MSInterior Designer

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Melissa Sherrod ARCHITECTURE (DIPARCH) Applicant

melissasherrod.com | sherrodmelissa@gmail.com | +1 314-651-9255

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Thesis: Holistic Medical Spa An exclusive spa.

pg. 3-12

Criterion Theatre A comedy club and rentable venue

pg. 13-19

Sweet 95 A landscape project

pg. 20-23

Lingerie Cabinet A furniture design project

pg. 24-25

North

SALON ADMIN.

CAFE

MEN’S LOCKER ROOM

TREATMENT HALLWAY

SPA PARTIES

WAIT+ RELAX

WOMEN’S LOCKER ROOM

CONCIERGE

TREATMENT CHECK-IN

North

SPA ELEV.

PRIVATE SPA

STAIR DN.

ELEV.

SPA STAFF ENTRANCE

PRIVATE SPA

ADMIN.

DIFFERENT TENANT SPACE

DIRECTION SIGN-AGE

EXISTING PATIO SPACE

PRIVATE SPA PATIO PRIVATE SPA PATIO

COURTYARD

TENANTS ENTRANCE

DIRECTION SIGN-AGE

DN.STAIR

SECOND GYM ENTRANCE

STAFF PREP

HOSTESSMAIN ENTRANCE

GF

B2B1A

D1 D2

C

E1 E2

OTB + RAINFALL

RAINFALL HALLWAY

OTB + RAINFALL

GYM

ADMIN.

HYDROPOOL

REFRESHMENT

FRONT DESK

HOTPOOL

LOCKERROOMELEV.

STAIR UP

DIRECTION SIGN AGE

ADA LIFT

LOBBY ELEV.

ADMIN.

STAIRS UP

A1 A2

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

E1

E2E3

F2

F1

D2

G1

G2Lower Level 1

Level 1Laser Treatment AWax BSpecial Treatment CFacial DMassage EAcupuncture FBotox G

Flotation ASteam BSauna CMassage DCabana ELounges FCold shower G1Hot shower G2

The Holistic Medical Spa ClubAn experience that withstands architecture

Thesis | Independent Project | Autumn 2014 + Spring 2015 43 River Road West Manakin, Virginia 23103Thesis Professor | Heather Drew | hbdrew@vcu.eduDesigned 1885 sq meters | Space planed 7900 sq meters

Project StatementTo design a Holistic Medical Spa in an existing building.

The Problem The future of Architecture is to utilize it’s fullest capacity to create a lasting cognitive experience manifesting beyond the physical experience. The Holistic Medical Spa sells an experience that will instill a feeling of rejuvenation and recovery to their clientele.

The Solution To focus on a series of moments that impact the mind, body and spirit for a long lasting effect through sensory design. Capturing the essence of each moment in the spa experience, the architectural design tells a story that has a psycho-physical impact. User’s perceptions of rejuvenation and recovery are positively impacted by the physical experience that the architecture provides.

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Concept:The Blood Circulatory System

Concept Statement Like the intricacies of the human circulatory system, the user is transported through environments that feed the mind, body and spirit, and wash away the toxic reminders and stresses of daily life. The same way the blood is circulated and transports nutrients.

What is the Blood Circulatory System?The blood circulatory system (cardiovascular system) delivers nutrients and oxygen to all cells in the body. It consists of the heart and blood vessels running throughout the entire body.

Why the blood circulatory system? The blood circulatory system is a conceptual, organic approach to express the built environment’s goals: to rejuvenate, recover, and reflect. This system is a part of our human structure; and much like the structure within a built environment, it impacts how we feel and behave.

Cirulation + Inspiration Circulation is very important when the goal is to engage a user in a series of predetermined movements. In order for users to accurately engage with the functionality of the space, the environment needs to tell a story that makes chronological sense. The design engages with the user to encourage proactive participation using sensory design.

The heart directly inspired the layout of the holistic area of the spa.

The blood inspired user’s experience sequence.

The Vessels inspired the flow of the user circulation

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Sight Sound Smell Feel

Scale

Significant to human participation

Sunlight

Motivational factor

Perception of world

Texture

Health

Strong association with feeling

temperature and humidity

Perception of pain and pressure

Kinesthesia

Perception of taste

Gives life

Creating an Experience through Sensory Design.

