More stories

  • in

    Middlesex University spotlights 12 interior design and architecture projects

    Dezeen School Shows: an animal therapy support centre that aims to benefit people’s mental and physical health and a scheme that converts empty high street shops feature in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at Middlesex University.

    Also included is a “Gamer Station” and a safe house for survivors of domestic abuse.

    Institution: Middlesex UniversityCourses: BA Interior Architecture, BA Interior Design and MA InteriorsTutors: Francesca Murialdo, Naomi House, Gavin Challand, Jon Mortimer, Michael Westhorp, Jason Scoot and David Fern
    School statement:
    “At Middlesex University we run two undergraduate programmes and one postgraduate programme dedicated to studying the richly variant inscape.

    “Interior Architecture operates within the existing architectural fabric and context, remodelling space through architectural intervention, and questioning the idea of interiority relative to a variety of scales – from rooms to buildings and cities.
    “The programme speculates on the possible futures for buildings and environments that have reached the end of their current lifespan.
    “Interior Design is concerned with the creation of new interiors that are inserted or installed into existing buildings or other places, relatively independent of their site contexts, for short-term use. Design projects may therefore be generic and applied to many different sites.
    “MA Interiors continues to challenge and redefine what constitutes the ‘interior’.
    “The programme places emphasis on processing a personal design approach based on individual interests, through the compilation of three portfolio volumes of analysis and project development.
    “Common to all three programmes is the importance we place on intertwining theory and practice and the obligation, in this social media age, to prioritise real sensory human experience in the place-making process.
    “Although student achievement is predominantly assessed against individually produced outputs, we acknowledge that designing interiors in practice is inevitably interdisciplinary – often crossing the domains of humanities, cultural studies, history, philosophy, psychology and anthropology.”

    Communal Scape by Yinjun Shen
    “Communal Scape is a development strategy that looks at reintroducing public space within commercial environments to help unlock new high street typologies.
    “This idea considers a new approach to rebuild inner London high streets using communal spaces, reserved typically for private gated developments, to become new territories that cut into and weave under existing buildings, creating new hybrid shopping, working and social spaces.
    “This newfound common ground helps to re-establish place, cater for new ways to engage with the high street and develop new mechanisms that encourage connectivity in an ever-growing space crisis.”
    Student: Yinjun ShenCourse: MA InteriorsEmail: muyunfengliu[at]gmail.comTutors: Jason Scoot and David Fern

    House of Soul by Ieva Karaliute
    “House of Soul is a proposed community centre that celebrates diversity and gives people a platform to have a voice within their own community.
    “Through careful design decisions and adaptive reuse strategies in the existing Elephant House in Camden, the project explores the importance of performance, collaboration and skills exchange.
    “The project involved designing spaces focused on their needs for inhabitation and rehabilitation.”
    Student: Ieva KaraliuteCourse: BA Interior ArchitectureEmail: sigurna[at]gmail.comTutors: Francesca Murialdo, Naomi House and Gavin Challand

    Okuvlig by Irma Signe Linnea Vesterlund
    “Okuvlig means something or someone who cannot be subjugated, controlled or restrained. The project aims to give voice to the survivors of human rights violations.
    “These survivors are offered a safe space to live and re-integrate with society – a space that is inviting and warm and encourages them to be bold and independent.
    “The project involves transforming an existing building in Camden to create an open public space with private areas, which creates new connections between the survivors and the wider community.”
    Student: Irma Signe Linnea VesterlundCourse: BA Interior ArchitectureEmail: irma.westerlund[at]outlook.comTutors: Francesca Murialdo, Naomi House and Gavin Challand

