KATHARINA ROPERS

INTERIOR DESIGN

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L P H N A T U R E C E N T E R

F U R N I T U R E S T U D I O

A I A K E N T D E S I G N P A V I L L I O N

C A P S T O N E S T U D I O

K N A W O R K P L A C E D E S I G N

06 P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E

0101C A P S T O N E S T U D I O

Aim

Carpe Librum is a study in how to make book stores a more viable option in a future where there are many easier digital options available. Research shows bringing communities together over literature and offering opportunities for continued learning is a more sustainable model for bookstores than many of the larger chains we see now.

Concept

Carpe Librum brings together many different aspects of literature under one roof, and makes it accessible to the whole community. Creating an inviting and easily accessible environment is important to making the book store inviting to children, and those who may not have had much exposure to literature. While Carpe Librum has an extensive offering of books, it also has events and classes such as letterpress and book binding that are available to the community. Special programs to encourage reading will be available to children and schools. Additionally, there are resources for writers, both professional and amateur.

Cafe - Space can be accessed from the outside or through the literature center. It creates a space for casual reading or socializing after events and classes.

Bookstore - Along with stacks, this space also offers different types of seating to accommodate reading alone or in groups.

Multipurpose - Accessible after hours. For school groups or community use such as lectures, meeting or social gatherings.

Book Bar - Staffed with book enthusiasts to offer recommendations. Open, friendly setting for discussion.

Classrooms - Offer letterpress, printmaking, book binding, etc.

Children’s Area - Provides a play area with an interactive landscape and areas for reading circles, as well as individual retreat areas.

Aim

The children’s nature center is located on a river front site in Cincinnati in a building design by EFFEKT. The inside and landscape are redesigned to create a children’s oriented center for learning.

Concept

The nature center focuses on reconnecting with nature. With an emphasis on community, nature and sustainability. This was reflected in the exhibits and design of the interiors. While this center is for children, it also works to incorporate the entire community.

L P H N A T U R E C E N T E R

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-Encourage the community, and especially children, to notice and enjoy nature

-Make Nature easy and interactive for children

-Help the community reconnect with their environment

-Teach the community how to maintain its environment

Goals

PROGRAM

Research on Biomimicry helped to bring nature into the building in

subtle ways that are functional design elements instead of just decorative

The program for the nature center is seasonal , as well as having two

permanent exhibits for children and schools. There are also communal spaces for the community to use

The curves in the interiors were informed by the

form of the site and river

Research on Biomimicry helped to Research on Biomimicry helped to bring nature into the building in bring nature into the building in

subtle ways that are functional design subtle ways that are functional design elements instead of just decorativeelements instead of just decorative

seasonal , as well as having two seasonal , as well as having two permanent exhibits for children and permanent exhibits for children and

schools. There are also communal schools. There are also communal spaces for the community to use spaces for the community to use

F U R N I T U R E S T U D I O

0303The main objective of this studio was learning craft and millwork. In order to learn this effectively, our big project of the semester was developing a chair of our own design and building it. The studio also included a smaller project, which was showing our craftmanship by building box.

The main objective of this studio was learning craft and millwork. In order to learn this effectively, our big project of the semester

Chair construction process:

1. Planed, cut roughly to size and glued together individual pieces2. Sanded and routed dado joint into side pieces3. Cut sides to shape and beveled edge4. Drew out and drill pressed holes5. Cut foam padding to size6. Created and pulled yarn tufts through individual holes7.Created metal base and attached it to the base of the chair

A I A K E N T D E S I G N P A V I L L I O N

0404Aim

The design charrette was entitled “Architectural Congress of Ohio Pavillion”. The project was completed in 48 hours with the help of two other designers. The purpose of the space was to create a space for creatives and designers to come up with solutions to design problems, as well as create a place to display work and create interactions with the student of Kent University.

Concept

The concept of the structure developed around the progression of the design process. The stages of design build on each other from concept phase to exhibition. There is an idea of hierarchy, that is expressed in the building’s shape as the seemingly interlocking triangles build off of one another. There is also a progression in the complexity of the windows forms a realization of the idea of abstraction.

Organizational Elements:

The first is the revolution of the form around the central pentagon, following the lines of extension.

The second element is the degree of transparency that evolves with the progression of the building.

K N A W O R K P L A C E D E S I G N

050505050505K N A W O R K P L A C E D E S I G N

Aim

For the workplace studio, I chose a firm I interned for over the summer: KNA Design. The objective was to choose a firm that interested us and needed to make their space more functional for them.

Concept

A couple design issues soon became apparent, such as the need for more areas with privacy and more chances for collaboration. This led to a floor plan with client and employee focused spaces and a range of privacy options.

Both floor and ceiling elements, along with the curves in the design draw you into the space. The design and different custom furniture elements allow for autonomous working for employees. While much of the space is designed for the employees and to improve creativity, the entry area is geared towards the client’s needs, including conference rooms, reception and sitting areas.

P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C EP R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E

0606 I have included some examples of the work I have collaborated on since graduation. The main project I’ve been on is still under construction, but the renderings give an idea of the type of work I’ve been a part of. Along with renderings, some things I have been responsible for are specifications both architectural and FF&E, client presentations and FF&E research and selections. I would be happy to elaborate on any of the skills I’ve developed working on various projects and with multiple senior designers.

C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O Nroperskj@gmail.com

(303) 905 7872

http://katharinaropers.weebly.com