The blood circulatory system is expressed through sensory design. Sensory design explores how we naturally respond to spatial constructs through our five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. It engages the user and encourages proactive participation with environmental cues.

What is the goal of sensory design?The goal is to touch users on a more profound level by stimulating their intellect, physiology, emotionality, behavior, and even spiritually for an experience beyond the present.

Human feelings aren’t just directly related to sensations but rather a combination of memory and anticipation that influences sensory and then becomes an experience in itself. Humans build experience from activities and is a complex pattern of feelings and thought. The emotions show themselves on three levels: Psychological, behavioral and physiological.

Hot vs. Cold Smooth RoughSound + Smell User vs sight-line and feel

Sight + Circulation

Youthfulness Deep tranquility

Balance + Nature Mysticism Sound + Sight

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Sight

Looking west on the south facade

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East Elevation

West Elevation

South Elevation

North Elevation Natural Light Studies

Lower Level 1

Level 1

A

Site + Sustainability All the exterior and a portion of the interior’s materials were manufactured on site by the previous tenant, Luckstone, one of the largest producers of crushed stone. A large portion of the structure was built underground and blends in with the natural landscape, having a minimal impact on the local ecology. Therefore, fewer building materials were used and maintenance costs will be lower. This building is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) certified, for it’s best in-class building strategies and practices.

Section showing building built into hill | A

Site

City map A

A

North

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4

Main Entrance

Engaging with the userThis is the main entrance to the Holistic Medical Spa. The user is introduced with large vertical sign-age directing the route for treatment, locker rooms and cafe.

Entrance of Section Perspective | A

WadeMaterial: Dense Gyp Low VOC installation kits ensure the use of responsible, tested materials. Components are designed for less crating waste, fire safety and superi-or indoor air quality,

Pebble Tile Material: Stone The original interior was made mostly of recycled stone finishes, relaid in new the areas.

An Abstract Reflection of the Material: The plated chrome with pressed ripple texture imitates calm waters.

SALON ADMIN.

CAFE

MEN’S LOCKER ROOM

CONCIERGE

TREATMENT CHECK-IN

SPA ELEV.

STAIR DN.

ELEV.

DIRECTION SIGN-AGE

HOSTESSMAIN ENTRANCE

WOMEN’S LOCKER ROOM

A

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Medical Spa

Treatment Where guest check in for treatment.

Treatment Check - in | B

Rain Fall Elevation - in | A

A

WAIT+ RELAX

TREATMENT CHECK-IN

PRIVATE PRIVATE

PRIVATE SPA PRIVATE SPA

A

B

OTB + RAINFALL

RAINFALL HALLWAY

OTB + RAINFALLA

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Outside of Treatment Hallway | AInside of Treatment Hallway Elevation| B

Treatment Hallway

Laser Treatment 1Wax 3, 5Special Treatment 7Facial 2, 4Massage 6, 8Acupuncture 10 Botox 12

WAIT+ RELAX

DIRECTION SIGN-AGE

STAFF PREP

1210

531

2 4

7

6 8

TREATMENT HALLWAYB A

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Treatment Hallway EvolutionThe hallways is inspired how the blood is pumped in one direction like trapdoors. Letting blood pass through, they then close so the blood cannot flow backwards.

Glass is the primary material. Metaphysically, the space carries the energies of transformation, merging of elements, rebirth, focus and communication. The color of the glass brings the vibrations and energies of youthfulness and purity.

Inside Treatment Hallway l and Grounds | A

Relax + Waiting

Treatment Hallway A

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Valves

Open Closed

Hydrotherapy Pool

The pool is positioned to allow a visual line through to the natural surroundings from all angles. Water is the primary focus in the Holistic Spa because of it’s healing properties. Historically many people around the world have bathed in spring, well or river water believing it resulted in physical and spiritual purification (Fitness and Spa Blends).

The earth’s subsurface remains stable, and underground water temperatures in the holistic spa’s pools benefit from a geothermal mass and heat exchange, staying cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. This can save the property up to 80% in energy costs. Further incorporating a solar design, the energy costs will be significantly lowered.