    Salvage Community Centre by Daryna Chobitko
    “The project presents a salvage community centre run by volunteers in an existing building on the Regent’s Canal in London.
    “The main adaptive strategy is to reinstate the building as a wharf – as it was when it was built – to use the canal to transport goods in a sustainable way.
    “The programme provides spaces to process and consume salvaged food and workshops that collect and rework salvaged building materials, to produce sustainable temporary structures for events.”
    Student: Daryna ChobitkoCourse: BA Interior ArchitectureEmail: chobitkodaria[at]mail.ruTutors: Francesca Murialdo, Naomi House and Gavin Challand

    Revolut Bank by Alexandra Stroe
    “Today the world is confronted with inflation, energy crises and wars that are creating a domino effect that is influencing the world’s economy.
    “To be prepared for these kinds of events, the financial system should offer more support about money knowledge.
    “This project takes Revolut as a bank that is shaking up the norm and builds a space where users can gain knowledge and build strong connections within the financial community.
    “It is a space where people will be informed and trained to deal with challenging times, in order to better manage their money.”
    Student: Alexandra StroeCourse: BA Interior DesignEmail: alexandra.elena_stroe[at]yahoo.comTutors: Jon Mortimer, Michael Westhorp, Naomi House and Gavin Challand

    A Fitness Hotel by Andrea Pereira
    “My project is a space designed to gently encourage physical and mental fitness. The space takes people in as a place to stay and encourages the idea of a healthy lifestyle.
    “The design will mainly be focused on expressing unintentional forms of fitness so that the guests can use the space without feeling too overwhelmed.
    “The idea is to gently introduce them to a healthy lifestyle, making them realise that it is not as hard as they thought to change their bad habits.”
    Student: Andrea PereiraCourse: BA Interior DesignEmail: andreape[at]hotmail.co.ukTutors: Jon Mortimer, Michael Westhorp, Naomi House and Gavin Challand

    The Gamer Station by Ieva Marija Eid
    “The online gaming world is becoming a competitive sport. However, a lingering disconnection can be present between professional gamers, fans and undertakers of esports.
    “The Gamer Station is a facility open 24/7 where professional gamers, fans and the esports entourage can go. It creates an original space where like-minded people can come together and celebrate the digital joy of esports.
    “The space requires a new design language to reconcile the physical/digital divide.”
    Student: Ieva Marija EidCourse: BA Interior DesignEmail: ee389[at]live.mdx.ac.ukTutors: Jon Mortimer, Michael Westhorp, Naomi House and Gavin Challand

    Calan Women’s Safe House and Cafe by Emily Marzocchi
    “This project aims to contain all the parts of the rehabilitation process in one structure. Responding from the ‘first rescue’ to a rehabilitation process through a long-stay use of the facility, ending with the reintegration of the guests back into society.
    “The facility is designed like a retreat rather than a clinical environment. The key design trait is the adaptability and movability of the space that empowers the guests, allowing them to comfortably find their own personal way to heal.”
    Student: Emily MarzocchiCourse: BA Interior DesignEmail: em1065[at]ive.mdx.ac.ukTutors: Jon Mortimer, Michael Westhorp, Naomi House and Gavin Challand

    Off Space by Miranda Cela
    “Off Space is a project that aims to introduce new working, making and learning environments inspired by how the public now work and engage with the high street following the Covid-19 pandemic.
    “The strategy uses existing redundant shops and inserts new access points to upper levels where it enables both private and shared spaces to co-exist.
    “Connections and proximity are promoted via communal and independent spaces that reintroduce psychological and physical connections lost through the pandemic.
    “It promotes visual and physical experiences via a variety of geometric, transparent volumes on multiple levels and trajectories, enabling a variety of different uses that help reinvigorate the high street.”
    Student: Miranda CelaCourse: MA InteriorsEmail: mirandacela03[at]gmail.comTutors: Jason Scoot and David Fern

