SDSA Glee Field Trip

Set Decorators Society of America

"Day with the Set Decorator"

Field Trip Review

Whether you love it, hate it, or just can't make up your mind everyone has heard of the phenomenon that has become Glee. What you probably do not know about Glee and all your favorite television shows is that behind the scenes there is a set decorator devoting their life to creating an entire world for the characters to live in with only a few walls and a short period of time making sure that every set is perfect down to the last name plate on Sue Sylvester's trophy.

The first stop on our trip was at the Hollywood Studio Gallery. This gallery houses a huge selection of artwork that is used as props in various television shows and movies. We were taken on the tour by the President of SDSA and set decorator for the show True Blood. He took us to the many rooms of the prop house filled with paintings from floor to ceiling with art varying from a portrait of a U.S. Senator to Van Gogh's famous sunflowers. He explained to us that each piece of art or photography in the Hollywood Studio has gone through the process of being cleared to be shown on television or in the movies. It is critical that each piece must go through the proper paperwork in order to avoid lawsuits that can potentially hold up the release of a show or movie. Touring the Hollywood Studio Gallery gave me much more respect for set decorators who not only have to design the set but also take into consideration what can actually be used on screen. There is so much more that goes into the finished product that we as viewers watch on T.V.

Prop Services West is a prop house that specifies in furniture. Here we were taken on a tour of their warehouse where there were tables, chairs, and sofas stacked on shelving units filling the showroom with every type of furniture you can imagine. The most interesting part of this stop was a presentation by a set decorator who explained the history of Hollywood sets and how they have changed over the years. Areas where some of the most famous movies were shot in sets are now grocery stores or places where hookers can be found. Show business is ever changing and hearing about what old Hollywood was like from someone from the inside was fascinating.

Now to the main event: the set of Glee. Glee is filmed at Paramount Studios. Entering Paramount the most iconic studio in Hollywood was a privilege in itself, but once inside Paramount we were even luckier to be taken into Stage 14 to tour the sets of Glee. Going into this experience I thought they would show us a few sets and we would be on our way, but I was pleasantly surprised that we were going to tour every set. Each set had a docent ranging from shows like All My Children to Melissa & Joey there to tell us a little bit of information about the sets. The first set we were taken to was Rachel's bedroom, which was one of my favorites. Every little detail in this set was completely thought out with the character of Rachel Berry in mind, from the broadway posters on every wall to the notebook of "future acceptance speeches" this room was definitely the room of a Broadway diva in training. Next we moved onto Mr. Schuester's apartment which happens to be right across the hallway from Rachel's bedroom. The Schuester apartment includes the living room, dining room, and kitchen shown on the show. The most interesting part of his apartment was Mr. Schuester's desk. It is a simple desk tucked away in the corner, but I think it shows everything the set decorating profession is about. There were Spanish books stacked with a book titled "How to be Divorced" with a few graded papers scattered next to a "to do" list of "make set list for sectionals" and "grocery shopping." I just loved this little desk because it showed how much detail a set decorator puts into designing a set for a character. They care about every little detail in order to make the character's space believable. The desk represented how set decorating is truly their passion.

McKinley High is spread out over Stage 14, but as you walk through the various sets it actually has the feeling of a real high school. We were taken to the library, cafeteria, teacher's lounge, and every teacher's office. The McKinley High hallway was one of my favorite sets. As I walked down the hallway I couldn't help but think how many of my favorite scenes were shot there like the many times Glee members have been slushied in that hallway or when Rachel performed the overdramatic"Run Joey Run" song and the list can go on. From the hallway you can see a glimpse of the choir room and being in that choir room seeing the chairs the cast sits in, the piano, and the huge Cheerios trophy that sits in the room providing a backdrop for the cast of Glee to perform spectacular performances in over and over again was a surreal moment.

Seeing all the sets collectively also gave me much more respect for the actors as well. Every set has fly walls which means that they can be taken apart easily if the cameras need more space. There are no hard ceilings on the set, only soft muslin sheets over the top. The sets look real on television but standing in them is a whole different feeling. They have a hollow, disjointed feeling which is exactly what is needed to shoot a great show, but it made me think how an actor must adapt to the set in order to make the scene successful in this very exposed space. Whether the scene is fun and playful or serious and somber the actor must perform accordingly. This is why I think that the attention to detail is important to making the scene look real. The small details of a picture on the wall or a memo on a bulletin board can make the actor feel more at home in the space because this is where their character lives and interacts. So much more goes into the one hour show that we see on T.V., and I now know how many people must work together as a team to make the show successful.

