to an amputation. The best way of prevention is to check patients’ feet on a regular basis. However, some of them do not understand which signs they should look for nor the risks involved. VoetZie enables podiatrists to show patients initial warning signs projected on their own feet. The concept aims to provide a better understanding of complications with the aid of a visual and direct approach. The design process involved medical experts in different stages providing creative insights and evaluative feedback. Ultimately, the goal of the project is to increase patients’ awareness of the benefits of prevention and the potential risks of not taking proper care of their feet.
‘’How can a design aid in stimulating necessary behaviour to prevent people with diabetic feet from developing wounds?’’
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Cards of Reminiscence
A frame of Memory for people with dementia
TYPE: DESIGN PROJECT
CLIENT: STUDIO SILVER, TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF EINDHOVEN
YEAR / LOCATION: 2021, EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS
DURATION: 25 WEEKS
GROUP: WISSE RAAIJMAKERS
Cards of Reminiscence is a card activity for people with dementia, based on the myriorama art concept. The participants build their own artwork out of panels that fit together in any order or combination, like a puzzle without a wrong solution. The visuals themselves are designed to be associative and to trigger memories, as this can help with experiencing positive interactions and engagement with others, be it family members, professional caregivers, or other people with dementia. The activity is best played in a group setting, where artworks and associated stories can be shared with each other, with a caregiver present to play along and to assist where needed. With the accompanying iPad app, the activity becomes a multimedia experience. "Cards of reminiscence” brings a feeling of comfort to people with dementia and the caregiver, which creates a well-balanced experience of social engagement through stories and creativity.
‘’How can an interactive product design aid in enhancing comfort and encouraging social interaction between carers and people with dementia, while focusing on the sensory elements of reminiscence?’’
Lily Poles Canopy
Dublin Central, Bid Submission
TYPE: COMMERCIAL PROJECT
CLIENT: GROSS. MAX. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
YEAR / LOCATION: 2020, THE NETHERLANDS
DURATION: 2 WEEKS
GROSS. MAX. Landscape Architects submitted a winning proposal for the landscape design of an urban regeneration project in central Dublin.
My contribution was to design a landmark canopy composed of tall columnar structures to shelter the new pedestrian street from the elements while maintaining an open feel to the street.
The final design solution is a canopy of Lily-pad-like structures that create a dramatic visual element of the scheme and “announces’’ the new east-west pedestrian street between O’Connell Street and Moore Street. The shape is based on the fact that for the Irish, the Easter Lily is symbolic of peace and is typically worn by Irish republicans during the Easter season in remembrance of those who fought and died for their country. The Easter Lily is a fitting symbol for Irish nationalists. This sculptural shape will even look more expressive when illuminated at night. The distance in between the columns allows the penetration of sunlight to create a play of shadow into the space.
LANDSCAPE-PODS
Concept for the new London Heathrow TX5 terminal
TYPE: BACHELOR GRADUATION PROJECT
YEAR / LOCATION: 2020, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND / LONDON
DURATION: 18 WEEKS
EXPERTS: Slaich Bergmann partner, Atelier Ten, Woolgar Hunter, Sutherland Hussey Harris Architects, Green Furniture, Metsä Wood, mmCite, HAN
The graduation assignment was the design of landscape pods to be incorporated within the new Heathrow TX5 terminal building, integrating landscape and architecture and blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior space. The idea was that the landscape pod would manifest the overall concept in a flexible and modular product design. The important aspiration of Heathrow is to become one of the most sustainable hub airports in the world. The product must be integral and supportive to this vision.
A focus on passenger experience is of key importance. The expansion of Heathrow, one of the largest hub airports in the world, incorporates the design of a new terminal concept called the Third Space. The proposed final design of a canopy structure aims to modify some specific adverse aspects of the Third Space concept. The proposed product will alleviate stress on passengers by means of control of daylight. temperature and acoustics, a sense of orientation/wayfinding, and the provision of a sense of intimacy.
Its sculptural form is inspired by the notion of biophilic design and the application of the method of biomimicry. Whilst the canopy structure was purposely designed for the Heathrow Third Space terminal concept; dialogue with various international manufacturers during the design process indicates a genuine product interest for distribution and adaption to a larger market.
Tinkle Tank / Raintap
Water station
NOMINEE 2021 - DUTCH DESIGN AWARDS - PRODUCT
(As part of design Team)
TYPE: INTERN PROJECT (3RD YEAR), COMMERCIAL
CLIENT: STUDIO FLORIS SCHOONDERBEEK
YEAR / LOCATION: 2018, ARNHEM
DURATION: 22 WEEKS
Floris Schoonderbeek gave me the assignment to design a low-tech product that ''slows down rainwater’’ .
It was important that the product was communicated to not only make people understand the value of water but also to give them the feeling that they are ‘winning’ in a sustainable way.
The first idea is a rain barrel with an integrated toilet; Tinkle Tank. This product stimulates the user to use rainwater instead of tap water and creates a form of freedom; peeing outside. This barrel has a tap that can be used to flush. The downspout can collect water, but also functions as toilet drainage when connected to the sewer.
The concept was presented to the company Weltevree and they stated ‘peeing outside’ might be too big of a step. Their feedback resulted in the next chapter of designing a rain barrel with an integrated sink; the Raintap. I finished this internship with a couple of Raintap concepts. Over the past two years, the Raintap has been further developed and now has an additional tap and foot pump.
Sensomotoric-Sandtable
Interactive school environment
TYPE: BACHELOR 'S GROUP PROJECT (3RD YEAR)
YEAR / LOCATION: 2019, ARNHEM
DURATION: 16 WEEKS
Architecture in Health gave the assignment to design an interactive school environmental product based on ambient technology to support children with autism.
Children that know how to communicate non-verbal find it easier to use verbal communication in order to express themselves. Playing with sand is therefore a very relevant and interesting act to take into account. This brought us to the idea of designing a sand table.
The final concept is the sensomotoric-sand table (SMST). This table interacts with children on the basis of light and sound and thereby helps them to settle, improve their motoric skills and communicate in multiple ways. This has a positive impact on their self-confidence and overall well-being, making them feel understood and accepted. The SMST displays different games, like the ‘‘theory of mind’’ therapy’’ but also supervises the situation with the help of smart technology.
TI Squeegee
A compact squeeguee
TYPE: PERSONAL PROJECT
YEAR / LOCATION: 2018, ARNHEM
DURATION: 3 WEEKS
GROUP: STIJN PETERS
I have done this project out of personal discontent. Squeegees have a rough and clumsy shape, which makes them impractical to store. This results in an object that feels like it is lost and overall disturbs the setting, for example in a shower or car. This brought us to the idea to develop a squeegee that is easy to store and fits the environment it belongs to. Squeegees can get quite slippery when they are wet. The shape of the TI squeegee is based on ergonomic ratios, where the folding mechanism smoothly compliments the handle. Different prototypes were made to test the folding mechanism and the overall ergonomic comfort. The design process is currently on hold, yet opportunities for further development are not ruled out.