    Farm Therapy by Nigar Hasanzade
    “Farm Therapy is a project that looks at new ways in which local communities can cope with mental and physical health conditions via an animal therapy support focus centre.
    “It provides a social sanctuary for both rescue animals and people to escape and seek support following diagnoses.
    “Four key services are proposed – a veterinary clinic, formal and informal therapy spaces and a city farm.
    “Fields and grazing paths enable the animals to interact with each visitor, creating a health service that seeks to provide support through alternative, qualitative interaction.”
    Student: Nigar HasanzadeCourse: MA InteriorsEmail: nhasanzadehh[at]gmail.comTutors: Jason Scoot and David Fern

    The midnight furnace by Seongmin Kim
    “The project aims to turn an existing carwash building into a public bathhouse for night workers.
    “The idea of taking care and using water to cleanse and transform is shifted from cars to night workers, a very niche and often neglected category.
    “Using adaptive reuse strategies, the key elements of this building were retained and a new public space connecting internal and external activities and spaces was inserted.
    “The act of cleansing, which already existed in this building, is transformed into a sequence of spaces where night workers can find their own identity, heal and socialise.”
    Student: Seongmin KimCourse: MA InteriorsEmail: seongmin93uk[at]gmail.comTutors: Francesca Murialdo, Naomi House and Gavin Challand

    Life Pods by Burak Ozturk
    “My project seeks to address responsibly in food consumption in relation to sustainability, health, community and the environment.
    “Life Pods provides at a new supermarket typology that uses current technologies in vertical farming to co-produce food locally.
    “The ambition is to introduce a new offer, one that helps reduce product carbon footprint via cooperating with local and existing supermarket supply chains, tackle obesity and nurture new, healthier ways to eat.
    “The design is powered by innovative methods of harvesting energy and resources through solar and rainwater capture.”
    Student: Burak OzturkCourse: MA InteriorsEmail: arch.burak.ozturk[at]gmail.comTutors: Jason Scoot and David Fern
    Partnership content
    This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Middlesex University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

    Read more: More

  • in

    Virginia Commonwealth University spotlights 12 interior design projects

    Dezeen School Shows: a community centre informed by patchwork construction and a rehabilitation space with curved, organic forms are included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at Virginia Commonwealth University.

    Also included is a library that encourages social interaction and halls of residence designed to make students feel at home.

    School: Department of Interior DesignCourse: Thesis studioTutors: Roberto Ventura, Kristin Carleton and Emily Smith
    School statement:
    “This studio is the culmination of year-long independent design exploration. Students completing their final year in the Department of Interior Design at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) are challenged to explore how design can engage an issue or idea that has three tiers of relevance.

    “First, the project must have relevance to the student in order to sustain the passion required for a year-long investigation. Second, the project must engage with an issue or need in the local community in which the project is based.
    “The vast majority of projects are situated in or near Richmond, Virginia, where the university is located. Third, the project should invite interest from the larger interior design community.
    “Students develop research that includes primary works of their own authorship, programming and site documentation in the fall semester. This backbone sets the foundation for the development of a design response to the student inquiries in the spring.
    “Ultimately, these projects demonstrate the values driving the pursuits of these students and the power and potential they have as emerging designers to transform not only interior space but our communities overall.”

    City Co-op by Madison C Donnelly
    “City Co-op was designed to take over an existing brick building located at 101 S Linden St in Richmond Virginia, which had been left unchanged after 130 years. The design idea was to bring the space back to its original use as a public market, which sparked the idea that the space is a boomerang.
    “The design of the first floor is inspired by the building’s column grid. Built off of the vertical columns is a scaffolding system that is home to module walls, light fixtures, conduit and signage.
    “Between any two vertical elements, walls can be hung that allow vendor booths to be customisable. As the design currently stands, the space holds 33 different vendors, such as produce, delis, coffee, bakeries, florists, sandwich shops and more.
    “With every design, I attempt to blur the line between fine art and interior design. Throughout my education, I have pushed the role of interior design in the graphic world through expressive technical drawings and sketches.
    “Exploring the roles of sustainability, form and cohesive systems has defined my design education.”
    Student: Madison C DonnellyCourse: IDES 401: Senior Interior Design Studio IITutor: Emily SmithEmail: madison1231m[at]gmail.com