Lastly, we were taken to Stage 12 where an exact replica of the auditorium from a school in Long Beach where Glee previously would shoot on location is now right across the way from the McKinley set. We were told it costs about $100,000 for the show to go on location for one day making it more cost effective to just build the auditorium. That's show business for you. The set decorator, art director, costume designer, and two set dressers of Glee were available for question and answer after the tour. It is crazy to think that for each show there is one set decorator. I believe in this case the set decorator, Barbara Munch had three weeks to make the set of Glee which is a feat itself. She explained that set decorators are sometimes given a script to go off of to build a set and sometimes they have nothing. It is an extremely time consuming and difficult job but definitely one of the most rewarding to see the finished product and to be apart of the small society of successful set decorators in Hollywood. All in all it was an amazing field trip giving us a small insight into the life of set decorator. I will never watch television the same knowing the time and effort that has been spent on minute details by a fantastic set decorator never seen on the screen, and I will without a doubt be a Gleek for life.

Charlene, Sevanna, Cheri, and I at Paramount

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The new illumaWALL

Duo-Gard’s new illumaWALL is a revolutionary new product in the lighting design world. The illumaWALL has many practical functions, design applications all while being very green and sustainable, building points with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The wall is also relatively affordable for its application making its over value un-ignorable for almost any building project.

Here are some examples of green advantages from illumawall.com:

“> Projects daylight more deeply into interior
> Minimizes disruptive solar glare and costly heat gain
> Enhances occupant comfort and productivity
> Increases energy efficiency with high R-values
> Lowers building operating and life-cycle costs

> Sustainable Sites – Light Pollution Reduction
> Energy & Atmosphere – Minimum Energy Performance
> Materials & Resources – 3 Recyclable Materials”*

Here is the illumaWALL as signage that you will see at most any newer Panda Express restaurant. A good source of lighting, day or night for a sign or just a wall.

These walls come in virtually any color and have indoor and out door applications. The cutting edge technology for low heat and low voltage is the ultimate in smart design while building valuable LEED points.

Duo-Gard Defines illuma wall as “ (noun, verb, attitude) An innovative interior/exterior translucent daylighting system that achieves design/build versatility, dynamic aesthetics and sustainability combined with unusual affordability.”* I am really inspired by this innovation in design. It shows the what green thinking can do in the 21st century.

Here at Avista Ocean Resort in North Myrtle Beach SC you can see how the polycarbonate panels add very nice well planned lighting from the bar.

The ability to make any wall or ceiling any color and at multiple levels of brightness, while being a green choice and affordable make this an irritable new product and material for any new project.

This is an example from a recent Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Pink Meditation Room. It’s an example of how the new illumaWALL is a good use even at home.

The multiwall polycarbonates give an array of options for design with the optional translucent Nanogel. This with aerogel contributes to the energy efficiency while adding effects sound dampening.

I am very impressed by this new use of green technology in design (interior and exterior), I hope to see it in more building products in the very near future as we build and sustain a greener more beautiful world.

http://www.illumawall.com/sb.html*

http://www.duo-gard.com/products/illumination/illumawall

**

http://pcnews.tv/42/illuminated-wall-by-duo-gard/

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Aria Resort & Casino: Las Vegas, Nevada

The Aria Resort & Casino is located at 3730 Las Vegas Blvd. South in Las Vegas, Nevada. The group of structures located at the site are breathtaking with effortless-looking design, often referred to as CityCenter. The overall design challenge was to build an entire city within a fully developed city. Although extremely beautiful, much work was done to make this project as green as possible. Aria has set new standards for "responsible growth" in the city, as the USGBC has awarded it with six distinct LEED Gold certifications to its Resort & Casino’s hotel tower, convention center and showroom, Vdara Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental, Crystals, and Veer Towers.

The buildings have been designed by the firm of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and what a fine job they did! There has been nothing left out of this amazing project; the glistening casino, 16 different restaurants, 10 bars & lounges, and a 1800 seat theater featuring a Cirque de Soleil performance dedicated to Elvis Presley. There is truly something for everyone at this resort.

Shaboo Restaurant at Aria














Blossom Restaurant at Aria




















Haze Nightclub

The design plan of Aria includes materials made of recycled content to reduce waste. This was obviously a wise choice on the designer's behalf due to the fact that it is such a large project with the main concept of being one of the "greenest" hotels on the Las Vegas strip. The selected interior materials were also made sure to be manufactured locally to reduce long distance deliveries and so on.

More than 50% of all of the wood and crystal products that were used in this project are FSC certified and chosen carefully. Another way that the resort is environmentally friendly is that low-emitting paints were selected in the design process.

After reading about much of the resort's design process, I am very impressed on how well thought out the 'environmental footprint' aspect of the whole project was executed. There are so many things down to the flooring materials(that lower the usage or need of air conditioning) that have been so wonderfully thought out. I think this project is definitely a spectacularly finished product.

Stone flooring within resort

I think that the overall choices made over materials in the space have been successfully selected for the amount of use they will be taking. The interior of the resort is definitely cutting edge, extremely intriguing and aesthetically pleasing to anyone who may set foot inside. Aria is a perfect example of a project that can be green and environmentally friendly yet still have the same modern and beautiful touches that we all long to see.

