The Florence Institute of Design International

Maria Jose Ferrer Moya's "Yorked" Bookshelf | Furniture Design with prof. Giulio Vinci | MA in Interior Design, 1st Semester | Spring 2024 ||

Yorked is a revolutionary modular system consisting of four key pieces designed for
adaptability and versatility. Made with recycled plastic lumber (RPL), the shelf exemplifies eco-friendly innovation, reducing environmental impact while ensuring durability. The modular piece of furniture uses injection molding techniques which are innovative and allow the elements to be stacked in tandem, creating endless configurations. It also comes in a large variety of colors available suit any interior style.
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Josue Alejandro Aguirre Gonzalez's Architectural Branding Project | Photography with Prof. Alex Boyce | Semester in Architecture | Spring 2024 ||

Josue's architectural photography project is a collection of photos from Italians cities such as Florence and Siena, with a feature of St. James Palace in London. The project consists of buildings primarily in the gothic, baroque and Tuscan architectural styles. Josue captured everything from full facades to reflective details.
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Iris Ivonne Estrella Ramos's "Oasis" Coworking Space Project | Interior Design Studio with prof. Carlo Achili | MA in Interior Design, 2nd Semester | Spring 2024 ||

Contextually located in Le Murate in the Santa Croce area of Florence, Iris created "Oasis", a space for meditation and wellness. The program includes recreational spaces such as therapy rooms, a lounge area, kitchen, cafeteria and an outdoor space. Calming and natural materials such as terracotta, porcelanosa, haya and oak, cotton and linen were chosen to embody the concept of an oasis. The corresponding Oasis logo symbolizes the mental health center's goals of unity and support, and employs the same green and neutral colours that create the serene ambiance.
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Shai Rachel Remetz's "Il Villagio" Design Research Project | Interior Design Studio with prof. Alejandro Amador | BA in Design, 6th Semester, Spring 2024 ||

The project is located on a quiet and residential street in the outskirts of Florence. Shai has developed a multigenerational community center, focusing on raising awareness about the issues of dementia, also known as a major neurocognitive disorder. The designed facilities aim to tackle the problems of isolation and depression among people living with dementia. Each of the facilities will enable social interactions and create an overall sense of community, as multi-generational gatherings have been proven to have beneficial effects of mental health, boosting the well being of the residents and reducing their neurodegenerative symptoms. Il Villagio will implement an alternative care based on sensory stimulations and activities such as art therapy and dance movement. Using a strategy of non-verbal communication, to unlock memories and enhance attention as aesthetic judgment. The center is divided into four different areas of child daycare, event area, art area and a library, where each section has sub divisions between bedrooms, living areas and creative and interactive spaces. The project revolves around one major aim - To make a meaningful contribution to society, particularly in how we care for our elderly.
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Mahima Selvaraj's "Jigsaw" Bookshelf | Furniture Design with prof. Giulio Vinci | MA in Interior Design, 1st Semester | Spring 2024 ||

Contrary to its name, Jigsaw is a simplistic and versatile shelf. It breaks the monotony of a room with its discreet but functional design. Made from combinations of wood, glass and brushed brass, the shelf becomes affordable, attainable and aesthetic.
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Christina Zerby's "BRIIIDGE" Design Research Project | Graphic Design Studio with prof. Eleanor Ferguson | BA in Design, 6th Semester, Spring 2024 ||

Christina chose to develop a visual identity for a religious nonprofit organization, which opens the narrative around whether religion is still relevant today. The name is representative of the light of Jesus and the three repeated i's is conceptually standing for The father, son and holy spirit, targeting the soul of searching people. The marketing strategy is mainly based on the use of social media, where brochures, animations and gathering events are promoted. A free outdoor cinema is visualized, called "after death", created where believers can interact and experience near-death experiences into the afterlife. The idea is to visualize Christianity for anyone who is curious. By using design principles of more soft & abstract imagery, whimsical designs and bright colors, she managed to design an informative identity that goes beyond traditional religious imagery. With modern aesthetics and the use of colors inspired by the sunset, the visual dialogue becomes relatable for the reader. The color gradient is used as a symbol for depth, growth and encourages spiritual intimacy together with the reliable and impactful typeface "Gomme sans" - A wide and masculine typography from the sans-serif family. Additionally, the merchandise is meant to be available online for anyone wanting to present Christ and their values as a ministry.
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Eliza Alice Catherine Gethin's Live Project | Graphic Design Studio with prof. Eleanor Ferguson | BA in Design, 4th Semester | Spring 2024 ||

