Beth Amtmann
Sanctuary: Safe Spaces for Teen Girls' Individual Expression
The teenage years: we can all relate; we have all (somehow) gotten through them. These are years of emotional and hormonal roller coasters, of intense relationships, of peer pressure and questionable decision-making, and of exploration and a fight for independence. However, the ability to be true to oneself early can positively affect the choices you make and the paths you take in life. ‘Sanctuary’ is about inspiring NYC teen girls to create their own space where they can be and express themselves freely, in the safety of their homes, although many share small spaces with family members.
BioBorn and raised in Baltimore MD, Beth loves working to address the needs of people. A Girl Scout since age seven, she grew up sharing her love of engineering, materials, art, and discovery with those around her. After graduating from UMD in 2003, Beth worked as an Event Planner and a Furniture Designer in Washington, DC before relocating to Brooklyn to study at Pratt Institute.
ehamtmann[at]hotmail[dot]com
Advisor
Fred Blumline
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Ayça Çakmaklı
A Good Design = A Good Mate
Imagine you can design your own mate. What kind of characteristics would you give him or her? Now imagine you can design your own product. What kind of characteristics would you give that product? Are there similar traits you would give to both such as beauty, trustworthiness and excitement? I suspect that between your two lists there will be several overlaps. Companies realize that there is an abundance of choice, which is why each strives to come up with the right equation to steal consumer's hearts. I argue that the traits consumer's want in a good design are the same traits they want in a good mate.
BioAyça Çakmaklı is a designer from Istanbul, Turkey. After receiving her undergraduate degree in political science and visual arts she worked internationally on several multi media projects that dealt with cultural and political issues. After realizing she could make a more meaningful impact on the world through design, she decided to move to New York and study at Pratt.
cakmakli[at]gmail[dot]com
Advisor
Bruce Hannah
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Vanessa Chew
Elemental Form: Scratching Beneath the Surface
It wasn't love at first sight. We met in the 90's, had fun and parted ways. It wasn't until after college that I started to fall in love with hip hop - listening to artists like The Roots, Mos Def, Blackalicious, Zion-I, and Hieroglyphics. But hip hop is more than music. It is a culture, community, and a way of life. Blending my love and respect for hip hop with design, this study looks beyond the surface, materials and graphics to explore form as an expression of its elements.
BioBelieving that life is about growth and learning, Vanessa ventured to New York in search of a career that utilizes her natural abilities and interests. Prior to Pratt she worked in HR and IT. Vanessa has a B.S. in Managerial Economics and minor in Computer Science from UC Davis.
vanessa[at]vanessachew[dot]com
http://www.vanessachew.com
Advisor
Bruce Hannah
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Hayyim Danzig
Design & Synesthesia
A lucky few people's brains produce synesthesia, or joined sensation, from the things they see, hear, taste, smell, touch, and know. Synesthetes hear colors, see music, taste textures, and much more. I explored these strange but wonderful experiences to find ways that they may enrich our lives, specifically our music and art. What would a Kandinsky sound like, or a Charles Mingus number look like? I have begun to design a system that would allow a musical performance to be seen just as it is heard, and I have started with the bass guitar.
BioHayyim Danzig has performed as a bassist in one hundred cities on five continents, and now lives in Bronx, NY. He received an Honors BA in psychology from Yeshiva University and is now completing his MID at Pratt Institute. Hayyim is interested in music, exhibitory, and product design.
hayyimdanzig[at]gmail[dot]com
www.hayyimdanzig.com
Advisor
Fred Blumlein
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Evan Dewhirst
Body By Numbers: The Power of Personal Data
You wake up in the morning and go about your daily ritual. Bathroom, shower, a bite to eat, and its off to work. The routine remains the same, but what has changed are the products surrounding you: the shirt you pull on, and even your underwear. These products that come into intimate contact with your body are constantly tracking your health. Your toilet still removes waste just as efficiently as ever, but before it does, it records copious amounts of information about your nutritional habits. Personal tracking is a powerful tool for generating personal insight and a positive change in habits.
