Metropolis Future 100 Portfolio Submission

SHPRESA BUCAJ

Virginia Tec h Interior Design Portfolio 2023

Welcome!

My name is Shpresa Bucaj, I am a 4th year Interior Design Student at Virginia Tech. From a young age, I have had a deep appreciation for the beauty of my surroundings and a natural inclination to create. While aesthetics are important to me in design, I also believe in the power of design to positively impact people’s lives and communities.

As a designer, I am passionate about using my skills to make a difference, and I enjoy seeing the potential of a space to transform and improve the lives of those who use it.

Outside of design, I love to, spend quality time with loved ones, learn new skills, volunteer, listen to music and attend concerts or live performances, and engage in creative hobbies like painting or writing.

@shpresab@vt.edu

LinkedIn.com/shpresa-bucaj

(703) 863-5502

Table of Contents

01

02

03

04

05

NEXT

Rhapsody

Plateau

Pulse

Recover

Workplace

Luxury Skybox

Academic Library

Co-Working

Project Perspectives, Video Walkthroughs, & More

Fusion Restaurant

Dallas, Texas is known for its vibrant energy, cultural diversity, and artistic spirit. Just like a kaleidoscope transforms ordinary elements into mesmerizing patterns, Dallas is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. NEXT Architects incorporates this concept into their design firm that reflects the city’s rich tapestry of influences.

Dallas is known for its modern architecture and urban sophistication, which can be mirrored in the design through the use of geometric patterns and bold colors. The kaleidoscope concept can infuse spaces with dynamic, shifting patterns, tying back to the city’s constantly changing skyline and cultural scene.

Dallas has a thriving arts and music scene, reflected in its numerous museums and galleries. Incorporating artistic elements inspired by the kaleidoscope, illuminating color panels, colorful dichroic glass installations, or playful light fixtures, can pay homage to Dallas’ artistic heritage.

Fall 2023 | 6 Weeks | 11000 SF | Dallas, TX Revit and Enscape

2601 Victory Ave Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75201 NEXT Architects is home to an inclusive design that uses participatory methods that creates new ways for traditionally excluded users to participate in activities of their choice. These diverse lived experiences and perspectives enhance experience and empower participation.

SPACE PLANNING

The “Stacked and Shifted Boxes” concept redefines spatial design by challenging traditional layouts and encouraging a dynamic interaction between occupants and their environment. This innovative approach not only maximizes functionality but also creates a visually stimulating and inspiring atmosphere, making the space an engaging hub for creativity, collaboration, and relaxation.

5 12 7

6 4

11

1

3

10

8

13

14

2 9

Level 1 NTS

20

16 15

22 21

18 19 17

Mezzanine NTS

FLOORPLAN KEY 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Monumental Stairs 1 9.

Workstations 10.

Material Library 11.

Phone Booths 12.

Huddle Space 13.

Private Offices 14.

Huddle Rooms 15.

Reception 16.

Work Cafe 17.

Workstations 18.

Mother’s Room 19.

Client Presentation 20.

Innovation Lab 21.

Private Offices 22.

Private Offices Meeting Rooms

Workstations Workstations Resource Area Wellness Area Wildcard/Pinup Space Training Classroom

Client Presentation Room ft. 3-Dimensional Presentation Screen

Porcelain Tile

Cloud Cover

Acoustical Felt

LED Screen

Interface Gray

Steelcase Sterling Chair

Steelcase Convene Table

Cloud Cover

Interface Blue

Oak Wood

OCL Una Pendant

Elevator Lobby

Longitudinal Cross Section NTS

Orangebox Phonebooth

OCL Illusion Sconce

Arktura Vapor Solid

Private Office Axon ft. dichroic glass

Monumental Stairs 1 Axon ft. Conference and Huddle Rooms

WORKSTATIONS PERSPECTIVE ft. custom ta

ask lighting system solution under 30 ft ceilings

Atrium Axon

Monumental Staircas

se 2 - Atrium Live Edge

Client Presentation Room Axon

Steelcase Gesture

Steelcase Flex

OCL Una

6 Visitor Workstations Mezzanine Overlook

Steelcase Perch

Viccarbe Burin

WAC Houdini

Steelcase Aim

Coalesse Bindu

WAC Houdini

Pin-up Wildcard Space Material Library

Steelcase Facet

WAC Stack

Steelcase Lateral File

Design concept: Rhapsody Records is a Rock and Roll record label that is home to this luxury skybox that goes beyond just aesthetics; it encapsulates the very essence of the striking cultural change catalyzed by rock and roll. This design concept delves deep into the spirit of rock music, joining its rebellious energy with contemporary design sensibilities. The skybox serves as an immersive space inviting visitors to feel the heart of rock in a blend of memories and new ideas The space plan itself challenges convention, mirroring the nonconformist attitude that defines rock and roll. Unconventional shapes and layouts are deliberately employed to disrupt the traditional design narrative.

The furniture and fixtures are arranged in a way that encourages free movement, inviting visitors to explore and engage with the space in a manner that mirrors the improvisational nature of rock music performances. This skybox is more than just a physical space; it’s a testament to the enduring impact of rock and roll on culture and creativity. It encapsulates the essence of a genre that defied norms, challenged the status quo, and gave voice to generations seeking change.