References:

*www.arialasvegas.com

*www.localism.com/blog/nv/las_vegas_strip

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CASE STUDY

FOUNTAIN VALLEY REGIONAL HOSPITAL/CANCER CENTER
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
AN AESTHETIC UPGRADE – ALL FLOORS

The Fountain Valley Regional Hospital/Cancer Center, located east side of the hospital main floor, at 11190 Warner Ave., Fountain Valley, California, is a four-story Medical building that consists of a Center for Breast Care, an Infusion Therapy, an American Cancer Society, an Imaging Center, an Outpatient Surgical Center, a Pre-Cancer Admitting Center, and Medical Offices.
The Cancer Center built in 1996 to provide health care solutions for short stay and outpatient to the residents of the surrounding communities in Orange County. On April 2010, this 75,000 square foot Cancer Treatment Center was first projected for an Aesthetic Upgrade – (All Floors.)

The design challenges included:

-Creating a modern yet warm and comforting atmosphere throughout the facility with good air quality.
-Meeting code with performance products that also satisfy aesthetic objectives.
-Choosing products that stay within budget parameters on initial installation, and provide optimum life cycle costing.
-Constructing a new facility floors that meet design, performance and budget requirements.

-Installing floors that are easy and cost effective to maintain -typical clinical colors or patterns, “plastic-looking,” for durability and to withstand bodily fluid.

Because the center really focused on being a “healthy” building, low-emitting products were used throughout –for walls, carpet, and vinyl, etc.
To exclude any substances that might aggravate a patient’s health, the selection of building materials and installation method optimized indoor air quality and environment responsibility. Therefore, material and product selections–flooring, paint, adhesives, wall panels-eliminated use of formaldehyde and minimized VOC.
Much of the Cancer Center’s flooring was linoleum –a rapidly renewable product, it was applied with low-VOC adhesive. The interface carpeting selected was low-VOC comprised of 42 percent recycled material and also installed using low-VOC adhesive.

Product Specifications:

Walls - First & Second floor: Vinyl Wall Coverings made of recycled content by Armstrong with heat welds for aseptic seams. Low toxic finishes.

Walls – Third & Fourth floor: Paints by Benjamin Moore, and Dunn Edwards with low sheen or Satin. Durable, premium quality, fast-curing paints and stains were used that have low VOC content, no formaldehyde, ammonia, crystalline silica or ethylene glycol.

Flooring – First–Third floors: Terrazzo Linoleum sheet by Armstrong – A combination of resilience, aesthetic, durability, maintainability and value. High performing and easy-to-maintain, made from renewable raw materials and contains recycled content.

Flooring – Fourth floor: Commercial Carpet by Patcraft PDQ – Reusable recycled carpet and organic wool.

Elevator flooring: Vinyl tile by Armstrong – Offer high-end visuals with the cost and installation benefits of contemporary resilient flooring.

Elevator cabs: Commercial Laminate panels by Armstrong –Contemporary look, low-VOC adhesive, and durable.

Security desk: Commercial Laminate by Armstrong – Combine the warm look and feel of hardwood with affordability, durability and easy maintenance.

Lighting fixtures – First & Second floor: Recessed grid type 2 x 4 MOBI – 120 Volt – Daylight control for energy conservation.

Lighting fixtures – Third & Fourth floor: Sylvania T–8 – 4’, 32 Watt, F – 32/741/ECO - Energy efficient.

First floor existing base: Granite – Natural stone.

As the results, major flooring materials used were carpet and linoleum, both natural and biodegradable products. Fabric selection focused on recycled and compostable materials. All materials were selected to be easily maintained with natural cleaning products in order to ensure a high level of indoor air quality. Many of the criteria for achieving the objectives were elements of the planning and building process. For instance, locally made materials were used whenever possible to reduce transportation, and more than 70 percent of the construction materials used can be later recycled. Additionally, many processes were utilized during construction to ensure a healthy building and good air quality, including capping all unfinished ducts during the building process, vacuuming floor tracks before installing wall covering and “flushing” the building for three days before re-occupancy.

Overall, this project has achieved the goal of:

- Improving indoor air quality.
- Meeting the durability needs of a round-the-clock health care facility.
- Enhancing human, environmental and economic performance.
- Providing the functional benefits of contemporary flooring surfaces ranging from the
Terrazzo Linoleum on the first thru third floor to Carpet on the fourth floor and
vinyl/linoleum sheet/tile in the elevator flooring and security desk with aesthetic appeal
of rich, saturated colors.
- Executing the project within budget.

Fountain Valley Cancer Treatment Center, “where technology meets compassion under clean environment,” is a place that combines world-class medical care with a singular focus on patient support to give clients the motivation to go through the difficult experience of radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Bibliography:
armstrong.com
homedepot.com
Fountain Valley Regional Hospital Administration Office



Posted by Thanh Nguyen

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Opportunity Drawing and Speaker Event!!

A llied health science

B iological science

C onsumer  Science & Design

Hey everyone!

I know you all have seen the three enormous buildings being built next to the technology building on campus. They are called the ABC buildings, standing for allied health science, biological science, and consumer  science & Design. If you didn't already know, the Interior Design program is one of the lucky programs to be able to reside in the 'C' building in the spring (the building closest to the E lot).