Eliza wanted to modernise Caffe Imperiale without losing the authenticity of the brand. For the logo, she used a visual which resembles a coffee ring, placed slightly off-centre around the centre to give the impression of an accidental stain. Additionally, the coffee ring's color is an ode to the homemade golden pastries on display at the caffe. Eliza's package includes web and app design, menu's and merchandise.
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Lissa Marie Garcia Espinosa's "Coiba" Coffee Table | Furniture Design Studio with prof. Giulio Vinci | MA in Interior Design, 1st semester | Spring 2024 ||

Lissa's ambition was to design a coffee table with two levels of productivity, a versatile piece that could adjust to the space it was in. The result was the Coiba, a two level coffee table with a pivot element, allowing the top surface to rotate based on the desired use. Lissa was drawn to natural materials, which led her to choose wood and travertine for her design.
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Andres Lara Bernal's Architectural Photography Project | Photography with Prof. Alex Boyce | Semester in Interior Design | Spring 2024 ||

Andres's Architectural photography project is set in Venice. From details of the Chiesa di Simeon Piccolo, to standard Venetian buildings and onward to the Basilica di San Marco. Each photo captures the beauty of these architectural structures; from ithe ornate and intricately detailed to the more everyday architecture.
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Maria Jose Ferrer Moya's "Tasso" Co-Working Space I Interior Design Studio with prof. Angelo Renna I MA in Interior Design, 1st Semester I Spring 2024 II

Maria's studio project centers around the use of the versatile and artisan material: terra cotta. Her key concepts were to preserve and use sustainable materials. Terracotta is a sustainable material formed by baking a mixture of clay and water. She uses precedents such as the Florence Duomo, which features terracotta tiles along its dome and roofs, which prove the durability of this material. Terracotta has a burnt orange colour, seen throughout her co-working space, as well as being low cost, low maintenance and efficient due to its thermal and acoustic insulation properties. To continue the theme of sustainability, Maria has integrated a generous amount of greenery throughout her design.
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Alexandra Elsa Sofia Wilson's Alkimia Concept Fragrance Store | Interior Design Studio with prof. Andrés Flores Centeno | Interior Design Diploma, 2nd Semester | Spring 2024 ||

For her fragrance concept store, Alexandra took inspiration from the elements of the night: the moon and space. This appears through the project in the form of shapes, light and movement. Using vibrant materials such as brushed bronze, hammered brass, apricot acrylic and plaster she created an almost futuristic appearance. A main concept of hers was 'anti-gravity', and she used suspended elements to convey this illusion.
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Lourdes Mendoza Gonzalez's Scavenger Hunt Photography Project I Photography with prof. Alex Boyce I Semester in Interior Design I Spring 2024 II

For her scavenger hunt photography assignment, Lourdes took to the streets of Florence and Bologna. For each prompt, she added a corresponding comment. To her 'place of tranquility' prompt, she continued with "The unique connection between
physical activity, history and the beauty of nature." To the prompt of 'your favorite sound', she complimented her selected photo with the statement “Water is the eternal melody of nature.”
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Dunja Stojanovic's "GEN Education Center" Design Research Project | Interior Design Studio with prof. Alejandro Amador | BA in Design, 6th Semester, Spring 2024 ||

Dunja has chosen to develop an education center for her Design Research Project, dedicated to the use of advanced technology. Due to the current technological developments, dual visions are fluctuating between threatening and beneficial. She aims to enhance learning methods without neglecting advanced technology, nevertheless controlling them to reach full potential of the individuals and increase the rate of its benefits. The GEN educational center allows access to the current knowledge about technology to the wider public, promoting spaces with innovative tools for environmental growth and development. Designing the center around themes like serenity, evolution and detachment, the spaces stimulates the mind to grow within peaceful environments, being informative about new challenges and allows disconnection from the outside world. Some of the design principles she used are balanced compositions and regulated light condition to encourage a longer stay and allowing modularity and innovative materials for a diversity of functions. By combining her design strategies, she manages to represent a space for inspiration and knowledge while aiming to shape a more sustainable future.
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Marcella Frassinelli's "Brazilian Savory Food" Print Book Project | Graphic Design Studio with prof. Laura Ottina | MA in Graphic Design, 2nd Semester | Spring 2024 ||

