Miriam Younan

Interior Design, 2020

For a long time, homelessness has been an increasing concern for those who live in Franklinton. Job opportunities to help these people rebuild their life are slim and require more skills, as well as resources, than a homeless person has in order to obtain employment and maintain it. Based on the understanding of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, for this population to reach their potential with hope for a better future, they must be able to fulfill their basic human needs. Once this occurs, a person can have the emotional and mental capacity to become aware and open to the opportunities and possibilities their future can hold. FROM THE GROUND UP will serve as a place where a homeless person can come for a hot shower, a warm meal, and a sense of community and belonging. As they transition into the next state of mind, there is hope for the goal of employment and ultimately, self-sustainment.

Miriam Younan is a graduating senior of the Class of 2020 in The Interior Design Program at The Ohio State University and a student member of IIDA. She is passionate about the impact design can have on the human experience from a psychological aspect. Upon graduating, she plans to pursue further education in psychology, where she can then bring her knowledge and experience together from both fields, to create true change for people; from the inside out.