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Laura Morales headshot

Laura Morales

I'm a passionate interior design student with a deep appreciation for art and a strong desire to support people through innovative design. My interest in creating spaces that positively impact individuals has led me to explore the concept of establishing a community center tailored specifically for international students.

Project Overview

The idea behind this project is to provide a dedicated space that caters to the unique needs of international students transitioning to a new country. This community center would offer comprehensive support, including mental health services, social interaction spaces, and opportunities for personal and cultural development. I chose this topic because I understand firsthand the challenges international students face when adapting to a new environment. Having experienced the power of thoughtful design in improving well-being, I believe that creating a purposeful space can significantly enhance the student experience abroad. My goal is to leverage my passion for art and design to make a meaningful difference in the lives of international students, promoting a sense of belonging and overall holistic wellness.

Diagram of conceptual building

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Parti diagrams

Stacking diagram of building floors

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Stacking diagrams

Block diagrams of proposed building and rooms

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Block diagram

Concept/Design Process

The concept of the community center unfolds under the words of “Transitioning to incorporate” . Incorporation can be well defined as the inclusion of something as part of a whole, which is the main goal of this building project. The aim is to accomplish the incorporation of international students, helping during the transition journey to belong to a new culture. When talking about transition, we are referring to a constant movement with the purpose of achieving incorporation. This concept will inspire the circulation & space planning flow and visual representation of design elements that can convey this particular feeling to the building users creating movement and unity throughout the building.

Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)

2D floor plan diagram

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Floor plans

3D render of first level cross section

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First level elevation

3D render of second level cross section

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Building section

Sections/Elevations

3D Views

3D render of bright interior with grand marble staircase and seating

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Open Area

3D render of dining area interior

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Dining area

3D render of study seating

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Open Study Room

Poster showing 3D renders, floor plans and conceptual sketches of Bridgeways Integration Center

Poster

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