Vanguard: Beyond the Horizon

The focus of this studio, NASA's Innovation Mission through Design, was innovation through an interdisciplinary approach—allowing students from different design departments to work together and share a unique, didactic experience through contemporary perspectives focused on experiential innovation. ​My team, Atlas Studios, consisted of three graphic designers, three interior designers, and one industrial designer. We worked together to develop components for a professional design proposal consisting of a spaceport-inspired hotel, mobile learning exhibit, and other components. ​Vanguard: Beyond the Horizon is the concept our team developed to make all design choices throughout the project. The definition of the word vanguard is "a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas." NASA is a prime example of this, serving as a leader in space exploration and sustainable practices.

2024 Hospitality Design Awards: Student Project Finalist
International Design Awards: Silver Winner in Exhibit Design (Event Supplies / Exhibition & Trade Fair Products)
International Design Awards: Honorable Mention in Architecture (Hospitality Interior Design – Architecture)
International Design Awards: Honorable Mention in Interior Design (Hospitality Interior Design – Hotels)
International Design Awards: Honorable Mention in Promo Reel for Interdisciplinary Design (Multimedia – Animation)
The Vanguard Hotel exterior at night
The Vanguard Hotel exterior at night
The walkable ramp that leads guests to the second floor of the hotel
The walkable ramp that leads guests to the second floor of the hotel
Outdoor pool
Outdoor pool
Lobby and retail space
Lobby and retail space
Standard room
Standard room
Luxury suite living area
Luxury suite living area
Liftoff is the Vanguard Hotel's rooftop bar and restaurant. The sci-fi environment serves as a dinner location as well as a spot to view rocket launches on Merritt Island, where the hotel is also located.
Liftoff style guidelines
Liftoff style guidelines
Liftoff collateral
Liftoff collateral
The hotel's badge missions are a gamification aspect of the Vanguard experience meant to encourage guests to explore everything there is to offer. NASA's mission patches served as the inspiration for the designs.
 Vanguard badges can be redeemed by completing missions throughout the hotel and surrounding spaces. Progress throughout the adventure can be tracked on the Vanguard phone app. Guests can access discounts and free prizes when completing different missions.
The mobile learning convoy comprises of two trailers that bring exhibits to various locations across the country, including schools, tradeshows, and fairs. The blue trailer features an immersive movie theater that transports visitors to places like the moon and Mars. The red trailer features a more hands-on experience where visitors can interact with various elements such as replicas of the Artemis spacesuits, a moon rock, rocket models, and a game where they can create their own planet.
In the central area between the trailers, visitors can purchase merchandise and speak with real NASA employees. This tented area also serves as an extra space to reduce traffic buildup.
Tote bags that feature the illustrations I created for the mobile learning convoy