    Taking Flight: An Independent Living Facility for Emancipated Foster Youth by Kristy McDaniel Leitzel
    “The project envisions foster care centres as ‘nests’.
    “Here, each ‘nest’ has a personality and is made from unique accumulations of varied materials. They are chaotic but maintain predictability. Nests are built to support the young.
    “But nests are temporary and designed for nurture. They provide a hideaway from full exposure to life’s risks and rewards.
    “Nests must be a facilitator for growth until it is time to take flight.”
    Student: Kristy McDaniel LeitzelCourse: IDES 699: Creative Project – ThesisTutor: Roberto Ventura

    Activate RVA by Miriam Gibson
    “Activate RVA in Richmond, Virginia, is a community and social-activation centre that embodies the construction of patchwork, taking scraps of different shapes, sizes, colours and patterns and stitching them together to create something new, unique and needed.
    “Activate RVA will provide spaces that can host an array of different events, from large programs like guest lectures, community gardening workshops, clothing swaps and fundraisers to smaller, more personal interactions such as mentorship sessions, small group discussions, grass-roots organisation meetings and specialised classes.
    “Additionally, collaborative lounge areas provide space where community members can work and meet other members who have a shared interest in social activism.
    “I believe that design follows value as form follows function. I value joy and engagement, so I design spaces that would make users genuinely excited to be in them, using bright colours, vivid murals and patterns and ceiling elements that bring us out of the ordinary boxes we are used to existing in.”
    Student: Miriam GibsonCourse: IDES 401: Senior Interior Design Studio IITutor: Emily Smith

    Humans Alike by Yasmine Ali
    “Humans Alike is a space that seeks to connect immigrants from different backgrounds and cultures, highlighting the significance of humanitarian solidarity and discouraging the constructed perception of immigrants and refugees.
    “Through the exploration of the idea of multicultural design, this project is a reminder that despite our differences and unique backgrounds, we are all alike.  We are all human.
    “As a designer, I recognise the responsibility I have that can tremendously impact society and the environment around it. Because of this, I strive to apply my skills and knowledge in designs that advocate the power of sustainability and social equity.
    “As Victor Papanek said, “Design can and must become a way in which young people can participate in changing society”.
    Student: Yasmine AliCourse: IDES 401: Senior Interior Design Studio IITutor: Kristin Carleton

    Connections Exposed – A Library for the People by Stephanie Wilburn
    “Branch libraries are increasingly tasked with supporting their communities in ways outside of historical norms.
    “This library is designed to act as a community centre that encourages connection and social interaction while also meeting the community’s social infrastructure and knowledge hub needs.”
    Student: Stephanie WilburnCourse: IDES 699: Creative Project – ThesisTutor: Roberto VenturaEmail: slwilburn1[at]gmail.com

    Nurture by Sophie Kozlowski
    “Nurture reimagines rehabilitative spaces through the concept of embrace. Curved forms, organic patterns and vertical layering are three of the primary design elements used to create this interior environment, which is focused on eating disorder recovery.
    “Conveniently located near the student campus, Nurture makes recovery easily accessible to VCU students.
    “Design informs people’s experiences and lives. Through my thesis research, I have discovered that every little detail holds weight, whether it’s colour, materiality, or scale. These components together can lead to positive or negative experiences within built environments.
    “There is a lot of power in these decisions and as designers, I believe we should take that responsibility seriously.”
    Student: Sophie KozlowskiCourse: IDES 401: Senior Interior Design Studio IITutor: Emily SmithEmail: sophiefkozlowski[at]gmail.com