Now I'm sure that there have been some questions you may have that haven't been answered. Well guess what? The answers are here!! S.A.I.D. (Student Association of Interior Design) has put together a speaker event on Wednesday, December 1st from 6pm-8:30pm that will host Winston Bao-the Interior Designer and Project manager-from LPA. He will be speaking about the design of the building, how the production of the building started, LEED certification, how the building is going to turn out, and much much more. We would love to see everyone there so that your inquiring minds can be put to ease.

We also will be having an opportunity drawing that night to raise scholarship money for an interior design student in the spring. Tickets are on sale now and will continue to be sold up until the drawing.

Tickets are 1 for $6 or 2 for $10 (great deal if you ask me)

Prizes include:

-2 Taylormade Golf bags

-2 Disneyland Park hopper passes

-Gondola ride for 2

-Bristol farms gift baskets

-Golf lessons with a PGA professional

-A task chair

-Starbucks gift basket

-Brunch for 2 gift certificate to Spaghettini

-and many more...

Tickets can be found for sale by any officer in SAID, Interior Design students, or Charlene Reed. If you are interested in helping out by selling tickets don't be afraid to ask for some. There is no obligation whatsoever AND there is a prize for the person who sells the most tickets! :)

SO, IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU NEED TO REMEMBER....

1. Speaker event

-Wednesday, December 1st

-6:00-8:30pm

-Fine arts building Rm 116

2. Opportunity drawing

-Same place same time

-Tickets 1 for $6 or 2 for $10

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO COMMENT ON THIS BLOG!

HOPE YOU SEE YOU THERE!! :)

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Case Study: Penn State Forestry Building

To find a building project that displays great architectural innovation I looked coast to coast and couldn’t find a better example than Penn State’s The Forest Resources Building. The facility includes four stories, plus a lower floor, and encompasses nearly 100,000 square feet. It is truly an architectural design treasure. The building is designed as a showcase of hardwoods. Not so much in the flooring, but on the walls. This unique building design is simply to display the beauty of hard timber as can be used on any interior building surface. The forestry building at pen state is a work of art that every design student can learn from.



From the outside the building looks basically like any other on campus. It is made up of red clay bricks. This still is a very green way to build the exterior. This prize of a building sits solemnly on the east end of campus comfortably with East Halls residence halls, Business Building and East Parking Deck.

Penn State stakes great pride in this unique architectural innovation. As outlined on their department web site “Teaching and outreach facilities encompass 27 percent of the new building; research another 43 percent; with housing for faculty, staff, and graduate students requiring 29 percent. Our teaching areas include four teaching laboratories devoted to forest soils and water, wildlife and forestry, fisheries, and wood products; two technology classrooms with 60- and 80-seat capacities; the Steimer Auditorium, with a 150-seat capacity; three computer labs (two for undergraduates and a GIS graduate lab).” *


The spacious main lobby features huge windows, open stairs and a beam ceiling of the giving an open air feel almost like you are outside or walking through a forest. The interior features a number of woodworks as well as enduring warm forest tones in to stay on the Forestry Building's mission of an enveloping learning environment.. The masterpieces of hard woodwork are displayed everywhere but the floors, as this art is made to last. The floors are a similar toned brown laminate on concrete floor. There are high open staircases with multi story windows to allow natural light to illuminate the hardwood spectacle. I strongly believe in the use of these products and materials as well as this overall design. The design was made with green building in mind as well as beauty and learning. These are all strong values that we should attempt to put in all our work. That is, the values of cultivating the natural beauty of wood while maintaining the longevity of our natural forest


This special facility gives pride to the whole university at every level. “This building is no ordinary classroom laboratory facility,” said Penn State President Graham Spanier. “It is an outstanding example of a structure that was designed to stimulate learning and serve as an instructional tool itself. Exposed structural elements…demonstrate the uses of wood and the beauty of natural elements.” **


To make the dreams of the Penn State School of Forest Resources come to pass it took a strong partnership with the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association (PFPA). Who collaborated with its member companies to donate an illustrious package of Pennsylvania produced timber used throughout like in the red oak and ash hardwoods, the moldings and trim in native black cherry.

The structure also features a massive three level atrium that is topped with exposed beams made from PA red maple, also given by the PFPA. I am also impressed by their choice to finish all the wood with a simple clear finish to allow the natural beauty of the wood to show. This is a subtle detail to show the visual design impact of natural woods. There is no need to “dress up” what already looks great as is.



This feature design has a plethora of solid wood wainscot paneling (1,700 linear ft). The PFPA has total donations of various materials are estimated to exceed $670,000. These being highly specialized products make the PFPA partnership an invaluable key to the success of the building project.

It is extraordinary to see such a coalition of efforts when organizations come together with common good in mind. It inspires me as a student to see educational originations come together with an association like the PFPA to reach a common goal like this truly inspiring building.

