Interior Design School of Design

Isla Donaldson

Illustrator drawing of the front external elevation of the M/V Sea spirit

The Art of Interior Design is the ability to create a space that provides the necessities of its function in a creative and innovative fashion with considerations to the materiality, sustainability and interactivity of the space. The understanding of the users needs and movement through the space is a priority when is comes to the design as well as the overall atmosphere that is achieved through colour, pattern, textures, lighting and acoustics. During my time at Glasgow School of Art, I have learned various new skills, design processes and theory that have helped my understanding of what it means to be an Interior Designer as well as how to develop a concept into a visualisation. The openness of the Year 4 course provided the opportunity to test different materials and composition, experiment with a variety of techniques (analogue and digital) to show the visuals of a space as well as exploring a unique typology of interior space, a Cruise ship.

Contact
islaanndonaldson@gmail.com
I.Donaldson1@student.gsa.ac.uk
@idisladonaldson
Projects
The Voyage Retreat
Site and Ship
Deck 3
Deck 4
Deck 5 + 6
Deck 1 + 2
Illustrator drawing of the front external elevation of the M/V Sea spirit

The Voyage Retreat

Welcome aboard The Voyage Retreat.

Brief

The project concept is a passenger vessel, taking locals and tourists from Glasgow’s centre out to the Western Isles. The cruise will provide a rich and relaxing experience with a focus on wellness and serenity. It will be an adults only experience in order to help achieve the calmer atmosphere, mainly targeting couples and groups of friends and tourists to share the experience with.

The inspiration for the project and concept stemmed from DH&T research, looking at the use of the River Clyde and how it has declined in recent years. The Clyde was the focal point of Glasgow’s trade industry but is now rarely used, therefore, my ambition and aim for the project is to bring a new experience to the Clyde and bring back the importance of the Clyde to the City of Glasgow.

The Cruise will provide 2 types of cabins for privacy and sleep, a restaurant and bar for socialising and enjoying a world-class meal and the wellness centre, that provides various relaxing services. When the ship is docked in the Prince’s Docks, the cruise will open up to the public and Glasgow locals for them to use the restaurant and bar in the evenings as well as day passes to the wellness centre during the day.

This concept would be successful in Glasgow as it does not have any experiences like this. There is boats and ships that provide services like sight-seeing or ‘booze cruises’ that are mainly day trips (no cabins) or there is a cruise port for large international cruises that focus around tourists and kids entertainment. With this, I believe there is a gap in the market for a Wellness Cruise in Glasgow.

Users

The target market for this cruise experience is aimed at a mix of locals of Glasgow who are looking for a close weekend getaway as well as tourists who want to visit Glasgow and the Islands in a unique way. It is an adults only experience meaning no under 18’s allowed. This decision was made to ensure that the peaceful atmosphere of the cruise was maintained and uninterrupted. Couples and groups of friends would be likely to enjoy the experience together, whether it be as a day trip to the spa or the 3 day cruise down the Clyde.

Poster for the voyage retreat

POSTER

Poster for the voyage retreat

Site and Ship

Ship- M/V Sea Spirit

This new cruise experience will take place on the M/V Sea Spirit. This ship is currently operating as a polar expedition as well as touring the British Isles. The vessel was purpose built for rough waters and can occupy up to 127 passengers and 85 crew members. Elements that the Sea Spirit already equips include 4 lifeboats and 5 liferafts. The exterior of the ship is split into to, the hull (lower half) is made from steel panels which are painted blue and has branding on each side. This typology will stand out on the River Clyde as it is unlike any ships seen so close to the centre of Glasgow and will advertise and exhibit the sumptuous experience inside.

Approx footprint of site:

Overall length = 90.6m

Breadth moulded = 15.3m

Depth to bulkhead = 5.85m

6 accessible decks, 2 functional decks

 

Site- Prince’s Docks, G51 1EA

The Cruise will begin and terminate at Prince’s docks (formally Cessnock docks) which is located next to the Science Centre on the south side of the River Clyde. This location has many advantages including its proximity to the competitors like the Waverly. The different typologies of ships in the area will allow the voyage retreat tostand out from its competitors. The marina is very accessible for people to get to via foot, with many bridges and footpaths or public transport. It allows a spacious area for the ship to come into and dock, and has a space between water and land where there is potential for a terminal.

Illustrator collage of the chosen ship within the context of the chosen location for docking on the River Clyde

M/V Sea Spirit in the Princes docks

Illustrator collage of the chosen ship within the context of the chosen location for docking on the River Clyde
Map of the Princes docks (formally cessnock docks) to show the placement of the ship in the docks and its surroundings

Map of princes docks

Map of the Princes docks (formally cessnock docks) to show the placement of the ship in the docks and its surroundings

Scale 1:150 @ A3 This is a section of the cruise down the middle to present an overall view of the atmosphere, interactivity and texture of each space

Section

Scale 1:150 @ A3 This is a section of the cruise down the middle to present an overall view of the atmosphere, interactivity and texture of each space
Axonometric shows the vertical relationship from deck to deck.

