School of Design | Interior Design
Student: Makenna Lucey
Faculty: Ji Young Kim

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The entrance of the Bonsai Store shows views of the repurposed copper-toned steel supporting the structure of deteriorating bio-plastic. Natural materials, sand, rocks, repurposed stone seating, and bonsai are placed strategically to create a zen-like layout directed by plastic dividers. An interior that allows reconnection with nature through reused materials.

Stability in Time challenges the short life cycle of single-use materials by habilitating a community-friendly environment where visitors can reimburse themselves with nature through plastic waste alternatives. The zen-garden-like interior utilizes reclaimed and natural materials to emphasize the juxtaposition of material temporal experience observable through steel and bio-plastic. The 100% recyclable steel frames support the structure of bio-plastic room divisions; as one holds its form and rusts, the other slowly deteriorate over time.

The Bonsai Store is a community gathering spot for all ages and backgrounds, fostering friendly and thoughtful interaction. The site recovers the preexisting current, walls, flooring, and ceiling. Additional elements, such as found steel, plastic, and stone, are used for furniture material.

Plan and sections of the Bonsai Store’s layout describing the spacial relations and plasticity of the plastic. Thick and opaque plastics define private interior sectors, while thin and transparent plastics define public sectors with a short life span. Steel frames structurally support the plastic dividers. The entrance and middle of the first floor are public for displays and zen garden walk-throughs. The back of the first floor consists of a private meeting room enclosed by multiple thick plastics: two staircases and one elevator, direct traffic. The second floor consists of thicker plastics defining a private area for workshops.