This green project that promotes learning and appreciation for our natural recourses; I hope that other educational institution can learn from this building. Any time you can immerse the student more into what they study, that opportunity should be exploited. The designers of this great building did just that and should be an inspiration to designers everywhere.

Bibliography:

* http://sfr.psu.edu/facilities
** http://www.lewislp.com/pdfs/psu-forestry-article.pdf
http://live.psu.edu/album/202

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SAID @ PDC

On November 9, S.A.I.D. took a field trip to the Pacific Design Center. We visited ten showrooms in five hours. The showrooms included Giati Designs, David Sutherland, A. Rudin, Mimi London, Arc-Com Fabrics, Ralph Pucci, Century Furniture Paston/Rawleigh/Everette Micucci and Moura Starr.

The most stunning showroom was Moura Starr. This showed furniture, lighting, wallpaper, and fine art. Moura Starr designs, engineers and hand crafts every piece of furniture in their collection.











One of the friendliest showrooms was Century Furniture. They have set up an OCC student account for students to use their online resources. 95% of Century Furniture products are made in the United States.













Another very friendly showroom was Giati Designs. This showroom showed outdoor furniture and fabrics, although many of the fabric looked and felt like they were interior fabrics. The furniture they showed where made from teak, stainless steel and aluminum, they also carried umbrellas and pavilions.








We enjoyed all showrooms that we had visited, and wished that we could have seen more.

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Love Where You Swim ®

It is not difficult to find a really nice pool in Orange County. But let’s imagine that we are giving out an award to someone and we must choose a “best of the best.” I wouldn’t call myself a pool expert, but one particular company always stands out the most, and seems to me to consistently achieve beautiful results with their pool designs. Yes, of course, it is the Irvine Company. They must be -- don’t they own like almost half of OC? On their website they say about themselves that “Irvine Company Apartment Communities offers a portfolio of 115 exceptional apartment communities set in California’s most desirable locations. With world-class amenities, resort-like surroundings, and an unparalleled commitment to customer service, Irvine Company Apartment Communities has redefined the rental living experience… able to fit every lifestyle and budget, from value-oriented to ultra luxury.” Sounds good, doesn’t it? And being located in California you can be sure that each of these apartment communities has a pool. And not just a pool but a work of art pool that can only be compared to pools in luxury resorts. Being a fairly large company, the Irvine Company has an Urban Planning and Development Division as well as having a separate Design Division.

Classic architecture, lush landscaping, and thoughtful attention to detail create The Village in Irvine Spectrum -- one of their luxury apartment communities in the city of Irvine. The Village consists of four parts: Mirador, Cambria, Delrey, and Serena, and each of them has a large pool with a spa, cabanas and bbq/resting areas. Each of the pools is better than the next; they are all standouts in their own ways. But if I would have to pick -- the Cambria pool would be my favorite. Mostly because of the private bbq area that is hidden behind the concrete wall, tropical trees and fabulous tall plant pots. It has a perfect private party area that lets you feel like you are by the pool (because it is only 4 feet away from the pool) but still gives you enough privacy and comfort to make you feel like you are having a private party at your own mansion (but without suicidal thoughts about the amount of your mortgage bill).








The Cambria pool area is approximately 9500 sq ft. It was built in 2006. The Irvine Company did the design of the site and Western National Construction did the construction work for it, putting white concrete tile as flooring which is very durable, low-maintenance, and at the same time more pleasant visually than the most common grey concrete. The concrete is also a perfect flooring material for an outside area. The signage company that the designer used for the pool as well as for the community was TFN Architectural.











The inviting pool of Cambria has a Mediterranean ambiance, and the salt water and cabanas with canvas awnings provided by Canvas Awning Inc. sound like the perfect way to spend a sunny SoCal afternoon. The pool has three dining cabana type areas and five lounge cabanas. The tasteful teak furniture located in the dining cabanas and bbq area is provided by Greenside and gives the place a tropical look.

Daltile provided the tile for the fireplace and the walls, and Tropitone was the manufacturer for pool furniture like lounges, tables and umbrellas.




Another interesting thing is that the soft furniture has two different manufacturers: Bojer Inc. for the cushions in a boxed and welted style and Veneman Furniture for the base with woven finishes.



I am not saying that The Cambria pool is the best pool in OC. It is the best for me now, because it is so beautiful… and its home. I like beautiful things, which is why I like design: because it creates a beautiful living.

Materials, Products and their Sources:

Signage : TFN Architectural http://www.thirdfloornorth.com/

Fireplace tile and wall tile: Daltile http://www.daltile.com/dealer_search.cfm

BBQ Grill: Twin Eagles http://www.twineaglesinc.com/products/36-Gas-Grill-Base-2-Doors.shtml

Cushing or the patio soft chairs BW55 (Boxed and Welted Style): Bojer Inc. http://www.bojerinc.com/

Soft dinning chair base Woven Finish: Veneman Collection http://www.venemanfurniture.com/

Pool furniture: umbrellas, lounge chairs, tables: Tropitone http://www.tropitone.com/collection/fabric-collection/umbrella-fabrics/

Teak furniture: Gardenside http://www.gardenside.com/

Construction Company: Western National Construction http://www.hng.com

Awnings: Canvas Awnings Inc.:

Designer: Irvine Company http://irvinecompany.com

Developer/ Owner: Irvine Company http://irvinecompany.com

Sources:

http://www.irvinecompany.com/

Special Thanks to Dan Demitro, Community Manager, The Village at Irvine Spectrum Center for providing me with lots of valuable information.