BioEvan Dewhirst has an ardent curiosity about the natural world, which he considers a major source of inspiration for his work. He hopes to distinguish himself based on an ability to generate insights from observation and thereby develop elegant but organic solutions to complex problems. Whether working on furniture or consumer goods, he draws on a breadth of disciplines and experience to generate unique designs. He earned an A.B. in both Biology and Visual Arts from Bowdoin College and he is now completing a Master’s degree in Industrial Design at the Pratt Institute.
evandewhirst[at]gmail[dot]com
Advisor
Bruce Hannah
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Tawny Hixson
Forget Me Not: Evoking Connection Through Design
Objects often have personal meaning and value as a result of who and what they remind us of. The way they look, the way they feel, and what memory we associate with the object, all contribute to this meaning. For this reason objects can act as a bridge, connecting us to the distant or unreachable. Through designing products sensitive to this unspoken dialogue, each forget me not object brings you closer to someone, reminding you of the connection you have to others.
BioShortly after graduating from Western Washington University with a BA in Fine Arts and a concentration in Photography, Tawny moved to Brooklyn. Being a transplant of the west coast, she is always seeking new ways to feel connected to distant loved ones. She values making pickles from scratch with her grandmother and her fancy gold watch from Japan. Tawny has exhibited at Brooklyn Designs, IMM Cologne and the New York Auto Show.
hi[at]tawnyhixson[dot]com
www.tawnyhixson.com
Advisor
Andrew Schloss
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Cindy Juette
Traditional Principles, Progressive Design: Aesthetic Sensitivity for More Distinctive Automotive Styling
Traditional Principles, Progressive Design discusses the importance of aesthetic sensitivity and sophistication in automotive styling. A series of established visual principles, principles at the root of Pratt's industrial design curriculum, have been utilized by artists and designers to generate beauty for centuries. This academic study shows how a renewed sensitivity to such concepts would help generate more distinctive character for the automotive future.
BioCindy Juette has been balancing her academic development at Pratt Institute with a full-time position as a graphic and structural design conceptualist for International Paper’s Point-of-Purchase display division. She intends to bring her professional experiences coupled with her new found knowledge of three-dimensional form and aesthetics to a progressive design position in the automotive industry.
ckjuette[at]hotmail[dot]com
Advisor
Andrew Schloss
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Richard Karsten
Beyond Color: Achromatic Phenomena
"Beyond Color: Achromatic Phenomena," is a book exploring the visual phenomena that influence the way we see and feel about surfaces and objects that surround us. Simply put, achromatic phenomena are those attributes outside of color that affect the way something appears. Fundamental examples are luster, gloss, transparency, luminosity and iridescence. This is an exploration of how we see surfaces and objects in art, design and nature as demonstrated by inspired photography and visual experiments.
www.achromaticphenomena.com
BioIn his career, Richard Karsten has been bringing brands to life through a proven process that balances strategic thinking, creativity and practical implementation. He has led powerful design and branding programs integrating graphic and industrial design for clients large and small. Richard owns and operates Karsten Creative LLC and holds a BFA from Parsons School of Design.
richard[at]karstencreative[dot]com
www.karstencreative.com
Advisor
Bruce Hannah
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Heléne Harley Kenny
Action|Reaction: Let’s Get Physical
In the growing industry of Interactive Design, many aspects of the physical world are hidden; so much of it is based in digital technology. Interactions can be much more powerful and magical when experienced though the tactile environment. By utilizing analog technology in Tangible Interactive Design, Action|REaction generates playful experiences, stimulates the body and mind, and creates a sense of wonder. Experiencing the spectacle of immediate surroundings allows the individual to understand the interrelated structure of reality and the integral part he or she plays in it.
BioHeléne Harley Kenny is a designer that explores the limits of our expectations. This ex-gymnast grew up in Washington DC and moved West to earn her BA in Architecture from UC Berkeley, CA. Since then she has lived in Brooklyn, NY working in architecture and exhibit design. For the past two years, Heléne has been obsessed with interactive design and reactive environments that move along with her.
helenekenny[at]yahoo[dot]com
Advisor
Lucia N. DeRespinis
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Joshua Newman
Cooking Your Life: Engendering Patience through Slow Life Design
As a result of the current pervasive technology and accelerating pace of life, there is an increased desire for convenience and instant gratification. Although not readily apparent, there are drastic consequences for this lifestyle choice. Examples include obesity, technological dependence, financial instability and psychological depression. As a reaction, an exploration began of people leading self-sufficient and humble, yet happy and healthy lives. The stories and findings were incorporated into a new design paradigm. Emphasis was placed on a product’s lasting effects to a person's health, well-being, and patience. Design opportunity was found exploring the visceral connection (or lack thereof) between food and its effect on everyday life.