Hydrotherapy Pool | A

Hydrotherapy Pool Elevation | B

A

HYDROPOOL

REFRESHMENT

FRONT DESK

HOTPOOL

ADA LIFT

A1 A2

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

E1

E2E3

F2

F1

D2

A

B B

Flotation ASteam BSauna CMassage D

Cabana ELounges FCold shower G1Hot shower G2

G1

G2

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Zoomed in View of Hydrotherapy Pool | A

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The Coalition Theater Space without limitation

Fall 2014 Semester | Independent Project1301 N Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23230Professor | Rob Ventura | rlventura@vcu.edu595 square meters Project StatementThe redesign of the Criterion Theatre, an improv, comedy club and also provides rent-able units for an alternate source of income.

The Problem Structural redefinition of the functional space, which once served only one purpose, a movie theatre.

How can we design and define space but still allow opportunity for diverse scenarios and heightened functionality?

The Solution An interior re-design that will allow free flowing movement that entirely takes advantage of every sq meter, creating a space without limitation.

A ) LobbyB) Box + Concessions C) Green / Dressing RoomD) Small performance E) Large performance F ) ConferenceG) Film StudioH) Office I) Tech

Second Floor

F

G

Hi

DN

D E

A

C

North

UP

First Floor + Site

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B

Concept Development

Inspiration Dave Morris’ (2012) Seven Foundations of Improv was a major inspiration for the theater. The first step is the skill of play, Morris (2012) explains that we all know how to play as children and its something we need to remember as adults to engage us in the moment. The second step is to allow failure, and accept it is a part of life. Failing does not make us a failure, rather it teaches us lessons which will help us to succeed in the future. The third step is listening. Most people listen just enough to be able to respond. Listening is the willingness to change. If we are not listening, our mind is closed. Instead of it being his idea or her idea, it becomes the first idea, the second idea, and the third and so on and so fourth. This allows for the most successful collaboration. The fourth step is to say “and”. People that say “and” are the people that we want to work with. We all bring components together and then we are building something as a unit. The fifth step is just to say, “yes”. It allows us to tell and continue the story. A series of yeses will takes us somewhere whereas “no” halts the process. The sixth step is to play the game. The game sets up rules, then allows us to improvise in a more thoughtful way. The seventh step is to remember to relax and have fun.

And Play

Say yes Listen

Concept Play | Mixed media collages Materials

Plaster Design

Marbel Wood | Snedker Studio

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Translating the 7 Concepts of Improv through the kaleidoscope.

I compiled further collages applying more rules, much like the rules of Improv. I started with three collages that were directly inspired by the mixed media collages. Each time, I would give myself more rules to follow such as limiting materials or shapes. This created more simple collages. These mini scenes explored the idea of what it means to move around a space without limitation; just like the way a kaleidoscope can freely move to any location and will always have a collection of cohesive scenes.

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View from Entrance | A

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A

Concept StatementKaleidoscopes are capable of designing a collection of scenes, providing the inspiration for the theatre’s diverse functionality. There are three main spaces, the box office + concessions, the small performance and large performance areas. All function separately and independently but can also open into one large space.

Design Goals The theatre’s design goal is to have free flowing space that can also break down into smaller spaces for separate functions or used as one large space. Inspired by it’s primary function, an improv theatre, the design gives the user the power create a scene wherever they reside, the same way a kaleidoscope can be moved anywhere in a space and still create a scene for the pieces it sees.

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LobbyIn this rendering, the view is focused on the opportunity for the small performance area to open in to the lobby, creating a much larger space for diverse functionality. The small performance is also opened up into the large performance in this rendering, creating one large space.

The east section shows the large performance space and focuses on the garage door. The garage door separates the small performance and the large performance areas. The space is also connected by a stage. When the door is open, it connects both performance spaces and creates one large stage. The garage door is hidden when its open with a unique design made out of marbelous wood. You can see it hidden in this rendering.

The south section reveals the second floor which functions as a staff only area.

View of Lobby looking into Small and Large Performance | A

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B

B

C

C

A

South Section | CSouth Section | B

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Large PerformanceThe entire building is surrounded by very large windows. At section A, you can the window treatment, two sheets of onyx cut to allow mere translucence with the sun. This creates a glow effect during the day and keeps the building very cool. It is essential for a theater to remain dark. The onyx is on a track at each window; the track allows them to move to close or open the window. Longitudinal Section | A

Window Treatment

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A A

D

B

The Large Performance | B

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The Small Performance area opened into the Large Performance area

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Sweet 95 Greenery Revival

Sep. + Oct. 2013 | Independent Project3312 N. Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia Supervisor Emily Smith | smithea8@vcu.eduExterior landscape | 74 sq metersInterior | 62 sq meters

Project StatementTo expand the original footprint of the building by creating a new and innovate exterior. The entire building was completely gutted and additional space was added to the kitchen and anterior portion of the building.

