Sara Campagna, pictured below, is a multidisciplinary designer with balanced expertise in both technical and creative design aspects, and across multiple scales of design.
“My work spans a diverse range of fields and geographic locations but the design approach is always centred on understanding the specific needs and cultural contexts of each project,” she says.
“Whether it’s a corporate headquarters or a large urban development, the designer’s role is to incorporate sustainable practices, local materials, and the unique cultural aspects of the region to ensure that each design is not only functional but also meaningful to its users.”
Sara believes that it is how the end user experiences the space that ultimately determines its success.
“It's crucial to leave space for the future soul of the project to emerge once it is built,” she adds.
Sara is currently working on the interior design for headquarters buildings in the Middle East as well as a mixed-use development masterplan involving different museum and cultural programmes, including placemaking and interior design of the different assets.
Read on to discover Sara’s four favourite past projects.
Dadu Children’s Museum of Qatar
"Dadu Children’s Museum of Qatar, designed by UNStudio, was revealed during the Venice Biennale at the Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, as part of the ‘Building a Creative Nation’ Exhibition presented by Qatar Creates.
The most interesting part of the design process for the museum's interior spaces arose out of a strategic goal to educate and inspire the generation that will lead the country into the future.
Our crucial design objective was to create a place where parents feel supported and children are safe, fostering a positive museum experience that they will cherish and continue to seek out into adulthood. In every design project, I believe it’s important to first place yourself in the perspective of the users. For this project, we had to think like children—free, curious, and fearless. We included elements that spark curiosity and imagination, such as interactive exhibits at various heights, tactile materials, and vibrant colours. We also considered the practical needs of parents, ensuring there were comfortable rest areas, easily accessible facilities, and clear sightlines so they could watch their children explore with peace of mind. The result is a museum environment that balances the joy of discovery for children with the reassurance of safety and comfort for parents.”
Lisi Green Tower, Tbilisi, Georgia
“As an interior designer on the residential Lisi Green Tower project, completed between 2015 and 2023, I was deeply involved in crafting the “neighbourhoods in the sky” concept, which aims to connect people through innovative architecture and social sustainability. The design process involved a meticulous blending of contemporary and traditional elements to reflect the evolving Georgian culture and lifestyle within the interiors of this innovative 11-storey residential building. This approach resulted in three distinct design moods, custom-made to suit the varied tastes of the residents while ensuring a cohesive aesthetic continuity between the building’s exterior and interior.
The most interesting part of this project was engaging with the local community to distil the essence of a country’s personality into an intimate and unique design.”
H1 Project, Masterplan, Seoul, South Korea
“Designed in 2019 this green, mixed-use neighbourhood in Seoul for Hyundai Development Company not only creates beautiful and functional spaces, but anticipates the evolving needs of a digital first society, where convenience, technology and sustainability needs to be considered all at once.
My role on the project was leading the design of the mixed-use plot with residential towers and common amenities, together with the interior design for the residences, including future-proof furniture systems connected to customization and subscription-based services.
It was an incredible collaborative experience. The multidisciplinary approach allowed us to consider any relevant parameters while designing interior spaces, from people flow and material identity, to real estate evaluations, to physical constrains, to local costumes. By doing so we have created a strong backbone for the design to flourish.”
Bamboo Micro-housing project for transitional communities in Hong Kong
“The Bamboo Micro-housing project, featured at the 2013 Hong Kong/Shenzhen Biennale, creatively addresses the urgent need for housing over 280,000 residents without permanent homes in Hong Kong. Designed in partnership with Affect-t and constructed alongside real workers, the project was built within the industrial spaces of Hong Kong, using local bamboo. My involvement in the design and construction process not only provided practical insights into modular housing but also deepened the understanding of design for disassembly and the utilization of local craftsmanship. This approach highlighted the integration of sustainable practices and traditional skills in creating efficient, quality housing solutions that align with the exhibition’s context and the industrial setting of the Kwun Tong Ferry Pier.
Overall, this project was a profound reminder of how essential it is to blend research, community engagement, and hands-on building in the design process to create impactful and meaningful spaces.”