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L'Auberge Del Mar

Imagine a quaint hotel in a coastal town that allows you to relax and unwind by the sea.  Now imagine a resort that supplies the same cozy feeling while providing a four-star experience: enter L'Auberge Del Mar.  The resort is located in the beautiful coastal city of Del Mar, California, a half hour north of San Diego, and is known to be the spot to stay and indulge at while visiting the Del Mar Race Track.  The renovations on this exquisite hotel were completed in 2009; just in time for the start of the busy season at the local race track and of course to board the guests who would be attending.


   The resort houses a plethora of accommodations to insure its guests receive the best possible experience during their stay in downtown Del Mar.  The expert staff invites you to sip on a "Cabana Boy" cocktail as you gaze out at the sun sinking below the horizon, only to venture downstairs to experience the work of executive chef, Paul McCabe, at the L'Auberge restaurant: Kitchen 1540.  Your stress is sure to melt away as soon as you step foot in the $4 million Spa and indulge in their services.  However, it is not the undeniable food, booze served in creative ways, or services completed at the spa but the overall design that initially welcomes guests in and keeps them lingering as they depart.


  The kudos go to a man by the name of Barclay Butera; President and CEO of Barclay Butera, Inc.  Butera is an Interior Designer who began his own personal line of home decor entitled Barclay Butera Home.  He is well known throughout the nation for his designs in both residential and hospitality venues and has four showrooms across the country. Numerous projects of his have been published in magazines such as Elle Decor, Home Beautiful, Interior Design and many more.  It isn't hard to believe Butera was the designer chosen to renovate this resort into a classy, innovative and intriguing place to stay while in the San Diego area.  


   As you pull up on the flagstone drive and approach the valet you are already transfixed on the exterior beauty of the boutique resort.  Upon entering through the sleek NANA glass doors and step foot into the lobby, you are warmly greeted by dark wood floors, crisp furnishings and sophisticated coastal accents.  This fresh appeal only frames the scene as you gaze straight through the windows in the back at the breathtaking view of the sea.  There are 120 rooms available in this boutique hotel; each one decorated specifically to enhance you're seaside experience.  Many materials, case goods, furnishings and finishes contribute to achieve this elegant and refreshing aesthetic, listed below are a few that I believe play a key role in the overall design. 

    The above image is directly from Barclay Butera Home and is used in the lobby of L'Auberge.  The product is appropriately named Giant Clam on Stand and runs for $400.  By using accents such at this, the coastal scene is perfectly set and makes the resort's guest feel at home at the beach.  

      Another addition to the seaside decor is the above chandelier.  This product is also included in Butera's Home line and is available for purchase online or through his local showrooms under the name Del Mar Chandelier.  This $6065 lighting fixture is very unique in the use tying together the look of the shells and faux coral to accentuate the overall modern style.  


      What truly sets the scene in the beautiful get away is the use of neutral walls and floors combined with the unique collection of furnishings, artwork, and lighting fixtures.  These elements are what define the style of the hotel.  The Seaside Shell Console is one such item.  Following a classic Adams Brother's design, the surface of this console table is completely covered in seashells and supported by lovely curved rococo style legs. It is more than a place to set your cocktail down; it's truly a focal point.  
      While you're checking in be sure to notice the Brentwood Settee located in the lobby.  Specified in a dark mocha with tufted covered buttons, this classic piece adds a royal feel and sends you back to a different era.  Have a seat in one of the adorable Madison Chairs, covered by velvet polka dots in a deep chocolate hue.  This furnishing is repeated throughout the space and adds the perfect amount of fun and whimsy to such a classy environment.  Throughout the lobby are splashes of a sassy muted lime that catch your attention; what you're seeing are the Ridgecrest Arm Chairs.  Upholstered in fabric in that lovely green hue, complete with a tufted backing and straight legs in a mahogany finish.  A big addition to the space comes in a rather small package; the throw pillows that spot the lobby are covered in a leopard print that spice up the decor.  
     Another lighting fixture that fits into the scenery perfectly and yet is breathtaking when examined closely is the mother of pearl lamps that are used sparingly in the space.  These beautifully crafted fixtures have a mother of pearl base and uniquely shaped shade above in a camel tone.  Multiple pieces of artwork are precisely placed in the lobby and in the individual guest rooms as well.  Most of the artwork is from Barclay Butera's Home line and ranges in price from $300-$900.  Photos of shells, sand, and beach scenes spruce up the walls and truly add the finishing touches in completing the ideal seaside scene. 