Axonometric

Axonometric shows the vertical relationship from deck to deck.

Deck 3

To begin the Voyage Retreat experience, the passenger will enter the ship on Deck 3. Stepping into the grand, double height lobby, they will be greeted by a member of staff who will offer a refreshing beverage and direct them to the central reception desk which wraps around the magnificent installation piece. This desk will be where passengers can come to ask any queries they may have as well as book tables for the restaurant and bar. A member of the concierge team will escort them to their cabin, down the corridor lined with doors, towards the stern (front) of the ship. Behind these doors awaits the standard cabins found on Deck 3, each contain a plush double bed, wardrobe and storage space, television and other amenities as well as an ensuite. At the bow (back) of the ship, you will find the Seascape restaurant. The front of house staff will direct the customer around the front desk into the large restaurant space filled with booth seating and tables as well as a round stage for the jazz band to serenade.

Scale 1:150 @ A3

Deck 3 plans

Scale 1:150 @ A3
The first interior space you will experience on the Voyage Retreat is the lobby. A vast space with a double heighted area in the centre for the installation to go through. The sculpture installation creates a soothing yet grand atmosphere in the space. It acts as an exhibition as well as a way-finding tool in the centre of deck 3 and 4. Around this is the reception desk with a surface all the way around. The desk is made from plywood but has a shiny, marble effect vinyl finish on top. To the side of the desk is the central staircase to take you up to deck 4. The glass staircase wraps around the installation and brings you to the mezzanine. The lobby is at the centre of the cruise as the resturant and cabins come off it. There is seating in the lobby for you, the guests, to relax and enjoy the central hub of the ship.

Reception

The first interior space you will experience on the Voyage Retreat is the lobby. A vast space with a double heighted area in the centre for the installation to go through. The sculpture installation creates a soothing yet grand atmosphere in the space. It acts as an exhibition as well as a way-finding tool in the centre of deck 3 and 4. Around this is the reception desk with a surface all the way around. The desk is made from plywood but has a shiny, marble effect vinyl finish on top. To the side of the desk is the central staircase to take you up to deck 4. The glass staircase wraps around the installation and brings you to the mezzanine. The lobby is at the centre of the cruise as the resturant and cabins come off it. There is seating in the lobby for you, the guests, to relax and enjoy the central hub of the ship.
Walking down the green glass aisle off the Lobby, a light aroma of the ocean from the seafood cuisine will encapsulate you as you arrive at the front desk. As you are shown to your table, you will travel through a long space filled with people enjoying themselves and the sound of laughter drowned out by the soulful jazz band on the stage at the end of the space. You take your seat on a booth on the portside of the restaurant, sinking into the velvety seat, lined with cushions. With the view of the unique archtiecture of the Glasgow Science Centre and City of Glasgow beyond behind you, you enjoy your appetizing meal. The interiors are layered in deep oranges and soft red fabrics as well as dark wood finishes and warm, ambient lighting.

SeaScape Restaurant

Walking down the green glass aisle off the Lobby, a light aroma of the ocean from the seafood cuisine will encapsulate you as you arrive at the front desk. As you are shown to your table, you will travel through a long space filled with people enjoying themselves and the sound of laughter drowned out by the soulful jazz band on the stage at the end of the space. You take your seat on a booth on the portside of the restaurant, sinking into the velvety seat, lined with cushions. With the view of the unique archtiecture of the Glasgow Science Centre and City of Glasgow beyond behind you, you enjoy your appetizing meal. The interiors are layered in deep oranges and soft red fabrics as well as dark wood finishes and warm, ambient lighting.
For my 20 credits, I focused on bespoke furniture, looking into the materiality, safety and construction of each piece. For the restaurant it was the curved booth seating

Booth seating- 20 credits

For my 20 credits, I focused on bespoke furniture, looking into the materiality, safety and construction of each piece. For the restaurant it was the curved booth seating
Top view of ensuite in standard cabins.

Ensuite

Top view of ensuite in standard cabins.
There a 2 types of cabins to choose from on the Voyage Retreat. On deck 3 you will find the standard cabins, with a slightly lower price point, the rooms offer a silky double bed to sink into for a restful nights sleep, warm, ambient lighting to continue the relaxing atmosphere after your day at the spa and an ensuite with walk-in shower. Each cabin has a window to enjoy the view outside. Bespoke headboards are found in the cabins to symbolise the scallop pattern.