BioA New Englander at heart, Joshua majored in Physics and Sculptural Art at Hamilton College, although neither career path tickled his fancy. Josh soon found a love for craft while working in upstate New York combining his passions into design. Joshua continually looks forward to cooking a good meal and making people smile.
newman.joshua[at]gmail[dot]com
Advisor
Hyukjae (Henry) Yoo
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Binsei Numao
Rain Play
Rain turns a good day bad. It makes gray clouds in the sky and within us and gets everything wet. Parents protect their kids from the rain and shelter them from getting wet. Kids, however, enjoy the experiences of such a "bad" day. They are fun seekers and their curiosity never dries out. This project takes a look at rain from this angle and encourages us to think about rain in a different way.
BioBinsei earned his bachelor's degree in commerce in Japan where he was born and raised. He left for the U.S. in search of a deeper understanding of himself and his own culture when he was 24 years old. He is currently working towards his master's degree in Industrial Design at Pratt Institute.
binseiny[at]gmail[dot]com
Advisor
Bruce Hannah
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Heidi Patterson
Meaning in Motion: How Objects Can Encourage Charitable Acts
A designer cannot guarantee the meaningfulness of an object. The designer however is the first person to make the decisions that can lead to a more meaningful experience. From the moment a designer decides what materials to use, or what form the object should have, or how the object will be obtained he is deciding whether or not an object has the possibility to be meaningful. Meaning in Motion explores gift exchange as a means of creating an experience for the recipient of a gift that can encourage future gifting to those in need.
BioHeidi earned a BA in Economics with a minor in General Business. She has spent over 10 years working with children which included owning her own preschool before pursuing a Master's degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute.
hpatterson01[at]gmail[dot]com
Advisor
Fred Blumlein
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Michael Roopenian
Outside In
Productivity is an expectation in any office setting, yet the monotonous environment provided often speaks otherwise to our human sensitivities. Dull, overly functional environments starve our brains of the stimulation needed to sustain focus and mental wellbeing over long periods of time. Natural settings on the other hand, expertly
achieve this passive type of stimulation in a way that is tuned into our innate human attractions and preferences. This project attempts to redesign the elements of the office using this sensory experience of nature as a guide for rekindling this interaction with our senses.
BioRaised off the coast of Maine in Acadia National Park, Michael spent his childhood hiking, exploring, and rejecting the latest toys in preference of a pencil and paper. After receiving his B.A. in sculpture from Kenyon College, he worked with artists, interior designers and on commissioned public art before moving to Brooklyn to attend Pratt. His work has been featured at the IMM Cologne, and design blogs Swiss Miss and Yanko Design.
mroopenian[at]gmail[dot]com
www.michaelroopenian.com
Advisor
Fred Blumlein
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Glorimar Santiago
Sustainability in the Caribbean: A Permaculture Study Center in Corozal, PR
This thesis adopts concepts of radical sustainability in its premise: the understanding that a true definition for sustainability must include socio-economic, cultural, spiritual and ecological dimensions. Eco village and transitional methods will be applied to an environmental Study Center to be located in Corozal, Puerto Rico, called Permalab. This thesis presents a preliminary design for this site including six apartments for visitors, rainwater collection system, constructed wetlands for the treatment of greywater and a roof garden. Its aim is to be a natural sanctuary and an example to current and future generations; a space where human ingenuity and the creative forces of nature are joined.
BioWorked as a restaurant, furniture and lighting designer for the last ten years. Before and throughout that, dabbled in all kinds of platforms, from interface design to exhibits. Out of school, started own co., Gora Designs, and was a jewelry and tabletop designer. Also designed exhibits for the Government of P.R., made ceramic waves in surfing country and aluminum bras for the Italians, and ended up in California, where the focus changed to environmental and sustainable design. Hoping to improve the world through design, starting with the built environment.
Bachelors In Science- Industrial Psychology, University of Central Florida
Pratt Institute- MID 2010
glorimar[at]thinkgreentank[dot]com
Advisor
Fred Blumlein
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Lys Hunter Schwartz
Tools for the Good Life
Tools for the Good Life examines how ritual can inspire and inform the design of products. Rituals bring consciousness and balance to experience; two key factors in improving quality of life. Focusing on our relationships to ourselves, each other and our environment, these products generate awareness and facilitate meaningful interactions. The designs demonstrate how products and product experience can enhance our daily routines, adding quality through intention, information and direction.
