PORTFOLIO
MEARA SHAPAKA, KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
“DESIGN IS THINKING MADE VISUAL”
- SAUL BASS
. Every space has the potential to influence moods, behavior, and experiences. As an interior design student I am passionate about creating spaces that truly speak to people. For me, design is about exploring through conceptual thinking.
I have been inspired by the idea that spaces are not just physical structures but dynamic entities that shape how we feel and function. From the use of color and texture to the flow and layout of furniture, every detail plays a vital role in the story a space tells. My journey as a designer has been shaped by an appreciation for the way design can enhance comfort, foster creativity, and provide joy and happiness.
01.
IN-BETWEEN
Hispanic Cultural center
THE REFORM 03. PATH OF LIFE
Historic Reuse
Archive restoration
04. HEALING MOSAIC
Behavioral Health
05. QUIET RETREAT
Conceptual library
06. SERIES OF SKETCHES
Study abroad exploration
Telling stories through spaces to support those who navigate the “in-between” spaces of culture, language, and identity. The center becomes a place where Latinx individuals can gather, express, and reconnect with their shared heritage. The central transitions from the primary spaces—those that express culture and identity—into a network of zones that embody collective memory and shared experience. Through storytelling displays, interactive installations, and opportunities for cultural exchange, these zones become active parts in shaping community identity.
CRAFT STUDIO
PARTI SKETCHES
POSITION STATEMENT
Navigating the “in-between” spaces of culture, language, and identity. Where emotion, and advocacy connect.
BLOCKING & STACKING DIAGRAM
IN-BETTWEEN INTERACTION NODES
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
Seeks to honor the identity and the richness found in moments of cultural intersection. By shaping an environment that creates expression, reflection, and connection. Here, the Latinx community can continually redefine, celebrate, and sustain its heritage, ensuring that the “in-between” spaces are powerful catalysts for growth and belongning.
The IDeAL headquarters renovation into an arts and cultural center for Italian Design. This innovative cultural hub celebrates both heritage and contemporary design. Inspired by Joe Colombo who was a visionary Italian industrial designer.
The concept of REFORM -the ability to reshape and adapt both space and experience to meet the evolving needs of its users. Joe Colombo, whose work emphasized flexibility, modularity, and the fusion of form and function. Designed to redefine the way we experience public spaces, blending functionality, interaction, and design into a dynamic, ever-changing environment.
JAIL DOORS
Le Muarte located in Florence, Italy was known for its historic artifacts from being an old jail . The old doors and historic nature is now made as a muesem.
Newly renovated, Le Muarte holds the heart of an Italian cultural center for the arts.
SITE IMAGE
EXHIBIT FLOOR PLAN
EXHIBIT ENTRY
Through adaptive reuse the IDeAL headquarters changes into a living expression of Italian design. Drawing on Joe Colombo’s legacy of adaptability and innovation , the center becomes a place where creativity is not only displayed but always reimagined. The renovated headquarters stands as a tribute to Italy’s design heritage and encourages the community to be part of this exploration.
Where have you run?
How many people have ran throughout the same areas with different experiences?
The Path of Life located in Cleveland, Ohio focuses on the running community and how we can document shoes to create memories throughout our lives.
Archives preserve historical documents, manuscripts, photographs, and other materials that are vital for understanding past events, societies, and cultures. Many archives and libraries organize programs, workshops, and exhibits that engage the public and help make historical and materials accessible.
03. PATH OF LIFE
SHOE DISPLAY
READING ROOM
SHOE DISPLAY
TRANSVERSE SECTION
Stories in every stride, The Path of Life transforms the archive of shoes into a interactive experience. Preserving running shoes as statements of time, place, and memory. It invites the community to reflect on their paths while imagining the many people that have experience through their shoes in unique ways. The space becomes a living archive of movement, reminding us that every pair of shoes carries a story worth preserving
This Behavioral Health Facility located in Denver, Colorado will provide behavioral care for ages 18 and above. The Healing Mosaic gives support to patients and their families through creating confidence, comfort, safety, security, socialization, and detoxation. There are many ways patients get privacy but also the access to be social under staff supervision.
