1. natalie joy nicholson • interior architecture • university of oregon • design portfolio • 2016
NATALIE
NICHOLSON

2. CONTENTS
Tourist Information Center
Comprehensive Project
1 2-7
Furniture Design
Working Drawings
Water Vessel
Ferry Boat
Filter Luminaire
8-152
3
4
5
6
7
16-17
18-21
22-23
24-27
28-29
The details are not the details.
They make the design.
- Charles Eames

3. A NEW TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
FOR SEOUL, KOREA
2 Tourist Info Center • Fall 2014
Korea is a country with a rich culture, full of life. The use of Korean
culture to inspire the design of the tourist center creates a new and
interactive center for present and future Seoul, while still embracing the
past. The result is a dynamic space that creates a memorable experience
for all the visitors. The current Tourist Information Center is located in a
basement along a busy street in the center of Seoul, Korea. The redesign
aims to improve the visibility of the entrance, which is easily missed by
passersby. The interior of the existing space is dark and could use a clear
organization. The new design will bring in more light and create easy
way finding. The new entrance will pull in more visitors by creating a
modern landmark. The inspiration is drawn from the curving form of a
traditional Pagoda, however it is built out of glass, which contrasts with
the concrete building behind it. The transparent exterior makes the
entrance more visible, as well as brings light down into the basement.

4. Dynamic Patterns
Keep Spaces Light
4 Tourist Info Center • Fall 2014

5. 6 Tourist Info Center • Fall 2014
The material selection was
inspired by the vibrant city,
which is full of pops of color.
Pinks, greens, and yellows
draw visitors towards the
important spaces. Wood and
durable surfaces are used to
give the space a light feeling.

6. Comprehensive Project • 2015-2016
PUGET SOUND
SHELLFISH EDUCATION CENTER
EDUCATE RESEARCH SUPPORT
GallerySpace
LiveExhibit
EventSpace
ResearchHatchery
MarineLab
OfficeSpace
OysterBar
FreshMarket
MeetingRooms
Children’sCenter
Theater
Ocean Acidification is a huge problem that is threatening marine life worldwide.
Millions of coral, oysters and other species that form shells, are dying off. This
environmental issue has hit the shellfish industry in the Pacific Northwest especially
hard.Shellfish like oysters,mussels,and clams,can actually help clean the ocean water.
They remove pollutants through their filtration systems, improving water quality and
making them a very important species to protect.However,since 2005,many shellfish
have been dying due to the acidity in the water.Although this is a serious issue,many
people have never even heard about ocean acidification. This problem could be helped
by the new Puget Sound Shellfish Education Center, which focuses on educating
the public on this current issue. The multi-use facility spreads awareness through a
unique mixture of educational exhibits,research labs,shellfish pools,and an oyster bar.
This multifaceted educational place is run and funded by a specific shellfish company.
While visitors explore the exhibits, researchers from the company can take steps
towards solving the problem at the lab and hatchery.The results from the lab can then
be implemented in the shellfish company’s’tidal flats, in order to help their business.
From a design project standpoint the main issues and investigations are related to
studying lab design to provide an efficient and productive work environment for the
scientists. Sustainability research is an obvious component of the design intention
and in the way the site and materials are developed and selected.The spaces are meant
to reflect the eco-friendly message of the center and give back to the Puget Sound.
8

7. 10
PUGET SOUND
SHELLFISH EDUCATION CENTER
beginning concepts
Comprehensive Project • 2015-2016
program
overlap
create
outdoor
space
views toward
water
ebb
and flow

8. Comprehensive Project • 2015-201612
The inspiration for my material palette came from looking at an oyster
shell. The outside has a very organic texture that is rough and dirty.
However, the inside of the shell is smooth and shiny and has the
surprise of a pearl. I translated this concept into my material selection.
There are a lot of natural, dark and rough materials contrasted with
shiny and smooth surfaces. For the exhibit I specified more rustic
materials with warm brown tones. This can be seen in the brass track
lighting and the suspended wood ceilings. Communal furniture
accomodates large crowds and is upholstered with organic prints.