Fall 2023 | 6 Weeks | 4200 SF Revit and Enscape

SPACE PLANNING

The space plan defies conventional norms, reflecting the rebellious spirit synonymous with rock and roll.

Deliberately utilizing unconventional shapes and layouts, it disrupts the traditional design narrative.

The furniture and fixtures are arranged in a way that encourages free movement, inviting visitors to explore and engage with the space in a manner that mirrors the improvisational nature of rock music performances.

Level 1 NTS

Level 2 NTS

FLOORPLAN KEY 1.

Kitchen 5.

Coat Closet 9.

Conference Room

2.

Stage 6.

Restroom 10.

Master Closet

3.

Main Seating

7.

Conversation Pits

11.

Master Bathroom

4.

Storage

8.

Viewing Platform

12.

Studio Apartment

Custom Triangular Fixture

Arktura Alluvia Panels equipped with acoustical backing

OCL Glowball

The interplay of LED lighting serves as a powerful metaphor for the electric atmosphere of a rock concert. The LED lights are strategically positioned to emulate the vivid, dynamic lighting schemes seen at rock shows.

The color-changing hues cascade across the room, creating a dance of colors on monochrome surfaces. This pays homage to the visual extravagance of a rock concert and symbolizes the vibrant, new expressive culture and ideas that rock music unleashed upon the world during its emergence.

Level 1 Lighting Plan NTS

Mannington Dark Walnut

Porcelanosa Leim Black

Ollin Stone Neolith Carrara

Carefully selected materials such as porcelain and wood are incorporated into the design to provide a durable, long-lasting, sustainable design.

Incorporating polished and refined materials, the skybox captures the refined essence of Rock’s raw and diverse nature.

Porcelanosa Carrara Blanco

Mirrored Surfaces

Custom Illuminating Wall

Entertainment Area Section NTS

Rock and Roll Artists Pop Art

CONFERENCE ROOM PERSPECTIVE - The ceiling and wall panels take inspiration from the cascade of phone flashlights at rock concerts. Along the wall are Arktura Frequency Panels, with Arktura Alluvia Panels suspended from the ceiling.

ENTERTAINMENT AREA PERSPECTIVE - Unconventional shapes and layouts are deliberately employed to disrupt the traditional design narrative. The furniture and fixtures are arranged to encourage free movement, inviting visitors to explore and engage with the space in a manner that mirrors the improvisational nature of rock music performances.

Design concept: The spatial design is inspired by the organic shapes found in the desert landscape, particularly the canyon plateaus and the undulating rock formations. This design concept is realized through a “plateau” half-level and a waved ceiling formation that mimics the ridges and perforations of canyon rocks.

The plateau half-level creates a dramatic transition from enclosed private spaces to open public areas, drawing inspiration from the natural forms of the desert. The waved ceiling formation, with its wave-like perforations, serves as a visual element that guides patrons through the open space, reminiscent of the patterns found in desert rock formations, and adds to the overall material and aesthetic of the design.

Spring 2023 | 6 Weeks | 13000 SF | Phoenix, AZ Revit and Enscape

Phoenix, AZ Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this 13000 sqft Academic Library encompasses diverse programs and amenities. These include a media production studio, Makerspace, classroom, virtual environment Lab, a substantial collection of periodicals, individual study spaces, a cafe, as well as public and private group study areas.

SPACE PLANNING

The spatial plan of this academic library takes inspiration from the natural forms found in the desert environment, specifically the canyon plateaus. This design concept is manifested through the use of a “plateau” half level, which creates a striking shift from enclosed private spaces to open public areas, emulating the dramatic transitions seen in the desert landscape.

Level 1 NTS

FLOORPLAN KEY 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Mezzanine NTS

Information/Check-out Cafe Half-Level Study Area Small Study Spaces Media Recording Room Custodial Closet Telecom Room Virtual Reality Room Communications Lab Makerspace Classroom Branch Manager Office Staff Lobby/Lounge Staff Workroom Large Study Spaces

Half-Level Perspective Showcasing Stacks

Chalkboard

Concrete

Davis Circo Chair

Blue Carpet

Grey Carpet

Davis Occasional Side Table

White Tile

Oak Wood

OCL Bamboo Pendant

Individual Study Spaces & Classroom Perspective ft. Custom “READ” Light Fixture

Longitudinal Cross Section NTS

Spacestor Railway Carriage

Coalesse Bindu Chair

OCL Una Fixture

CAFE PERSPECTIVE - The ceiling takes inspiration from natural geographical surroundings, specifical

serving as a means for wayfinding. Custom waved wood beams are interspersed with OCL Una lightin

lly from the ridges found in canyon rocks. The ceiling design spans from the front to the back of the space,

ng fixtures, providing ample overhead illumination and creating a striking contrast between each beam.