ProblemSweet 95 is located on Boulevard street, which divides the city into suburbs. Boulevard is very pedestrian friendly with big green medians. After it passes beneath Interstate 95, which is to the South of Boulevard, it becomes very disconnected to the rest of the street and is no longer pedestrian friendly. Consequentially, it is not an ideal pedestrian space to safely walk, sit, nor gather.

SolutionTo revive and integrate Sweet 95 with its surrounding neighborhoods by designing an atmosphere which attracts people to the South side of the Boulevard. To create a mini-park like landscape that also serves as an ice cream shop. This is a prime opportunity because there are no parks in walking distance nor locally owned ice creams shops in the area.

North

INTERIOR ORDERING

EXTERIOR ORDERING

OUTDOOR DINING

FRONT COUNTER

KITCHEN

MAINTENANCE

PUBLIC RESTOOM

A. Large baking surfaceB. Electric oven and stoveC. Kitchenaide mixerD. StorageE. Water Heater F. Double door refrigerator G. Ice Freezer

A

B

C

D E

F

G

H

IJ

L

M

N

K

H. Soda machine w/ iceI. BlenderJ. Milk shake machineK. 3-bay sink with grease trap L. Hand wash sinkM. Sandwich refrigerator prep tableN. Commercial ice cream machine

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Existing Building

A parklet in San Francisco.

Concept The concept is very simple: integration.

Challenge The challenge of this project is the segregation between North and South Boulevard. The space is extremely limited, the footprint being about 136 square meters.

Concept Development The landscape is expressed through the integration of the site and the street which is also represented in it’s blended materials.

The concept of integration is seen throughout the cohesive blend of materials that create one unit by extending into the street.

Design Goals Sweet 95’s primary goal is to pave the revival of the South side of Boulevard st.

To focus on the exterior and landscape of the building because that is what is going to draw foot traffic.

Inspiration The landscape seating area is inspired by parklets. A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides more space and amenities for people whilst using the streets. They are often installed on parking lanes and use several parking spaces. Parklets typically extend out from the sidewalk at the level of the sidewalk to the width of the adjacent parking space. This has inspired the outdoor space because it is the solution to making a concrete area more inviting, green and friendly, welcoming potential passing users.

Preliminary sketches

Concept models

The construction of the renderings All of these renderings were hand drawn from a 2-point geometric perspective.

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A

CC

BB

Benefits of a live wallGreenery is Eco-friendly and consists of a waterproofing membrane, a growing medium, soil and vegetation. Overlaying an area that would otherwise be mostly concrete.The greenery achieves environmental benefits such as reducing storm water runoff and enhancing energy use. The live wall is also an aesthetic that creates privacy and sense of enclosure to eliminate any negative psychological effects associated with the property’s demarcation. The green wall mitigates the air pollution by lowering extreme summer temperatures through photosynthesis, trapping particular matter, and capturing gases.

Front Elevation | B

Section of the entire site | C

View from street of new exterior and landscape | A

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View from street of new exterior and landscape

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Lingerie Cabinet Revolutionizing bra storage

Spring 2015 Semester | Independent ProjectCrafted in Richmond, Virginia Supervisor | Heather McCalla

Project StatementTo design a cabinet with a drawer.

ProblemThe deterioration of undergarments due to storage compartment errors.

Solution To hang undergarments, reducing potential for damage.

Inspiration When I was living at home in high school, my bedroom was located on the entire third floor. I would throw my undergarments over the banister and hang them from the newel. I always hung my bras somewhere in my bedroom because drawers were never large enough to prevent tangling, and subsequent damage.

Concept StatementTo express and embrace femininity through a piece of furniture that hangs brassieres which can be displayed or hidden.

Design Goals A piece of furniture that specifically hangs undergarments is rare despite the need. This cabinet hangs undergarments from a Lazy Susan.

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