+ FULL SCALE PROTOTYPING
+ ARCHITECTURE & LIGHTING DESIGN
While studying her Masters in Ecological Buildings & Biocities at IAAC Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, Moni was a part of a full scale solar greenhouse prototype amongst other students. This was completed in Fall 2021 while living in Valldaura Labs within the Collserola Forest, Barcelona, Spain.
Our goal was to design and build a fully functional greenhouse using glass and locally sourced and harvested timber. Oriented to be able to collect the most sufficient solar rays while keeping as cool and circulated. The system within the greenhouse allows the extension of the growing cycle already in full swing on the property.
All the necessary lighting for the maximum yield in production was carefully crafted into the wood structure making use of hiding cables, space and for aesthetic cleanliness. Powered by the solar panels and with the most leading technology, the lighting is driven to adapt its color spectrum right from your phone.
Photography by Adria Goula, Illustrations were part of a group collaboration during the MAEBB 2021.
+ FULL SCALE PROTOTYPING
+ ARCHITECTURE & INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
A bamboo meditation bench made using a combination of lidi, splits and poles created using techniques such as bending and lamination.
The concept was to create an indoor bench that would live outside the doors of a yoga studio’s practice room. It is meant to offer space for 2-3 people comfortably on their side or in lotus position, seat cross legged or a day bed for one. The kidney shaped form was inspired by breath and its organic asymmetry was measured to wrap around existing foundational bamboo structures of the building.
Read more about this project on the BambooU blog.
+ PRODUCT DESIGN
+ PACKAGING
+ GRAPHIC DESIGN
+ RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Moni developed High Five that uses wonderfully crafted wood hand pieces as building blocks to encourage a thought provoking and creative outlet for kids, adults alike. Based on philanthropy measures, these “helping hands”, work to support kids with learning disabilities and Moni hopes to collaborate with non-profit organizations. Made from baltic birch, laser cut, water based uv printed and packaged in recycled materials. Please contact me directly to request for your facility.
Hosted within the gorgeous & spacious LightForm Canada showroom downtown Vancouver in collaboration with IDS Vancouver.
Contact Moni for the spec sheets and catalogue.
LIGHT THROUGH TIME
Light Through Time is a small prototype collection created by Architectural Designer, Moni El Batrik, for her debut lighting presentation.
A Kaleidoscope of playful colours made from what used to be solely utilitarian, “single use” plastic bottles now pushed to increase the life of the material.
The plastic swirls of colour reflect a world of dynamic expression that melts collectively with the natural wood components. The imperfect perfections of wood texture and grain, make each piece unique like a landscape view.
3d printing offers a valuable chance to produce one or many of each component, in this respect, each piece is one of a kind. This method of production now caters to the freedoms of experimentation, at the same time, perpetuating an awareness around making only what we need. Something special.
ABOUT THE INSPIRATION
Time is on the mind of Moni El Batrik and how everything melts together into this beautiful story called life.
Moni’s design work moves through a genuine curiosity of materials that meet the practicality of each creation. Variations in textures with minimal elements for an outcome that brightens a room. Water, fire, forests, stars all feed Moni’s visual inspiration combined with the ultimate drive to bring light into a space.
Decorating film sets for over a decade provided Moni a chance to cultivate her passion for lighting and to experiment with how lighting can affect a space, set a mood, make a statement or meet a functional need.
"Light Through Time", bloomed from the desire to combine materials that take on pressing Environmental issues in combination with modern methodologies.
What makes Moni tick is learning what makes this world an exciting place that is in tune with nature and connected to community. Each of Moni's inventions come alive through a series of observational surveys working to give her art practice reason. Through this journey of drawing you in, the humanistic responsibility greets you in a positive, optimistic way.
+ PRODUCT DESIGN (FASHION)
+ BRANDING
+ E-COMMERCE
+ CREATIVE CONTENT
Moni began Chikum Wear in the Spring of 2010 and since has catered to yogis, dancers, surfers and other athletes looking for an ethical, local and high quality brand of clothing. Moni succesfully developed Chikum’s market brand, fabricated patterns, prototypes, created specfications and network for production. The overall creative direction of the entire brand was overseen by Moni as the collections hit hot yoga studios all over the world through retailers and it’s own e-commerce platform. Chikum Wear is locally produced in Vancouver, BC, Canada, using small to medium sized factories and non-profit organizations.
+ DIRECTOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR
+ SET DECORATING
+ BUYER FOR PROPS & DECORATION
Moni is an active IATSE 891 member working in Vancouver’s film industry for over a decade now within the Art, Set Decoration, Props and Camera departments. Involved in a long list of productions such as being in charge of key sets and props on shows like, “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”, “the 100” and “30 Days of Night: Dark Days”. Moni has also been contracted to feature products by companies such as Coca-Cola, Toyota & Vicks NyQuil.
Some film and television projects are listed here on IMDB.
+ ERGONOMICS, SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Since we have had to face our current global pandemic, being social has been limited to a fair distance apart. This parklet was designed to accommodate wheelchair access, shade, social distance of six feet apart between benches, encourages pedestrian traffic and uses sustainable timber construction. All the wood is selectively harvested and processed from the Collserola forest.
