Nathalia Garcia

Hi, I am Nathalia Garcia. I am originally from Brazil, where I graduated as an Architect and Urbanist at the Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie in 2018.

I have always found it exhilarating to observe the way spaces transform human behavior, especially how we behave towards each other. I believe that by providing a sense of belonging, interior spaces offer the context for our most profound and intimate connections to flourish. This belief is what drives my passion for interior design.

My journey so far has not been a straight line. After working in a São Paulo based interior design studio, studying furniture design and throwing a few ceramics, I landed on the Interior Design MA at the Royal College of Art. My aim is to integrate my artistic sensibilities with my professional practice, and I intend to use my final thesis as a means to achieve that.

Choosing the Interior Matter Platform is a risky but rewarding choice for someone who is used to design from a digital base. From the autumn of 2020, I started working on a series of three-dimensional design exercises, digging into the physical world. Learning through making is part of the Interior Design MA approach, but the last term definitely took it to another level of knowledge.

I have decided that my Thesis Design Project will be and immersive dating experience. Connecting expressly physical topics: dating and materials.

Material questions — I was interested in how materials changes feelings and behaviour. Can it promote aspects of dating, such as flirting or intimacy?

Map — The experience consists on a sequence of spaces with different actions of each.

Entrance — The couple enter though a shared hallway, separated by a hanging polycarbonate panel with a vision control film. The separation and partially obscured creates a sense of mystery and anticipation.

Material assembly: Entrance — The vision control film allows visibility depending on the angle and movement. The sound of steps are enhanced by the stainless steal flooring.

One drink is all it takes — The couple meets for the first time for a drink. A lot of awkwardness and overthinking is in the air.

Material assembly: One drink is all it takes — Overthinking our own looks is very common in this moment. Distorted reflective surfaces are used to bring humour and provide the perfect ice breaker.

Main course — Sharing a meal naturally brings people closer. The cocoon lamp covers the table and suggest intimacy in the process.

Material assembly: Main course — The composition uses walnut and green richly veined marble, these traditional restaurant materials provide familiarity, comfort and a sense of luxury.

Dark side of the moon — A walk on a rainy night under the moonlight is the inspiration for this room.

Material assembly: Dark side of the moon — The materials brings a language of outdoors space, suggesting the walk on the street. The water is a important element, not only it reflects the lights, it provides an immersive sound of rain dropping.

How can materials enhance and support the experience of first dates? This question is the focus of my thesis project.

Materials play an important role in our experience of dating. Type, colour, texture, weight and form all affect our perceptions, anticipation and even how comfortable the experience is. Sensory qualities of smell, sound, appearance, touch and taste all contribute to an immersive and intimate setup.

Dating is inherently performative. We behave in a certain way, we dress up, or sometimes down, and we revel in the anticipation of what we will encounter. Our expectations and desires are built up and our behaviour changes.

This immersive dating experience allows a careful choreography of the space and people. The couple will not be fully aware of what awaits them, but there is a designed experience behind the scenes to create change and surprise.

Embracing the awkwardness and bringing humour as a tool, the space and its materials are designed to break the ice and to create the conditions for the couple get to know each other in a fun way.

Nathalia Garcia

Social

About

Royal College of Art