Salt & Stone

My final interior design project at San Diego State University: Salt & Stone is a haven for all to come relax, destress, and reconnect with their inner beings and the beautiful earth that surrounds us. Located in the NBC Building in Downtown San Diego, guests are invited to step away from the office setting and be immersed in a transformative experience in a whole new world. The experience begins as you step through the door into the lounge area, overlooking the meditation garden. The materials used include agricultural byproducts, such as furniture made from mushroom mycelium and alternative leather made from pineapple leaves. Visitors can enjoy a calming yoga flow in the studio, in which light is carved through the curved walls, creating the illusion of streaks of light through infinite space. The meditation garden provides a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with nature and let go of everyday baggage to live more mindfully. Terrazzo is used throughout the space, however, rather than the traditional chips of marble and granite, recycled ocean plastic waste is used to create the same gorgeous visual effect. Large windows, skylights, and perforated walls allow plenty of natural light and fresh air into the maze-like garden. The salt cave boasts numerous health benefits including, reduced stress, increased productivity, improved breathing, and increased levels of serotonin. Guests can sit back and relax in the zero-gravity chairs. The apothecary caters to a new demographic of millennials who seek extra relaxation in various forms. Visitors are encouraged to try CBD oil, a non-psychoactive medicinal compound of the plant that provides relief from anxiety, seizures, cancer, pain, inflammation, diabetes, and psychosis. This is a safe, sophisticated place where people can purchase cannabis products and not feel like they are doing something wrong. Curved dichroic panels are an ode to the tie-dye hippie culture previously associated with the product, while blocking wandering eyes from outside.