+ PRODUCT DESIGN
+ SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
+ ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Om is a rain collector for balconies and open spaces turning rain water into drinkable, mineralized water. Using a combination of traditional material and nanotechnology, Om is a system that is ecological, made to last and easy to repair. Designed and produced by Moni El Batrik.
For collaborating or funding a public OM project, please reach out. I strongly feel this is an expressive design to take us into the bright future using sustainable methodology. The best part is offering the opportunity to collect rain and transform it into clean drinking water for everyone to enjoy, without plastic and where rain could be seen as a precious especially in regions of BC, Canada.
+ PRODUCT DESIGN
+ LIGHTING DESIGN
+ SCULPTURE
TimeLight came from a dream, inspired by the thickness and thinness of time. Time is but a focal point of perception. This sculptural piece is also practically used as a portable light, able to move around wherever you need a reminder of the here and now. Clean lines structured with modern material elements. Designed and produced by Moni El Batrik.
+ ERGONOMICS, SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
+ COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN
+ FURNITURE DESIGN
+ TECHNICAL & PRESENTATION SKILLS
PlaidFox Studio specializes in residential and commercial design. They have collaborated with Western Living Magazine to create this Challenge of designing a narrow hallway in a soon to be remodelled hotel in downtown Vancouver, BC called the The Buchan Hotel. Here is my submission.
First my design made it to the Top 10, then the Top 5 and finally I made First Place! Winning this competition gave me such a tremendous foot in the door coming out of my Design degree. I have made multiple site visits, been immersed in even more art, home decor and architectural details then ever before. Not only will I get to see my design come to life within this boutique hotel but I have learned so much through the process already. I feel fuelled to keep exploring my skills to fill a space with my touch on life.
So very excited to share that I have been selected as a Finalist for this years Western Living Magazine’s Designer of the Year 2020 within the Industrial Design category!
Thank you Western Living Magazine, here is to more creating.
+ PRODUCT DESIGN
+ 3D RENDERING & FABRICATION
Playing with parametric objects in Rhino, a 3d modelling software, Moni came up with this unique laptop stand, Be Still and On the Go. Made from wood and cork to cover the soft points where the laptop and table hit the stand. There is also a prototype of a collapsible version where the stand folds into itself using the same style of formation. This stand gives your desk a character statement that not only looks good but the cork base makes for a comfortable wrist ledge.
+ PRODUCT DESIGN
+ PROTOTYPING
+ TECHNICAL & PRESENTATION SKILLS
Modular prototypes are shown here for the work in progress, to create a fresh array of display stands for Miiko Skincare’s refillable/retail products.
These wood risers are repurposed from some remnant materials and will look stunning once the finals are completed with etched logos and cork details.
Miiko Skincare is a Victoria, BC based company making plant based, luscious skin care products.
+ PRODUCT DESIGN (FASHION)
+ GRAPHIC DESIGN
+ TEXTILE DESIGN
Experimenting with limestone neoprene, waterproof zippers, fusing fabrics, sublimation printing and designing to create and fabricate this Hawaiian based brands main fitting prototype. In addition to developing production ready garments, Moni illustrated each custom textile prints.
+ BRANDING
+ SPACIAL (RE)DESIGN
+ CREATIVE CONTENT
+ HEALTH & WELLNESS, COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Ohana Yoga was spearheaded by Moni after she discovered her local yoga studio, under its previous trade name, was set to close down. Moni devoted her creative force and executive drive to reestablish the rundown studio and bring the community back to thrive, she did. After applying some redesign touches to the establishment, freshening the staff with respectful and reliable leadership, the studio was brought back to life and generated double it’s loyal attendance within a few shorts months. Ohana Yoga services students of traditional yogic practices and caters special workshop events encouraging spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing. Moni is certified and trained to teach Bikram Hot Yoga, Vinyasa, ShantiSeva (Ashtanga/Jivamukti) & Yin Yoga.
+ PRODUCT DESIGN (JEWELLERY)
+ 3D RENDERING & FABRICATION
Inspired by the symbols of the ancient Anunnaki deities, this ring was drawn using 3D rendering applications then 3D printed using a translucent resin filament. One of a kind or one of many.
+ PRODUCT DESIGN (FOOD)
+ RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
+ TECHNICAL & PRESENTATION SKILLS
Handmade tool for making traditional Baklava, Moni’s family heritage and favourite dessert. Handle is made to last and designed to have replaceable bristles made from natural fibres.
+ EXHIBIT DESIGN
+ FURNITURE DESIGN
+ ENVIROMENTAL AWARENESS
With my brand Chikum Athletic Wear, a hot yoga brand that I started in 2011, I wanted to make a statement at our booth for Wanderlust Whistler Yoga Festival. Considering business ethics around fashion production is a crucial area of focus for this locally designed and produced yogi brand, I used all the stored end cuts of fabric from each run of clothing and made clear covered ottomans that were stuffed with the “scraps” leftover after the patterns are cut from the bolts.
All of a sudden, all this waste was now being repurposed making use of the colourful and fun colors of the brand. These conversation starters also showcased how even a small scale manufacturer can create so much waste in fashion.
Random paintings and illustrations created by Moni El Batrik.