9. Located on the mezzanine level, the oyster bar and
event space are the most sophisticated spaces and the
FF&E reflects that. The overall palette is darker than
other areas and has more shiny surfaces. Brass accents
and a dark purple glazed tile bring moments of surprise.
Leather bar stools give the space a feeling of luxury.
Small pendant lights are hung at different heights
to bring an organic and modern aesthetic to the bar.
Comprehensive Project • 2015-201614
Market
Oyster Bar
Exhibit

10. 16
Transform metal into a warm
and welcoming chair.
Mix hard and soft by using
geometric lines and one
organic curve.
Separate the seat from the
frame to create a light,
floating appearance.
COPENHAGEN
CHAIR
Furniture Design • Summer 2013

11. 18
MACTONIC
WORKING DRAWINGS
The goal of the redesign is to make technology, which can
be very intimidating, more approachable. The retail room
is loacted along the eastern edge of the building with the
most windows, pulling people in. Inside the doors, the
floor is filled with small and inviting displays to show off
the merchandise. An interactive table allows customers to
try out computers on their own. The meeting and training
space is located next to the retail room. Transparent walls
create a strong connection with the customers and make
them aware of the lessons that Mactonic offers. The large
space is divided into one flexible meeting room as well
as two smaller areas which support one-on-one classes.
More people will be drawn into the store by creating
a simple and welcoming atmoshpere. The use of
transparency and clean materials like wood will keep the
space light while pops of color make it fun. Dropped
ceilings over the cash wrap and the meeting rooms define
spaces and enhance the supportive and intimate feeling.
Working Drawings • Spring 2015

12. 20
MACTONIC
WORKING DRAWINGS
casework details
Working Drawings • Spring 2015
The material selection
is modern yet still
comfortable. Natural
textures and bright
colors make the rooms
more dynamic. A
terrazzo floor and
suspended wood ceiling
keep the space light.

13. Embody the feeling of
water in an object.
Show motion through a
static material.
Emphasize the properties
of wood.
WATERVESSELWATERVESSEL
22 Water Vessel • Spring 2012

14. 24 Ferry Boat • Spring 2014
While riding the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, passengers are
exposed to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.As the ferry heads through
the Puget Sound toward the island, it is surrounded by mountains and
leaves behind the city skyline.This new ferry design allows travelers, both
commuters and tourists, to enjoy the scenery by emphasizing the exterior.
The current seating does not always facilitate conversation, nor does it
allow people to easily see outside.The new spaces will create a connection
between the interior and exterior. This will let passengers look out to the
views, but still stay warm and have protection from the wind. The design
plays with balconies and furniture arrangements in order to create these
visual connections.The solid core of the ferry is also opened up, allowing
passengers to be able to easily see across the boat, out the windows.
The color scheme is pulled from the surroundings, emphasizing
the city and natural beauty of Washington. Blues, greys and
greens are the main colors used in the spaces, reflecting what is
happening outside. Durable and visually pleasing materials are used
to create a functional space that is comfortable for the passengers.
FERRY BOAT

15. FERRY BOAT
material selection
26
Surfaces and
upholstry that are
durable, can get wet,
and are easy to clean.
Subtle textures and
patterns to reflect the
energy of Seattle.
Use color to
emphasize
destination spots
and egress.
Ferry Boat • Spring 2014Ferry Boat • Spring 2014
Passenger Deck Plan Sun Deck Plan

16. 28
This luminaire was designed for a coffee shop in Eugene,
Oregon. The goal was to bring more light into the room and
give it a warm, cozy feeling. The structure of the luminaire
was welded using chicken wire. Strips of paper were stained
using coffee dye and then woven to create varying light levels.
Filter Luminaire • Spring 2014
FILTER LUMINAIRE
a light for a coffee shop

17. Natalie Nicholson
nicholsonnj@gmail.com
(360) 464-8211