PLATEAU HALF-LEVEL INTERIOR ELEVATION NTS

PLATEAU HALF-LEVEL CONCEPT The plateau half-level is strategically positioned within the space, serving as a raised platform that breaks the conventional spatial hierarchy. It provides an intermediate level that bridges the gap between private and public spaces, offering a unique vantage point for occupants to engage with the surrounding environment. This plateau acts as a threshold, signaling a shift in the spatial experience and inviting exploration and interaction. The concept is realized through the careful consideration of form and materiality, resulting in a unique and engaging spatial experience

CO-WORKING Design concept: My tech startup company is Fitbit. Fitbit is a physical fitness monitor that tracks the heart via the pulse in the wrist. The heart is the center of the body’s circulation system, pumping blood all around the body. In this coworking space, Fitbit is at the heart of the building, with all of the activity pulsating around the Tech startup. Since it is metaphorically considered the heart, it is also the basis of all circulation in the space. Every designated space is designed around the startup, with easy, open access to every other space, representing the blood flow circulating through the heart.

Fall 2022 | 8 Weeks | 7500 SF | Roanoke, VA Revit and Enscape

315 Albemarle Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24013 Located in downtown Roanoke, this 7500 sqft remodeled industrial warehouse offers a variety of amenities and work stations. 8 private offices, 20 hot desks, and a community space.

SPACE PLANNING

The spatial planning of this coworking area draws inspiration from the pulsating waves emitted by the human circulatory system. In recognition of the tech startup company, Fitbit, which specializes in physical fitness heart monitoring, it is strategically positioned at the center of the space, with other amenities branching out from it. This design choice serves to accentuate the tech startup as the central “circulatory system” of the entire space.

FLOORPLAN KEY 1.

Entrance/Reception Desk

2.

Kitchen/Community Space/Lounge

3.

Vertical Circulation

4.

Entrepreneur Offices 1-4

5.

Community Conference Room/Printing

6.

Restrooms

7.

Tech Startup

8.

Hot-Desking

9.

Entrepreneur Offices 5-8

10.

Small Conference Rooms

11.

Phone Booths

12.

Administrative Office

Entrepreneur Offices Perspective

Onyx

Stainless Steel

OCL GlowRing

Black Marble

Polished Concrete

OCL Loop Pendant

Oak Wood

Marble

Lunawood Slats

Phone Booth Perspective

Longitudinal Section NTS

OCL Glowball Pendant

OCL Highrise Sconce

PoppinPod Phone Booth

FITBIT TECH STARTUP PERSPECTIVE - ft. custom illu

uminating waves representing the form of a pulse

FRONT LOBBY

Y & RECEPTION

Design Concept: The design of this space draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands by utilizing native materials, creating a unique and authentic aesthetic.

The use of local materials not only pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii, but also promotes sustainability and environmental consciousness. The use of the zig-zag formation enhances the flexibility of the space. This layout allows for different seating arrangements, providing comfort and convenience for people sitting in groups or individually. the space can easily adapt to accommodate various needs and activities. The contrasting textures of wood and concrete create a sense of unity and harmony between the mezzanine and the ground floor. The warmth of the wood complements the cold look of the concrete, creating a balanced and harmonious juxtaposition.

Spring 2022 | 5 Weeks | 4700 SF | Honolulu, HI Revit and Enscape

Honolulu, HI Located in the heart of Honolulu, Hawaii, this soup kitchen serves food challeneged communities with an uplifting design that addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of customers affected by food insecurities

SPACE PLANNING

The spatial arrangement of this soup kitchen is thoughtfully designed in a “zig-zag” formation, symbolizing life’s unpredictable paths. It creates a space that serves as a nourishing refuge for individuals during challenging times. The zig-zag layout not only adds visual interest but also caters to varying levels of socialization with strategically placed sections along the path.

3

4

1

5

2

8 FLOORPLAN KEY

7

6

1.

Entrance/Waiting Area

2.

Medium Noise Level

3.

High Noise Level

4.

Low Noise Level

5.

Restrooms

6.

Community Space

7.

Counselling Offices

8.

Private Research Booths

Quiet Zone Below Mezzanine Perspective

Mango Wood

OCL Armet Sconce

Washed Brick

Bamboo

Ole Luna Pendant

Wood Planks

OCL Astra Pendant

Concrete

Davis Ginko Chair

Front Entrance Perspective

Longitudinal Cross Section NTS

Davis Veer Table

OCL Royale Pendant

Medinah High-Back Banquette

MEZZANINE &

& DINING ROOM

Mezzanine The mezzanine level of the building is thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of the community, providing a versatile space that fosters a sense of belonging and offers a range of services. As you ascend the staircase, you are greeted by an open-concept community space that exudes warmth and comfort.

Camel Leather Couch

Glass Table Top Coffee Table

Main Dining Room The multifunctional community space offers a welcoming lounge for socialization, a private research area for learning, and confidential 1-on-1 counseling services for support and guidance. It’s a space that fosters community engagement, personal growth, and holistic well-being, catering to the diverse needs of the community it serves.

Wicker Back Chair

Glass Round Coffee Table

THANK YOU

@shpresab@vt.edu

LinkedIn.com/shpresa-bucaj

(703) 863-5502