Okhyun des Lauriers IIDA Awardee

This project was for creating an on-site cafe and gallery space in Hillier College of Architecture and Design at NJIT that was based on a selected designer’s chair. The concept of the chairs that I selected was for the restless body by Yuming Hu (2018). These chairs are colorful and playful since each design is related to a unique micro movement such as shaking legs, moving fingers and stretching arms.

The slide is connected between the floors that it is referenced as a thought bubbles’ tail as well as organized ideas and moving forward. Therefore, the lower floor has different languages of shapes (straight and curved) and color schemes compared to upstairs. The Upper level has the dynamic color printed carpet as well as slide, and Yuming Hu’s chairs that gives a busy and hectic atmosphere while the lower level has pastel tone color furniture that gives a slow and relaxed atmosphere with the green area. Also, the lower level expands integration inside of space and the outside yard by flooring artificial turf, hollow built-in furniture, and glass windows and doors which give an open atmosphere. So, the lower level is multifunctional in that it provides users with areas to organize their ideas and further study, while also offers spaces of relaxation, group meeting rooms, and areas for a fast dining space.

The galley area can be both floors depending on artworks. Art pieces can be displayed on both walls and windows by hanging them from the ceiling or using mobile partitions. Today, vending machines can provide fresh food like fruits and vegetables to warm dishes such as hamburgers and pizza to customers by just pressing buttons. It is convenient, easy, and fast to get the food, also it can be opened 24 hours and has less of a labor cost compared to other cafes. This playful cafe brings a person’s child-like side inside from them so that all adults can feel free to play. Not only people on the campus but also the public can enjoy this space.