Marcella's cookbook is dedicated to the foods traditional to Brazil., where she is from. Brazilian foods are typically a fusion of European, African, Indigenous and Immigrant influences. Her cookbook presents ten common dishes. Marcella describes them as having "different origins and but diversity and appropriation are what make them truly Brazilian." For the graphic colours, she chose the main colours of the Brazilian flag as well as colours which represent the food itself. For the headings she chose a font which appears fun and casual, while she uses a different font for the main body text which is more legible and appears more serious. The illustrations were digitally created to achieve an important balance between abstract and photographic, in the aim to describe the food visually to those who may be unfamiliar with it.
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Daniela Dineva's "Ethereality" Credenza Design | Furniture Design with Prof. Leonardo Rossano | BA in Design, 4th semester | Spring 2024 ||

Made from acrylic and polished brass, Daniela's credenza was inspired by the serene beauty of nature. Her concept, fluttering curves focuses on the delicacy and structural nature of a butterfly's wing. The ellipse-shaped credenza features a harmonious blend of organic shapes and contemporary elegance. With a minimalist design, using materials that enhance the clean lines, she highlights the sophistication of organic minimalism.
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Hanna Sofia Hylten-Cavallius's Scavenger Hunt Photography Project | Photography with prof. Michelle Davis | Diploma in Graphic Design, 2nd Semester | Spring 2024 ||

Through this assignment, Hanna was able to identify her particular skills as well as areas of photography which she can improve on. She paid particular attention to exposure and lighting in her shots, especially the camera's aperture and ISO for each photograph, in order to capture her various scenes and subjects as she had carefully planned.
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Emma Elisabeth Katell Marie O'Quin's “Contemporary Tuscan Retreat” Hotel Design | Interior Design Studio with prof. Carlo Achili | MA in Interior Design, 2nd Semester | Spring 2024 ||

For her hotel design, Emma decided to adopt a minimalist aesthetic. Using clean lines, neutral tones, and natural materials such as stone, wood, and leather, she expressed the simplicity and elegance of Tuscan design. Her concept is to help blend contemporary design, sustainability and authenticity to offer a modern interpretation of Tuscan hospitality rooted in tradition and elegance. One of the goals was to showcase local craftsmanship through bespoke furniture, handwoven textiles, and handmade pottery sourced from artisans across Tuscany.
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Andrea Annabella Studic's Documentary Photography Assignment | Photography With prof. Michelle Davis | BA in Design, 4th Semester | Spring 2024 ||

For her documentary photography project, Andrea shadowed Stefan; a baker and founder of Bröd & Glöd. Through her photography, Andrea documented the process of breadmaking, capturing the passion, love and tradition which embodies Stefan's work. She concluded her project highlighting Stefan's signature quote "Happiness had the fragrance of freshly baked bread!"
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Amrita Das's "Indi Tails" Design Research Project | Graphic Design Studio with prof. Eleanor Ferguson | BA in Design, 6th Semester, Spring 2024 ||

For her design research project, Amrita created Indi Tails. Her project explored if "changing the visual language within a cultural framework will positively influence human behaviour towards animal welfare". The project centers around dog breeds common to India, and deconstructing the perception that they are only street dogs or unfashionable pets. Amrita's blend of graphic design, illustrations, packaging, coffee table book and digital media celebrated the unique qualities of Indian breeds. Her target audience was the population of India, from a wide variety of social standings. Her proposed packaging features original dog icons and illustrations, in addition to a main logo, which highlights the sleek and slender shapes of many of these dogs. The colour palette of the primary logo draws from the colours typical of Indian dogs, and features a collar; subtly suggesting that these animals make good pets. Her aim with the tone of the project was to give the dog breeds awareness through luxurious and progressive branding.
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Wiktoria Szmyt Ligcoka's "Geomalash" Design Research Project | Interior Design Studio with prof. Alejandro Amador | BA in Design, 6th Semester, Spring 2024 ||

For her Design research project, Wiktoria has designed an auction house combined with an institute of auctioneering. The proposal is located in the outskirts of Florence, in an Art Nouveau era building, formerly "Deposito tram di Varlungo", and including two other buildings of less historical significance. The two sectors of the project share visual connection between one another. Upon entry, the open and bright space indulges a formal atmosphere indicating the function of the building, while the use of materials, forms and shapes create a visual guidance through the space. The concept, "Temporal Sequence", plays a silent yet significant role throughout the building. This concept represents the progression of time, explaining the past, which embraces the present and hinting at the future. Sequences of shapes and patterns are subtracted from the original structure of the building to re-appear throughout the project, providing an almost subliminal familiarity within the space. Wiktoria included themes such as counterbalance, reccurency and shift to develop her concept. The aim is to play with memory and visual senses, to create a bigger chance of return due to the predictable, yet exiting temporal sequence.
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Fernanda Flores Cervantes' Live Project I Graphic Design Studio with prof. Eleanor Ferguson I Semester of Graphic Design I Spring 2024 II

