Rooted in Pattern

ABOUT

A project completely ideated and designed by me. My senior project celebrates azulejo tile work as both a form of cultural heritage and a source of design inspiration. Through this reinterpretation, I aim to create my own tiles that bridge Portuguese tradition with contemporary design. My process begins with studying the history, symbolism, and techniques of azulejos, as well as their modern adaptations. Using a laser cutter, I reimagine traditional tile motifs through modern technology and materials, specifically by producing tiles from various colors of acrylic.

Azulejo tiles are a significant part of Portuguese culture, serving as both decorative art and a form of storytelling. Growing up, I’ve remained deeply connected to my heritage and involved in my community. This project is both a tribute to my roots and an exploration of how design can connect the past and the present.

To learn more about my process and project read my essay! https://vanessa-carvalho-seniorproject.tiiny.site

Collection 1: Padrão Novo

This collection reinterprets historic Padrão tiles, preserving their geometric elegance while adapting them for modern spaces. Transparent acrylic and a palette of traditional blue and white, accented with yellow, balance heritage with contemporary design.

Collection 2: Dança de Ouro

Collection 3: Onda Azul

Onda Azul, draws inspiration from Portugal’s coast, its beaches, seafood, and maritime history, including its record-breaking surf and cultural connection to sardines. Using blues and ivory with shimmer acrylic, I experimented with layering to create sardine border patterns and abstract wave tiles with a subtle 3D effect.

Branding & Web Design

Dança de Ouro celebrates Portuguese folklore dancing, a tradition I’ve practiced since childhood, reflecting my connection to Portugal, my heritage, and my family.I explored traditional costumes, filigree jewelry, and floral headscarf motifs, focusing on visually striking elements, while using a palette of black, white, and gold that reflects my own folklore costume.

I wanted to give them a meaningful name. I chose Lusora, a modern twist on “Luso, which refers to Portuguese culture as a whole. The name not only titles my work but also represents me personally. After selecting a name, I designed an elegant wordmark using the font Lust Sans, which conveys both elegance and traditional flair, with ornamental curves echoing the filigree details in my Padrão Novo collection. I also created a logo as a simplified recreation of one of these tiles, reinforcing the connection between my branding and the design of the collections themselves.

My website became a platform to share my story, showcase my process, and highlight the meaning behind each collection. Each page links to my design goals, showing how the tiles reinterpret traditional patterns and featuring personal images that reflect my experiences. The website showcases the tiles while conveying the cultural and personal stories behind them

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