BioThis San Francisco native moved to New York City nearly 8 years ago where she attended NYU's Gallatin School. After completing a Masters in Industrial Design at Pratt, she will continue to explore, learn and find ways to make everyday a little bit better.
lys[at]lyshunter[dot]com
www.lyshunter.com
Advisor
Andrew Schloss
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Kathleen Scully
Approaching Color: Exercises & Application
Kathleen Scully provides a series of exercises which any designer can practice to gain experience using color on three-dimensional design. The exercises offer a way of approaching color through a series of studies that with daily practice- just as a musician would practice scales or a scientist would experiment, one will have a better understanding of color's power and gain confidence to utilize color to one's heart content. With a holistic knowledge of color any designer can come to their own conclusions about the colors they choose.
BioMs. Scully moved to New York City at age eighteen to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology. After almost ten years in the fashion industry she wanted to make a greater impact in the world of design and a lesser impact on the environment. For the past three years she has been studying in the Master's of Industrial Design program at Pratt Institute, where she has been able to hone her holistic approach to design. She aspires to be ambidextrous and practices daily while brushing her teeth with her left hand.
msscullyhere[at]gmail[dot]com
Advisor
Andrew Schloss
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David Steinvurzel
Design & Decay
The demand for cleaner energy, sustainable manufacturing practices, and biodegradable goods, puts nature, and its million years of evolution, in the spotlight as a source of design efficiency. To study nature solely for its beauty and abundance in growth does not create a whole picture. The lifecycle is kept in check and heavily balanced by the processes of decay. Our inherent repulsion of decay gives it an unsavory stigma, but it too can be a source of inspiration. Products can take on new meaning, function, and beauty by applying the function
and aesthetics of decay.
BioDavid treats design as a puzzle, using his multiple backgrounds to flush out apt and meaningful solutions. After graduating from Tufts University with a dual degree in economics and fine art, David went on to work in architecture, furniture, and food photography. He enjoys wearing many hats of the design process, especially ones with large feathers.
david.steinvurzel[at]gmail[dot]com
Advisor
Bruce Hannah
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Ann Stepanek
Looking on The Brightside
It is believed that the manner in which we internalize stress is the key to whether it affects us positively or negatively. If we feel we have the tools to overcome the stressor it feels like a motivator. If not it feels like an obstacle. This exploration looks into possible ways that existing relaxation techniques and tools can be enhanced. With forms inspired by nature, these design solutions are geared toward women and ultimately aim to bring peace-of-mind through self-awareness, play, and a more positive outlook on the benefits of stress.
BioAnn received her BA in Design Studies and Art History from Connecticut College in 2003. After graduation Ann relocated to New York where she spent four years working at The Metropolitan Museum of Art before she decided to pursue her graduate studies at Pratt Institute.
astep15[at]gmail[dot]com
www.annstepanekdesign.com
Advisor
Andrew Schloss
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Minos Tzouflas
Figuring out the Details
Details are what distinguish a great design from all the others. They are also what make objects unique, functional and valuable to the owners. The ability to customize a product yourself and make it even more unique can also create an emotional bond for the owner. This applies to all products and I think that motorcycles are a great example where the details reflect the craftsman and owner alike. In this thesis, I examined the details of a custom Harley-Davidson by designing and learning to build a motorcycle of my own.
BioI graduated from Occidental College in '04 with a degree in Chemistry. After a few years and a few jobs (not necessarily related to chemistry), I found industrial design and Pratt. I hope to continue designing and building prototypes in whatever industry I work and will continue to build my own motorcycles.
m.tzouflas[at]gmail[dot]com
Advisor
Henry Yoo
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Meredith Zuchman
Get Lit: Adventures in Wearable Light
The Experience of light is unavoidable. It is witnessed each day as the sun rises, moves across the sky, and eventually sets leaving us in its shadow. Through the course of this daily journey, the ephemeral qualities of light are absorbed into our psyche affecting our perception of the world and our own beings. Get Lit captures these lighting effects, recreating them in wearable items that influence the wearer's emotional state and accentuates their image, lending character and drama to their daily adventures.
BioMeredith is graduating with a Master's Degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute in May 2010. Prior to this she worked as a jewelry designer and gallery associate. With an eye for trends and styling, her most recent endeavor involves fashion, technology, and wearable design. Meredith is passionate about reading magazines, wearing great shoes, and one day being as lovable as her yellow lab.
mzuchman[at]yahoo[dot]com
Advisor
Andrew Schloss
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