The Lucinda River
The Lucinda River from Anna Soyka
The Lucinda River

My first architectural project during my time as an Industrial Design student and James Madison University. This project began with "The Swimmer", an American short story written by John Cheever in 1964. I was instructed to read it, cut out every word related to water, produce a color study, and create a model. I then was to build on that model with a more three-dimensional design. Most of this was done whimsically as I had not yet been informed of the end goal.

At this point I was informed of the actual premise of the project: to design the reception wall and desk for a spa set in downtown Cleveland. From here came the third model. Once finished, I created a collage perspective, the final color study, and final model.

This project taught me to trust my instincts. Certain features such as the balsa wood for my color study and the plexiglass in three of my products received doubt during the process but resulted in an exceptional final product.

First Model. Medium: chipboard
First Model. Medium: chipboard
Second Model. Medium: chipboard
Second Model. Medium: chipboard
Third Model. Medium: chipboard
Final Collage Perspective. Created with the goal of capturing the ambiance of a rustic, lakeside get-away with a hint of modest luxury. Medium: paper, magazine cut-outs, sanded down plexiglass In my first attempt I utilized print outs, magazine scraps, real mulch, and a plastic bag. Unfortunately I used some of these pieces for the final product before taking a picture so I do not have photo evidence.
Color Study. The image behind the translucent sheet of plexiglass is downtown Cleveland. I wanted to create the aura of the city while keeping the privacy and peacefulness of a spa. I used the natural tones and balsa wood to express the muted atmosphere. Medium: paper, sanded down plexiglass, paint samples, balsa wood, wood stain, tissue
Final Model. I kept the rectangular shapes from the short story cut outs all the way through the design. I envision a customer walking up to the right side of the wall to the receptionist at her desk. A pool of water is just to the left of the counter. Once they're ready, the customer walks the length of the wall, the facade fading away to the translucent surface, their own personal paradise hiding just behind it. Medium: chipboard, sanded down plexiglass
Final Model. Medium: chipboard, sanded down plexiglass
Final Model. Medium: chipboard, sanded down plexiglass
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The Lucinda River

My first architectural project during my time as an Industrial Design student and James Madison University. This project began with "The Swimmer", an American short story written by John Cheever in 1964. I was instructed to read it, cut out every word related to water, produce a color study, and create a model. I then was to build on that model with a more three-dimensional design. Most of this was done whimsically as I had not yet been informed of the end goal.

At this point I was informed of the actual premise of the project: to design the reception wall and desk for a spa set in downtown Cleveland. From here came the third model. Once finished, I created a collage perspective, the final color study, and final model.

This project taught me to trust my instincts. Certain features such as the balsa wood for my color study and the plexiglass in three of my products received doubt during the process but resulted in an exceptional final product.

Anna Soyka
Sustainability Analyst at Logistics Management Institute Tysons, VA