Interior Design School of Design
Isla Donaldson
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reception
SeaScape Restaurant
Standard cabin
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.
Mezzanine
The Observation Bar
Suite cabin
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.
Outdoor deck of Wellness centre
Treatment room
Group room
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.