Standard cabin

There a 2 types of cabins to choose from on the Voyage Retreat. On deck 3 you will find the standard cabins, with a slightly lower price point, the rooms offer a silky double bed to sink into for a restful nights sleep, warm, ambient lighting to continue the relaxing atmosphere after your day at the spa and an ensuite with walk-in shower. Each cabin has a window to enjoy the view outside. Bespoke headboards are found in the cabins to symbolise the scallop pattern.

Deck 4

Travelling up the wrapping staircase will bring you to Deck 4. The open mezzanine will allow the passenger to continue to enjoy the tapering installation and be able to look down into the lobby below. At the bow of Deck 4, there is the exclusive Observation bar. With a multitude of seating options to find a space to relax with a drink and enjoy the evening and the views out of the windows of Glasgow’s skyline. There is acces to the outdoor deck where you can also enjoy your beverage and socialise with the other cruisers. Towards the stern of the ship, there is a mixture of the standard and suite cabins. The suites are larger in size and offer a more spacious and luxurious interior including lounge areas and larger ensuite, complete with walk-in shower and a bath.

Scale 1:150 @ A3

Deck 4 plans

Scale 1:150 @ A3
As the conical installation continues over the 2 decks, it gets wider towards the ceiling of Deck 4. The inspiration for the shape of the sculpture come from the iconic traffic cone on the Duke of Wellington statue in Royal exchange square. Taking the traffic cone and turning it upside down to create a funnel shape. This means the sculpture on deck 3 will be narrow and gradual spread out to the ceiling where the material will continue to mimic the base of the cone Materials: Stainless steel wire rope will be used to at the main structural material element and make up the conoid shape. In between the wire will be a mix of blue and clear tinted film to make the scalloping texture and pattern of the sculpture. Down the centre of the funnel shape wil be LED lights that dim on and off at different times to achieve the light changing and ‘sparkling’ effect. This central area is mainly a transitional and exhibitional space to get from one floor to the other and one end of the ship to the other. The mezzanine is made safe with a round glass bannister and wooden handrail. To celebrate the central installation, the Observation bar spills out around the mezzanine.

Mezzanine

As the conical installation continues over the 2 decks, it gets wider towards the ceiling of Deck 4. The inspiration for the shape of the sculpture come from the iconic traffic cone on the Duke of Wellington statue in Royal exchange square. Taking the traffic cone and turning it upside down to create a funnel shape. This means the sculpture on deck 3 will be narrow and gradual spread out to the ceiling where the material will continue to mimic the base of the cone Materials: Stainless steel wire rope will be used to at the main structural material element and make up the conoid shape. In between the wire will be a mix of blue and clear tinted film to make the scalloping texture and pattern of the sculpture. Down the centre of the funnel shape wil be LED lights that dim on and off at different times to achieve the light changing and ‘sparkling’ effect. This central area is mainly a transitional and exhibitional space to get from one floor to the other and one end of the ship to the other. The mezzanine is made safe with a round glass bannister and wooden handrail. To celebrate the central installation, the Observation bar spills out around the mezzanine.
The Observation bar is the social hub of the cruise experience. With ambient music playing soft in the background, enjoy a signature cocktail or other refereshment from the bar at the bow of the space. The free standing bar is decorated in glass bottles in front of up lit, oxidised mirrors. The openness of the seating allows you, the passengers, to mix and enjoy the experience together. Take your drink outside on the deck and enjoy the view and cruising experience.

The Observation Bar

The Observation bar is the social hub of the cruise experience. With ambient music playing soft in the background, enjoy a signature cocktail or other refereshment from the bar at the bow of the space. The free standing bar is decorated in glass bottles in front of up lit, oxidised mirrors. The openness of the seating allows you, the passengers, to mix and enjoy the experience together. Take your drink outside on the deck and enjoy the view and cruising experience.
Explosion drawing of the materials and shapes used to compose and construct the bar unit in the Observation bar

The bar- 20 credits

Explosion drawing of the materials and shapes used to compose and construct the bar unit in the Observation bar

Ensuite

Similar to the standard room cabins, the suites offer a lavish bed as well as a plush lounge area on top of a supple carpeted floor. Walking onto the fresh marble floor of the luxurious ensuite, through the wooden double sliding doors, it is equipped with a walk-in shower as well as a deep bath and mirrors.

Suite cabin

Similar to the standard room cabins, the suites offer a lavish bed as well as a plush lounge area on top of a supple carpeted floor. Walking onto the fresh marble floor of the luxurious ensuite, through the wooden double sliding doors, it is equipped with a walk-in shower as well as a deep bath and mirrors.

