Emma Matthews

In this narrative, McDonald's funds the refurbishment of the iconic Holiday Inn, transforming it into a refuge for displaced individuals. In exchange, they work within McDonald’s Lebanon headquarters and restaurant. My axonometric view highlights how the hotel, now a symbol of corporate control, stands prominently in its surroundings, with McDonald's branding throughout. The scene of people entering the hotel and the streets outside showcases the power McDonald's exerts over both space and labor, blurring the line between refuge and exploitation under the guise of corporate goodwill.

This section illustrates the varied experiences of the Holiday Inn's occupants. Some residents go about their daily routines, engaged in everyday tasks as though life continues despite the surrounding conflict. However, others are visibly affected by the ongoing violence outside, struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy. The section captures the contrast, reflecting the complex situation faced by displaced individuals living within the hotel's walls amidst the chaos of the outside world.

This perspective highlights the interaction between the hotel’s interior and the outside world, focusing on displaced individuals with their belongings, emphasising the theme of displacement. By showing the surrounding environment, it captures how people adapt to their temporary shelter while navigating the tension between the hotel and the ongoing conflict just beyond its walls.

The floorplans illustrate the interaction of spaces, designed with simplicity and minimalism to critique the bare essentials provided by McDonald’s. The layout, consisting of family and single rooms spread across 25 floors. The remainder of the building holds facilities and the headquarters, where all occupants are required to work. The repetitive design of the spaces highlights a sense of structure and authority, the lack of privacy reinforces the controlled environment imposed on those living and therefore working within the building.

This diagram serves as a narrative of the semester-long research process, illustrating how my findings informed the development of my final project. The diagram highlights key events and critical information that were pivotal in shaping the direction and foundation of the project, providing a clear overview of the research journey and its impact on the final outcome.

This front elevation shows the scale of the building and features the first half of the semester project, which intercepts with the structure. It highlights how the project interacts with the building, illustrating key elements that helped shape the design.