My last year self-initiated interior architecture project is based in the building of Loch Lomond Gateway & Orientation Centre located in Balloch, Scotland. Thanks to the kind help from Bennetts Associates Architects who shared the building plans with me, I could implement my idea in a perfect place for it and as a BA Interior Architecture student at Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University in Poland, I received the best score with the award.

 

I chose this building because of its surroundings, glazed and spacious interior. However, the main reason for placing my project in Scotland was the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Being an active outdoor person, I noticed that Balloch is a very touristic place where the shopping theme is dominant. I lacked educational and welcoming information about Scottish natural habitat as this is usually the first destination for tourists, besides Loch Ness if they want to explore Scottish nature. It initiated my desk research and led to interior design who intended to merge building form with its natural environment.

The main vast interiors are open for visitors where they can find tourist information on the ground floor and first-floor gallery with a café which both local people and tourists love. I focused on an educational theme that is not boring and overwhelming but interactive and engaging. This is why, besides a standard information point with helpful staff, I designed screens and interactive stations for educational movies about local history, geography, and Scottish wildlife as well as living elements like a beehive, ants nest, and typical plants for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. For some 'more analog' folks, there are books available so they can enjoy them while drinking a nice cup of tea.

Besides that, I designed elements of trees branches to fill the interior, reflecting the impression of the forest from the outside.  To make everything fit together, I designed industrial metal benches, composing them with the internal structure of the building. By using simple light bulbs I managed to create an enchanting interior at night. To balance the sharpness of the metal and designed branches, the cafe furniture is based on rounded shapes. It has been inspired by natural forms like mushrooms and plants. I used Aplomb lights designed by Foscarini, Hopla tables designed by Slide, Eames DAW Armchairs White with Maple Base, and chairs designed by Hilla Shamia.

 

To use empty space and create more space for visitors, I designed a minimalist garden on the west side of the building.

Please see below for the final project outcome and the above video made for the project's presentation.