The bar- 20 credits

Shelf detail

Deck 5 + 6

The upper floors are dedicated to the wellness centre and spa onboard the Voyage Retreat. Entering from the stairs or the lifts, you will find the spa reception desk to check in for appointments. Behind this is the changing rooms with shower, lockers and toilets. Access to the outdoor spa deck with outdoor bar, hot tub, lounge seating and DJ desk for music is from the changing rooms. Deck 5 is considered to be the ‘louder’ deck of the wellness centre as it provides the well equipped gym, salon and public plunge pool, sauna and steam room. At the stern of Deck 5 is the captains wheel house, where operations and the running of the ship take place and is only accessible by the staff. Deck 6 of the Voyage Retreat is the quiet area of the spa and wellness centre. Accessed via the stairs or lift, the staff will direct the passengers to their allocated treatment room. After the treatment, the customer will be allowed to relax in the room after and enjoy the private balcony area of each space. This deck also has staff storage spaces and a front outdoor deck which can be used to view to docking of the ship. The space on this floor is limited by the function and operational existing spaces.

Deck 5 plans

Scale 1:150 @ A3
The outdoor area of the spa is the busiest area of the wellness centre. Grab a towel and sit and relax on our bespoke lounge seating made from denier canvas which is waterproof. Walk across the existing wood floorings to the outdoor bar for a refreshment and some shade under the round shade sail stretched around steal beams and mounted on the wall.

Outdoor deck of Wellness centre

The outdoor area of the spa is the busiest area of the wellness centre. Grab a towel and sit and relax on our bespoke lounge seating made from denier canvas which is waterproof. Walk across the existing wood floorings to the outdoor bar for a refreshment and some shade under the round shade sail stretched around steal beams and mounted on the wall.
The sauna and steam room can be found next door to each other. The steam room is completely tiled and has a curvature theme to its design, with individual seating bays for up to 6 people. Both rooms have windows to the outdoor deck and can enjoy the views.

Steam room pods

The sauna and steam room can be found next door to each other. The steam room is completely tiled and has a curvature theme to its design, with individual seating bays for up to 6 people. Both rooms have windows to the outdoor deck and can enjoy the views.

Deck 6 plans

Scale 1:50 @ A3
The private massage and treatment rooms will allow you to fully emmerse yourself into the relaxing experience. The ambient lighting from LED strips around the rock tiled wall will contribute to the rejuvinating experieince. With smells of lavender and the feeling of leather beneath your skin.

Treatment room

The private massage and treatment rooms will allow you to fully emmerse yourself into the relaxing experience. The ambient lighting from LED strips around the rock tiled wall will contribute to the rejuvinating experieince. With smells of lavender and the feeling of leather beneath your skin.
Learning the importance of how materials join together is vital to understand the texture, stability and size of a material to another. This junction shows the wall to tile and shelf junction.

Material junction

Learning the importance of how materials join together is vital to understand the texture, stability and size of a material to another. This junction shows the wall to tile and shelf junction.
In the group room, you can participate in group meditaion, yoga and pilates sessions. The walls of this space are lined with sound dampening properities of PET felt, to enclose the sounds inside the space. The smooth wooden flooring is covered with PVC yoga mats and the space is decorated with calming colours and textures like linen as well as a nature wall.

Group room

In the group room, you can participate in group meditaion, yoga and pilates sessions. The walls of this space are lined with sound dampening properities of PET felt, to enclose the sounds inside the space. The smooth wooden flooring is covered with PVC yoga mats and the space is decorated with calming colours and textures like linen as well as a nature wall.

Deck 1 + 2

Going back down the ship, Deck 1 and 2 is only accessible by staff members and no passengers. This is due to it being there space to complete their work tasks and also get some of their own rest as they live on the ship temporarily for their shifts. The staff cabins are shared with two members and have bespoke bunk beds, personal storage and a shared ensuite. There is a staff relaxation space where they can socialise with their colleages as well as the laundry room where all of the washing for the ship takes place.

Scale 1:150 @ A3

Deck 2 plans

Scale 1:150 @ A3
The staff cabins are shared between 2 colleagues. They share an ensuite bathroom, equipped with a shower, sink and toilet. Their sleeping arrangment is bunk single sized bunk beds complete with acoustic curtains and individual reading lights and cork boards. The stairs to the top bunk also act as more storage as they are drawers

Section of staff cabin

The staff cabins are shared between 2 colleagues. They share an ensuite bathroom, equipped with a shower, sink and toilet. Their sleeping arrangment is bunk single sized bunk beds complete with acoustic curtains and individual reading lights and cork boards. The stairs to the top bunk also act as more storage as they are drawers

Top view of staff cabin

Explosion drawing of the materials used to construct the bespoke staff bunk beds, including the storage stairs.

Bunks- 20 credits

Explosion drawing of the materials used to construct the bespoke staff bunk beds, including the storage stairs.
Scale 1:10 @ A4 Details of storage stair and function

The bunks - 20 credit

Scale 1:10 @ A4 Details of storage stair and function
Technical drawing of storage stairs for staff bunks

The bunks- 20 credit

Technical drawing of storage stairs for staff bunks