For her live project, Fernanda aims to design a new visual and communication strategy for Caffe Imperiale which represents it's focus on traditions and quality. Two areas of improvement which she identified are the lack of cohesive branding and coherency between the brand design and content shared. She chose to create a warm and classic aesthetic for the graphic design, enhanced with playful illustrations. The overall colour scheme is warm earthy tones, which evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. They typography balances a traditional impactful font for headings with a clear and legible font for the body. Her re-design is complete with marketing materials, merchandise, websites and packaging.
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Eleonora Vojnovski's "Action" Chair Design | Furniture Design with Prof. Giulio Vinci | MA in Interior Design, 2nd semester | Spring 2024 ||

Eleonora's chair is named Action, and is directly inspired by the movement of a human body. She analysed various movements that the human body makes everyday, and simplified them through a series of 'action lines' to create organic shapes and lines which then became the main concept for the chair. Crafted from wood, the chair is lightweight and sustainable. The seat base is made from plywood with a leather cushioned upholstery, which all combine to become a versatile piece of furniture.
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Camila Milan Gonzalez's Scavenger Hunt Project | Photography with Prof. Alex Boyce | Semester in Interior Design | Spring 2024 ||

For the scavenger hunt assignment, the students were asked to capture 10 different photos using their own interpretation of various themes. These themes included "a place of tranquility", "a place of light and shadow" or "something that will not last". Camila captured everyday moments from both her own life and the lives of the people of Florence to complete her assignment.
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Mariana Elisa Badillo Sanchez's Caffe & Hotel Project | Interior Design Studio with Prof. Chiara Sabattini | Semester in Interior Design | Spring 2024 ||

Mariana has designed a caffe and hotel which is aimed at providing a tranquil space for students, due to it's close proximity to one of Florence's universities. She aimed to create an environment which is conducive to learning, mainly targeting young adults either studying or visiting Florence. One of her precedents for this project is the Capsule hotel in China by Atelier Tao+C, which makes use of various open levels to create a hierarchy within the space. She has incorporated a variation of this idea into her own design, splitting up study areas to create sections for different purposes. She also created a sustainable aspect by re-using materials left over from any necessary demolitions to create a feature at the front desk.
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Buon Sabato! II Happy Saturday!

During the Summer Course, Prof. Emanuele Milanini took his Digital Illustration students on a trip to Benozzo Gozzoli's Chapel of the Magi, where there was also the exhibition of Roberto Innocenti taking place. Emanuele took this opportunity to teach about the parallels between a renaissance 'illustrator' and a contemporary one; drawing particular attention to patrons, stories to be told, colour palettes, the Tuscan landscape and other settings for the illustrations, as well as symbolism and details. The context was additionally meaningful, as Palazzo Medici Ricardi, during the 1400's, served as a sort of incubator for artists, almost like a university.
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📷 Emanuele Milanini

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Ft. Fatima Qabazard, BA in Design |
After completing a BSc in Management Information Systems in 2008, Fatima pursued a career in Interior Design. She began at FIDI, where she graduated with a BA in Design in 2014. Before taking up her current role as Senior Design Manager at , she worked at as an Interior Designer as well as partaking in an Internship at .ponsi_andrea.luca. She joined Studio Nesef in 2021 and has had the pleasure of working on exciting projects across the GCC, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Her role involves overseeing project coordination and team management, collaborating with clients, consultants, contractors, and various third parties to bring their visions to life.
Her journey in design was significantly shaped by her time at FIDI. According to her, “Studying there was an incredible experience, as I worked closely with practicing architects and designers on practical projects.” This hands-on approach provided insights that have been invaluable in her career. Additionally, she learned to use important design software which she says has been crucial in her professional development.
At Studio Nesef, Fatima thrives on the collaborative environment and the opportunity to lead diverse projects, particularly in the commercial, retail, and F&B sectors. From the initial concept to the final ex*****on, she says that it's been a rewarding experience to see their projects come together and exceed client expectations. “I’m grateful to FIDI for the experience and to Studio Nesef for the opportunity to make each project a success, whether it’s a small detail or a grand vision.” Thank you Fatima for sharing your journey and experiences with us!
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Image References:
2-4 Tatami Restaurant, Kuwait (2024)
5-6 Altitude Roasters, Kuwait (2024)
7-8 Carya Roastery, Kuwait (2024)
9-10 Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters, KAFD (2023)