Works Cited:

• barclaybutera.com
• "Extensive Renovation Rejuvenates SoCal Jewel" Press Release
• laubergedelmar.com
• Ranch and Coast Magazine-March 2009

*Photos were taken at Barclay Butera Showroom in Newport Beach, Ca; permission given by Showroom Manager, Beverly. 

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The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

When the St. Joseph Hospital in Orange decided to build a new cancer center, their patients were the inspiration.

When one has to deal with, what could be considered one of the hardest things in life, cancer, this hospital has tried to bring some sense of peace to their lives with the interior design of their new building. The new Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment has been up and running for two years.

As I mentioned before, the inspiration for the interior design concept was to make the patients and their families feel that they are in a healing environment where they can feel peaceful and at home while they wait and receive treatment. When you enter the building, one doesn’t get the feeling of stepping into a hospital setting. The overall theme is nature and serenity. The products, materials, color scheme and lighting they used contribute to the nature inspired center.

I decided to focus on the Radiation Oncology center that is one floor below when you enter at ground level. Upon entering, the flooring used is a light unpolished stone, a good choice to an entryway for its easy maintenance and clean up. They transition to carpet as you reach the stairs and down into the radiation oncology floor.

Carpet is used throughout the waiting area; it is low pile, solid colored carpet so not to conflict with the rest of the design elements in the room. Carpet was a great choice as it gives a warmer feeling to the space and for the added cushion it gives ones feet. They transition to a high low patterned carpet as you go through the hallways to the treatment rooms. The patterned carpet was a nice design element to add to an area that is simpler in design.

Let’s go back, as we came down the stairs to the oncology floor, the adjacent wall to the stairs has an over scaled photo of a flowing river over rocks with the hospitals mission statement. Playing off the photo, the staircase rail guards are a tempered glass with a water effect pressed into it and are in a transparent blue, allowing light to pass through.

They have also used rough, exposed stone on the lower half of the walls as an accent. These elements expand on the over scaled photo brining it down and into the waiting area of the oncology.

The waiting area is carpet throughout. It is low pile, solid in color so not to conflict with the rest of the design in the room. Carpet was a great choice as it gives a warmer feeling to the space and for the added cushion it gives ones feet. They transition to a high low patterned carpet as you go through the hallways to the treatment rooms. That was a nice design element to add to an area that is simpler in design.

Another way they brought nature into the space was in the use of petrified palm trees. They are placed around the center bringing in the outdoors. They also have incorporated skylights in the building to allow the natural sunlight in. The lighting plan was a key element in adding to the mood of the center. They have used sconces and accent lighting within the center as their primary source of light than the conventional overhead lighting. Though overhead fluorescent lighting is still used, it is kept to a minimum. The combination of the two allows for a more home like setting.

A lot of thought went into the radiation rooms to try and help the patient feel calm and not overwhelmed. They are large and open; a beautiful serine garden image is on the ceiling for the patient to look at while they are laying receiving treatment. Also in the room, they bring into play the water pressed glass once again, it is inset into the wall and lit from behind to serve as an illusion of a window. They also incorporate these “windows” into waiting area as well on a feature wall.

As we begin to look at a few pieces of furniture, I was told that patients were given surveys on what they would like to have for the treatment room chairs. I thought this was perfect! I mean, they are the ones that sit in them for over an hour receiving treatment, it only makes sense that they should be the one’s to have a say. They also got to test chairs out. This is truly listening to your client.

Back in the waiting area, the furniture layout allows for plentiful seating. They have used armchairs, a sofa, and accent tables to once again bring the feeling of being “at home” to the space. The armchairs and sofa seats are not deep seating to allow for minimal effort to exit from the chair.

To allow for some privacy in the seating arrangement, they have used a 3form product as a patrician. It has a thatch pattern pressed in-between two pieces of plexi-glass. It is opaque, allowing only light through.

Though not a product, material or deign of the interior, I feel it necessary to mention where they are doing their part in going GREEN. They have begun the process of going paperless. Their goal: be completely paperless come March of 2011.

I have battled with cancer in my family; it is never an easy time for anyone who is touched by it. I hope that when new patients and their families come to the center, they feel, even the slightest, sense of peace in their hearts as I did during my tour. They are the reason this interior design is successful.

Resources:

St. Joseph Health System

David Headland

Information Systems Coordinator

Radiation Oncology

Julie Britton

Director of Contracting/Business Development for St Joseph Hospital

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Case Study: W Hollywood Hotel & Residences

Glitz, glam, and green are what I would describe the new W hotel in Hollywood that was just opened January 28, 2010. Located at the intersection of Hollywood and Vine, the W Hotel and Residences is only one of a long chain of W Hotels around the world by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. The property consists of two 15-story towers containing 300 hotel rooms and 144 condo residences. Its design captures a contemporary chic vibe, while paying tribute to classic Hollywood imagery. Every detail, from the red carpet at the front entrance to the rhinestoned peep holes on every door, is homage to the old school Hollywood scene.

