Simona Turco

Simona Turco
Simona Turco

Environmental Design student Simona Turco works in interior architecture and interior design on sustainable concepts and installations, using design techniques and conventions from around the world.

She is most inspired by creating unusual spaces that push boundaries and create new tensions and interesting experiences. Her thesis, “In Between,” was a design concept for a public residence with a public gallery and live-in laneway studios on one side of the site. She describes it as an examination of “the thresholds that exist between spaces, programs and forms and how these liminal spaces can become more than the spaces that exist in transition.” The design features a square gallery space surrounded by asymmetrical galleries that can be visited sequentially. This design encourages passing through spaces to challenge the idea of adjacencies and highlight the juxtapositions of workspace with living space, and public with private space.

While at OCAD U, Turco also worked on a colour intervention concept for a campus stairway that would reflect patterns of pink, orange and purple light. She built a model for a Toronto Island community retreat space that promotes healthy and mindful living. And she created an interior design concept featuring a system of high-contrast colour, braille millwork and acoustic variation to enable people with visual impairments to easily use and enjoy a home space.

Simona Turco - In-Between
Simona Turco - In-Between

Turco was a recipient of the prestigious, $25K Angelo Donghia Scholarship. Named after the renowned New York interior designer, the scholarship is awarded to the most promising interior design students in North America.

 

She chose to study at OCAD U because she says she felt it exuded the most creativity and freedom. “I was excited to be part of what became a very tight-knit and personal learning experience, with small classes and helpful instructors,” she says. She also enjoyed working on design assignments while in the outdoor spaces around OCAD U, including Grange Park.

 

Turco’s plan is to work abroad to refine her skills and learn as much as she can about the built environment. “I would love to become a member of a small- to medium-sized firm, doing architectural and interior design projects that are interesting, new and innovative,” she says.

 

Find out more: simonaturco.format.com 

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