The Healing Mosaic creates a welcoming environment for patients to heal and grow .
04. HEALING MOSAIC
RYNO
COLOR EXPLORATION
The emotional effects of color have a unique ability to create a calming and soothing on our minds. Lighter and less saturated colors evoke a feeling of tranquility and serenity.
1RYC
35”H | 24”W | 24”D
Seat height: 17.5”
Standard weight: 123lb
The furniture has considerations being stain resistant, weighted, bolt-to-floor and ligature resistant. Picking furniture that is calming but also brings joy to the space. Healing,Refreshing
KEY FEATURES
a Heavily weighted to 123lbs to deter mishandling (other weight options available)
a Carefully considered curved design minimizes ligature risks
a Sloping arms designed to minimize ligature risks
a Hygienic wipe-clean surface
a Water-resistant, UV-stabilized material which is 100% recyclable
a Suitable for outdoor use
a Static load tested to a weight of 992lbs
Emotional effects of color
Designed to represent healing and growth within the behavioral facility. The space embodies the idea of rebuilding your mental health through discovering lost pieces to put back together. Our minds are constantly blossoming and are learning to heal. The Healing Mosaic helps patients evolve and better themselves in their healing journey.
FLOOR PLAN
WELCOMING
RECEPTION ELEVATION
HALLWAY ELEVATION
The Healing Mosaic stands as a compassionate environment where recovery is approached with intention of privacy, and restorative design, the facility supports patients as while they navigate the process of rebuilding their mental health. Every space encourages reflection, growth, and a new sense of self , showcasing the idea that healing is formed piece by piece. In this supportive and setting, patients and their families can find clarity, and hope as they move toward a more resilient future.
PATIENT CAREDESK
READING ROOM
This conceptual 2 story 2,698 SqFt library with a reception lobby, meditation room, quiet room, and study space- is located in Denver, Colorado .
This conceptual library is based around the vessel of a suitcase. The library represents how you hold onto memories and tell stories through travel.
It is designed to be a small commercial space that focuses on the integration of environmental factors and human wellbeing. The material palette is meant to be calming and neutral. The furniture selections in the space are chosen for comfort and aesthetic.
05. QUIET RETREAT
Part 02- Meara Shapaka
Part 02- Meara Shapaka
Part 02- Meara Shapaka
Reading Room/ Library
Reading Room/ Library
Reading Room/ Library
Reading Room/ Library
1ST FLOOR
1ST FLOOR
Reading Room/ Library
Reading Room/ Library
2ND FLOOR
2ND FLOOR
CONCEPTUAL BLOCKING
Spatial Model 3D
DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Back Side with most direct sunlight
MOUNTAIN VIEW SIDE
READING ROOM
Reading Room/ Library
Quiet Room
QUIET ROOM
MEDITATION
Meditation Room
LIBRARY
Reading Room/ Library
Reading Room/ Library
1ST FLOOR- FLOOR PLAN
2ND FLOOR- FLOOR PLAN
This conceptual library serves as a vessel for memory, reflection, and personal journey
The space encourages visitors to consider the stories they carry with them and the ones they have yet to discover. It stands as a thoughtfully designed environment where comfort, peace and exploration come together to shape a meaningful and restorative experience for every visitor.
During my time studying abroad in Italy, I documented my experiences through sketches as part of my study tours course. Each sketch represents a site I was able to visit and learn about. The sketches capturing not only the architecture, but the atmosphere of the beautiful Italian cities.
The act of sketching has sharpened my observation skills, helping me notice things like proportions, textures, and design elements that showed the character of each site. These sketches have become a visual journal of my learning, enriching my understanding of Italy’s architectural and cultural history while creating a personal keepsake of my time abroad..
06.
SERIES OF SKETCHES