Starting at the front entrance, where guests can walk on the red carpet made of red terrazzo with custom-made integral red aggregate that then continues on as a plush carpet leading to the lobby area. A hallway on the left leads to the elevator lifts for hotel guests while a circular white croc-embossed leather sofa is present in the center of the room.

Adjacent to the lobby area is the grand Living Room (a signature room in every W Hotel). Immediately, we spot the main focal point. A huge white marble spiral staircase lined with more red carpet against a curved bronze mosaic wall as well as an incredible 18-foot tiered chandelier of cascading Swarovski crystals. Then we see the black tufted leather seating created for conversing and relaxing with some beverages made from the Living Room Bar.

The bar counter was backlit Onice Fantastico Onyx that gave a really neat warm glow, especially during the night when the lighting of the entire room switched to match the mood of the nightlife outside.

On the opposite side of the Living Room Bar is a floor-to-ceiling window looking out to the outdoor bar, called Station Hollywood. The patio is nestled back against the Metro Station entrance designed by Sharilyn Olson Rigdon of designstudio ltd. Furnishings include woven resin chairs, low sonokeling wood tables and silver alligator-skin ottomans. Also, there is a VIP area on a raised wood deck with its own private seating area that has the best view to the 20' retractable screen with a Panasonic HD projector and surround sound stereo system, the hotel's own silver screen.

Being a guest there this past September, I had the privilege to stay in one of their hotel rooms for one night and experience their excellent Whatever/Whenever service. I stayed in there "Wonderful Room" which had a large window seat with satiny vinyl that looked out on the Hollywood streets and two beds made with goose down comforters and pillows. Behind the beds are white tufted headboards with a matching mini bar and a globe lighting pendant above. In the bathroom, white Carrara marble covers the floor with a polished white marble vanity. One thing I found interesting was a slim floor-to-ceiling frosted glass pane that gave a small glimpse into the shower from the main area.

Other than their overpriced food (I payed $10 for just three small scoops of ice cream), the overall design throught the hotel was very impressive.

W Hotel Hollywood is also the largest LEED certified property in Southern California and the first LEED certified building in Los Angeles. There are many aspects that contribute to its silver level certification, some of which are energy-efficient windows that have overhangs to provide shade, a white heat-deflecting "cool roof" on the pool area to eliminate the inconvenient feeling of hot feet, installed electric ports to recharge electric cars and hybrids in the garages of the residences, high-performance glass that keeps heat out (as opposed to trapping the heat in), an efficient irrigation and plumbing system with the use of faucets designed for low water usage and energy efficient appliances, and recycled low toxicity construction materials used to build the property. But the most important green feature that the hotel offers is that the hotel is sitting on top of a Metro Red Line Station, whose entrance is in front of the hotel right off of the Hollywood walk of Fame. This easy accessability will encourage use of public transportation.

The W Hotel is sleek, chic, and all-around swanky! I'm so glad I got to experience its beauty in person. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see any celebrities during my brief stay, but I'm sure some have stayed or visited the newly built hotel in the past. This is a place that I would definitely recommend other people to see and soak in all its glory. The next time you visit Hollywood, make sure you take a look at the new W Hotel.

Project Credits

Link to Pictures
Project: W Hollywood Hotel & Residences
Client: Gatehouse Capital/HEI Resorts & Hotels

Architect: HKS

Interior Designer (residences): Daly Genik Architects

Interior Designer (hotel): Architropolis (early phase), Myhre Group (middle phase), Designstudio ltd. with Lee and Sakahara (final phase)

Interior Designer (restaurant): Zeff Design

Mechanical Engineer: Critichfield Mechanical

Structural Engineer: DCI Engineers

Electrical Engineer: Rosendin Electric

Civil Engineer: Fuscoe Engineering
Geotechnical Engineer: Golder Associates

General Contractor: Webcor Builders

Landscape Architect: Rios Clementi Hale Studios

Signage: Sussman/Preiza

Lighting: Kaplan Gehring McCarroll Architectural Lighting

Art: Lendrum Fine Art

Acoustics: Charles M. Salter Associates; Acoustonica (hotel acoustics)

Size: 969,726 gross square feet

Materials & Sources

Coatings: GE
Building Management System: Siemens

Carpet: Atlas Carpet Mills, Design Origins, Masland Carpets, Fabrica Fine Carpets & Rugs

Exterior Wall Systems: Werner Systems (plaster wall), Clark Pacific (precast), STO (plaster)
Glass: Oldcastle

Gypsum:USG, Georgia/Pacific

HVAC: Critchfield MechanicalLighting: iWorks, Hallmark Lighting, Lightolier, Elliptipar, Translite-Sonoma, Vision 3 Lighting, G Lighting, Kurt Versen, Specialty Lighting Industries

Stone: Cold Spring Granite

Paints and Finishes: Frazee
Wallcoverings: Wolf Gordon, MDC Wallcoverings

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