Sara Piedrahita

I'm Sara, a dedicated Interior Designer with a background in Interior Architecture from Colombia. My journey continued as I pursued a Bachelor of Interior Design in Toronto. Passion drives my work, particularly in the realms of art, architecture, and the fascinating world of interior spaces. My major focus lies in crafting inviting and functional spaces for hospitality, including hostels and residences. I thrive on exploring new ideas and trends, always eager to incorporate fresh perspectives into my designs.

Contact

sarapiedrahita55@gmail.com Share This Page

Project Overview

Introducing the WHO International Student Residence in Toronto: a dedicated space for international students recently arrived in the city. The residence offers a safe, supportive community where students can study and thrive together. Recognizing the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, particularly feelings of isolation, our aim is to provide a welcoming atmosphere that embraces diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.

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The intention through this parti diagram was to define private and public spaces, exploring how both could be integrated for students to socialize

Conceptual digital drawing of four repeating circles

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Repeating elements in the space are important because they create a unified and welcoming atmosphere. Presenting them in a circular layout helps to showcase the sense of community

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Bringing overlapping elements in a repetitive way, with diverse colors, represents the diversity of international students and the community.

Concept/Design Process

Having a strong sense of community is crucial in co-housing. It means people in the community support and connect with each other. Community here refers to a group with shared social ties and perspectives. Design-wise, repeating elements in the space is important because it creates a unified and welcoming atmosphere. Diversity is also emphasized in co-housing, aiming to bring together students from different backgrounds to make the community more vibrant and inclusive.

Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)

The floor plans were organized around the central point, which is the library since it's the area where more students tend to socialize. This is followed by the game zone on the second floor, connected to the library through an opening in the middle. The rest of the areas were placed surrounding that central space, creating a circular circulation in an open concept manner.