Integrating Ancestral Culture in Contemporary Design

18 Pages·2015·3.4 MB·English

by  Joseph Danielsen

C C P
O VA O N D O M I N I U M R O J E C T
B R O O K L Y N , N E W Y O R K
J o s e p h D a n i e l s e n , I n te r i o r D e s i g n e r
D i a n e A l S h i h a b i , M e n to r
T P
H E R O B L E M
New York City architect, Francés Cova, and his elderly mother, Letizia, have
purchased a condominium in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of
Brooklyn. The Covas desired a design concept that would satisfy Letizia’s
physical limitations related to Fibromyalgia, accomodate Francés’ hobbies
and professional activities, and integrate their ancestral Spanish heritage with
contemporaryideologiesofsimplicity.
R
E S E A R C H M E T H O D S
To express cultural identity and aesthetic preferences through architectural
character, I analyzed Hispano Moresque and Roman classical forms reflecting
Spain’sMoorishand ImperialRomaninfluences.
R
E S E A R C H M E T H O D S
To mitigate the types of pain and physical limitations that Letizia Cova
experiences due to Fibromyalgia, I researched the disease and developed
designs that facilitate physical and psychological comfort throughout the
condominium. For example, her muscle pains are more intense in the
mornings, so I placed her bedroom in close proximity to Francés for
convenientaccessinthe eventthat sheneedsassistance.
T S
H E O L U T I O N
Juxtaposing Spanish antiques, Moorish textiles, and classical elements with
contemporary furnishings, the design solution creates reasonable visual signs
of the Covas’ cultural heritage and Mediterranean life. Reimagined forms
draw from the traditional language of the past, while reflecting contemporary
preferences through restraint. The floor plan provides seclusion for both
occupants in private spaces, while minimizing walking distances for Letizia to
bathroom, laundry room, and son’s room. An open plan in public spaces
facilitateseaseofmovement.
W/ E
BATH D N
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2 ND B EDROOM R K ITCHEN
Y
H ALLWAY
MASTER
BATH
MASTER L IVING D INING
B EDROOM ROOM ROOM
MASTER
C LOSET
F L O O R P L A N
L I V I N G &
D I N I N G R O O M
P E R S P E C T I V E
L I V I N G R O O M
M A T E R I A L S &
S E L E C T I O N S
D I N I N G R O O M
M A T E R I A L S &
S E L E C T I O N S
M A S T E R B E D R O O M
P E R S P E C T I V E