Selected Works

mariel p strauchmps243@cornel l.edu617.909.3231


DFA is a network of student-led studios working to create local and social impact through interdisciplinary and human-centered design. We look for a project with a need and opportunity locally. We research through empathic work with the user and create tangible prototypes for the user to reflect upon. The process does not always work out nicely, this is a place to fail, and fail again. DFA Cornell was recently featured in Fast Company’s United States of Design issue (top right), is one of the winning concepts for the Open IDEO challenge ‘How can we make the election experience more accessible for everyone?’ (bottom), and is working closely with Cornell Dining.

co-president: spring 2011 - presentdesign for america


This design is focused around creating an ar-chitectural experience that reflects the depth of a material’s identity and the reverence it deserves. A submersive exhibition experience was created so that the user was fully envel-oped by the artists installation. Artists would ideally be asked to develop art within the space using innovative materials and as a re-sponse to the intricacies of the given area. A library and workspace was also incorporated.

materials library and exhibition spacedanish interior studio: fall 2012


EMD Millipore / Merck Millipore is a life science company in the bioprocessing equipment and filtration devices sector of the pharmaceutical industry. Supported a product development engineer in a range of work. Consulted internally to multiple projects with a corporate strategic design function. Took an innovative approach to product design, infographics of voice of customer collateral, concept development and documentation.

Created “Mastering Complexity,” a resonating position for the business unit within the Merck Millipore brand. Launched in fall 2012.

product design and design strategy internemd millipore: summer 2012


Mission: to create a program for the design of a library within an existing educational facility that supports pre-kindergarten through fifth graders’ cognitive, intellectual, and physical developmental needs of the students, as well as the organizational and functional needs of the staff.

fall creek elementary schoolteam programming document: fall 2011

ADJACENCY KEY

Convenient

Close

Immediate

None

(Former)

Circulation Desk

Story Time

Fiction

Librarian’s O�ce

Smart Board

ENTRANCESmall Tables

Computers

Chalk-board

Paperback RackStorage

Non-�ction

Large Tables

A / V

Mag-azines

ADJACENCY KEY

Convenient

Close

Immediate

None

(Former)

Circulation Desk

Story Time

Fiction

Librarian’s O�ce

Smart Board

ENTRANCESmall Tables

Computers

Chalk-board

Paperback RackStorage

Non-�ction

Large Tables

A / V

Mag-azines

IDEAL SPACE RECOMENDATIONS

IDEAL SPACE RECOMENDATIONS

CURRENT

Library zones are distinct yet o�er maximum visual accessibility and appropriate natural lighting for the space


Conception of the schematic design and the design development phases. Using cultivation as the inspiration for design decisions and solutions, deliverables included space planning, blocking, plans with ADA and LEED considerations, RCP, FF+E, a relief model depicting corridor manipulation, and 3D perspective renderings of the lobby, exam room, and the second floor educational areas. The design was informed by cultivation of wellness and mental well-being.

planned parenthood facility 12,00sqfthealthcare design studio: spring 2012

public

semi-private

/ patient

private / staff areas

LOBBY

WAITING

CHECK IN

/ OUT

FILES

RECEP-TION

TOIL

ETTO

ILET

STAFF OFFICESE XAM ROOMS

EXAM ROOMS EXAM

ROO

MS

NURSES STATIONTO

ILET

DO

CTO

RS O

FFICES

LAB

TOIL

ET

MINOR SURGERY ROOMS

SECONDARYWAITING + CONSULT RECOVERY

LINEN

S

STAFF LOUNGE

STAIRS /

ELEVATORegress

patient circulation

staff circulation

MARIEL STRAUCH

PLANNED PARENTFOODHEALTHCARE FACILITYFIRST FLOOR RCP

1'-0"=3/16"


Rebranding of the organization included analysis of the organization’s goals and mission to then develop into visually engaging graphics. Re-Connect improves the lives of disconnected young men in New York City through entrepreneurship. By moving beyond histories laden with drugs and crime, they serve as positive role models for their community. This work included development of a logo and accompanying icons, designing letterhead, creating a brand identity guide, and a transformational tool to improve the success of the organization. This design was intended to feel urban, youthful, yet professional and trustworthy.

re-connect: pro bono rebrandingdigital communications: spring 2012

stop think GO

stop think GO

a transformation


After analyzing various luminaires and different qualities of light, a wall sconce was created using the concept of cultivation. The lighting design creates a serene and intriguing environment through collaborative and organized organic elements to provide the comfort necessary for development of mental wellness and good health. This wall sconce is a framework for cultivation. The constancy of shape cultivates a sense of unity and growth, however the paradox of organicism and the organized provoke intrigue.

product design: wall sconcehealthcare design studio: spring 2012

5 116"

58" 11

2" 34" 2 3

16"

63 4"213 16

"3

7 16"

1'-4

7 16"

58" Gypsum board

20 Gauge Aluminum Back Platepainted white with high gloss finish

CFL Back Plate

CFL

115 16"

11 2"

Threaded metal rod fastener

51316"

5"

3 38 "

33 4"

2"

5"

3 34 "

114°

123°

100°

123°

80°

Documents

Selected Works