Commercial design refers to the process of creating functional, aesthetically appealing, and brand-aligned spaces for businesses, organizations, and public use. It encompasses a wide range of industries, including retail, hospitality, corporate offices, healthcare, and educational facilities.
COMMERCIAL
Unrefined Biomimetic Harmony
Commercial:
Location: 1919 Pressler street, Houston TX
Area of Site: 2885 Sq. Ft
Year: Spring 2025
Software: Autodesk AutoCAD - Trimble Sketchup - Chaos Enscape.
Houston Community College's (HCC) Coleman College for Health Sciences, situated within Houston's Texas Medical Center, offers over 20 health science programs. The Biotechnology Innovation Center at Coleman College is a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster research, education, and collaboration in biotechnology. In October 2021, HCC launched an Advanced Technical Certificate program in Medical Biotechnology, addressing the growing demand in the biotechnology sector. Additionally, plans are underway for a 22,000-square-foot Biotechnology Innovation Center, envisioned as a cutting-edge space to advance biotechnology education and research. In February 2025, Coleman College leaders met with executives from CUBio Innovation Hub to discuss potential partnerships in biotechnology and healthcare education.
Project Description
The project entailed designing a commercial project in a team setting consisting of our classmates. We are to propose a design concept for the 4th floor of the HCC Coleman Biotechnology Innovation center. The site will house university faculty, students and collaborators in a modern and relaxing space for creativity to be explored and cultivated. The space includes collaborative spaces, a lecture hall, a 3D printing room, a Virtual Reality immersive room, and laboratories among other spaces.
Inspiring natural
materials
Client Profile
Inspiring natural materials
Organic spatial formation
The integration of advanced technology was essential, including a VR room with 360-degree treadmills, interactive lecture equipment, and smart systems. Functionality was also key, with designated areas for 3D printing, hazardous material storage, PPE access, and lecture spaces with bleacher seating. The design had to be both accessible and safe, incorporating features like eyewash stations and well-zoned lab spaces. Lastly, the client prioritized sustainability and a calming atmosphere, requesting the use of low-VOC finishes, and industrial-contemporary design elements like steel, glass, and concrete to create an inviting environment that supports wellness and curiosity.
Blended raw industrialism
Mimicking Nature
Inspiring natural materials
Design Concept
The synchronization of biomimicry alongside industrial elements generates an atmosphere that mirrors nature’s essence while embracing raw and modern aesthetics. Harmony is incorporated into the space through the fusion of nature’s organic forms and the utilitarian elements of the industrial canvas. Nature is further emphasized through an open space with circulation that flows instinctively throughout the technological lab environment. The spacious open concept encourages collaboration, while the enclosed areas provide privacy, focus and refuge. A forward-thinking atmosphere is achieved through the blend of sustainable nature inspired silhouettes with cutting edge technologies fostering the innovations of upcoming generations.
Rendered Floor Plan
Adaptive Study Hub Entrance
Porcelain
Stoneware
Belted
Coral
Oendent
Atmosphera
Adaptive
Anlog 3D
Pericopsis
Ebony Shade
Lido Bar
Stool
Nardi
Infinity
Pendent
Hind Rabii
Exposed
HVAC
HC-189
Porcelain
/Marble
Adaptive Study Hub Entrance Section Elevation
ADA Pods/Reception Section Elevation
Pod Development
The custom-designed Pods introduce flexible, nature-inspired environments that encourage collaboration, creativity, and focused study. Designed to appear as if floating within the open space, the Pods mimic organic forms found in nature, softening the industrial framework and promoting intuitive movement throughout the area. Each Pod comfortably accommodates four to six individuals and features acoustic glass walls that also serve as writable surfaces for brainstorming and ideation. Material selections were carefully curated to enhance acoustic performance both inside and out, ensuring a quiet and comfortable experience within the open plan. Surrounding the Pods, a variety of flexible workstations and lounge seating support both group discussions and independent work, fostering a dynamic and inspiring learning environment
Radias
Acoustic
Panel
Vinyl/
Faux
Leather
Optoro
Acoustic
Floor &ceiling
Porcelain
Stoneware
Acoustic
Glass
Acoustic Materials
LOUNGE Development
Multipurpose Glass
The open lounge space weaves between the custom-designed Pods, blending privacy and openness within an adaptable, flexible environment. Movable seating and tables allow users to easily shift between group collaboration, independent work, and casual gathering. A palette of neutral, nature-inspired tones creates a calming backdrop, while playful acoustic panels and vibrant lighting add energy, enhance sound absorption, and reinforce the organic flow of the design. Open sightlines connect the lounge to key instructional areas like the VR Lab, VR Lecture Hall, and 3D Printing Room, fostering a dynamic, welcoming space for creativity and learning.
Araldica-
Base
Corallo
Welle 4
Chaise
Lounge
Jordan
Arm Chair
Rolly Polly
Chair
Bern
Harth
Chiara
Urestone
Brick
Siding
Chrome
Green
HC-189
Jagger
Modular
Sofa
Existing
Unpolished
Concrete
Creative Acoustic
Decor
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The lecture room is designed as a flexible, tech-enhanced learning space featuring bleacher-style seating that encourages group interaction and clear visibility for all attendees. The stepped design maximizes capacity while maintaining comfort and openness. Overhead, acoustic balls are suspended to absorb sound and reduce echo, creating a focused and comfortable auditory environment ideal for presentations, discussions, and recorded sessions.
Super
Berber
Royal Blue
Acoustic
Panel
Slalom
Ortoro Amur
Acoustic
Floor
Tilebar
Acoustic
Sphere
Slalom
White 999
Lecture Room
Swole
End Table
Perigold
Bleacher
Cushion
Green-Slate
Exposed
HVAC
Benjamin
Moore
Lecture Room Section Elevation
Lecture Room Development
Manager's Office
3D printing Room
Biotechnology Lab 1
Biotechnology Lab 2
Our Biotechnology Innovation Center is designed to foster collaboration, efficiency, and adaptability while supporting cutting-edge research and learning. Each space is strategically placed to enhance workflow, ensuring seamless transitions between theory, experimentation, and innovation. Open and flexible work areas encourage interaction, while focused study zones and specialized rooms such as VR lab, 3D printing room, and biotech labs provide hands-on experiences. Glass walls, adaptable seating, and central storage solutions optimize visibility, accessibility, and organization. The design prioritizes functionality, sustainability, and engagement, creating an environment that inspires curiosity and innovation.
Instructional Learning Area
Storage
Anti Room
Virtual Reality Room
This Biotechnology Innovation Center was designed to inspire collaboration, adaptability, and hands-on exploration in a future-focused educational environment. Through a thoughtful layout, sustainable materials, and the integration of emerging technologies, the space supports a seamless flow between learning, research, and innovation. The design promotes engagement, transparency, and well-being, creating a dynamic atmosphere where students and faculty can thrive.
The following images showcase key spatial experiences and design features that bring this vision to life.
Collaborative Pods Concept
Presentation Boards