    Corner Kitchen by Izze Stadulis
    “Thoughtful design should be available to all people. I wanted to design primarily for the homeless community in Richmond, Virginia, for people who may not feel welcomed into every shop or restaurant they pass.
    “This project will be a community kitchen, teaching kitchen and donation centre, independent from any other building seen as a safe place.
    “Design has such a huge role within our everyday lives. It affects our mood, mental health and our everyday flow. I believe thoughtful and equal design should be available and speak to all people.”
    Student: Izze StadulisCourse: IDES 401: Senior Interior Design Studio IITutor: Kristin Carleton

    Mindfulness Meditation by Brock Hubbard
    “The project explores how a structure might heal users while simultaneously removing them from society and reconnecting them with their inner selves as a novel strategy to combat mental illness.
    “Since the emergence of the smartphones and social media in 2007 depression rates have risen dramatically, with the greatest impact on my generation and the next. People exercise and meditate less, despite its ability to reduce stress and sadness.
    “In the Richmond area, there is currently no facility dedicated to mental training. Although the concept of training our brains to change our thinking is relatively new, it has proven to be effective. Meditation and yoga in both hot and cold environments could be used to achieve this.
    “The brain is similar to a muscle in that the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. I believe that design can create a welcoming and comfortable environment for all. It’s critical to consider the building’s mission in healing the individual, shifting how they think and changing their mindset.”
    Student: Brock HubbardCourse: IDES 401: Senior Interior Design Studio IITutor: Kristin Carleton

    Connected: Exploring Automation to Activate Ageing in Place Success by Hallie Walker Gillespie
    “Birds are visible signs of invisible forces. The design of this project references the unique characteristics of a peacock’s inherent aesthetic beauty, optimised feather structure and golden ratio proportions.
    “A ‘Smart Inn’ of managed AirBnB apartments was designed for short and long-term rentals, with live-in showrooms for smart home devices to alleviate the hesitation of adopting smart technologies.
    “Combined with adaptable, efficient design solutions, guests will be invited to re-imagine their later years, leaving with new confidence to integrate customised automation into their own homes.
    “These spaces demonstrate how artificial intelligence, environmental sensors, and related technologies can optimise daily activities and elevate the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers.
    “A coordinating neighbourhood cafe, shared community patios, and fitness spaces were designed on-site to further illustrate the benefits of physical activity interventions, third places, and time in nature.”
    Student: Hallie Walker GillespieCourse: IDES 699: Creative Project – ThesisTutor: Roberto VenturaEmail: hallie.walker[at]gmail.com

    Reimagining Residential Life and Housing by Jenna Bramblet
    “First-year housing on campus is no longer adequate. The intent of this project was to design a residence hall that positively impacts students’ academics, involvement, and overall well-being. To create a welcoming place that helps students find themselves and their place here at college.
    “I am passionate about creating magic amongst what is considered the mundane. I aim to make every day a day that is filled with excitement, art and a little bit of imagination. Discovering the places that give you that unmistakable sense of atmosphere is what I go out in search of daily.
    “Experiencing the feeling of wanting to be nowhere else but the present. These are the feelings I attempt to convey in my art and designs.”
    Student: Jenna BrambletCourse: IDES 401: Senior Interior Design Studio IITutor: Emily SmithEmail: jennabramblet[at]gmail.com

    Relief Revival Reincarnation by Lt Moon PhD
    “This project seeks to improve the livability of the interior environment in public housing residential units by emphasising the design elements of light, dimensionality, circulatory liberation, relief and spatial adaptability in critical living areas.
    “This is achieved while preserving the historical context of the community such that a renewed sense of choice, autonomy, ownership and connectivity is facilitated.
    “The concept is influenced by Herman Hertzberger’s theory of polyvalence, which is the capacity to design living spaces that are adaptable to occupant preferences without adjusting exterior building construction.
    “Principles of polyvalence contradict the principles of determinism, which prescribes how spaces are intended to be used.”
    Student: Lt Moon PhDCourse: IDES 699: Creative Project – ThesisTutor: Roberto VenturaEmail: aderoltd[at]gmail.com

    Armstead Lofts by Kyle Johnston
    “This project is a boutique micro-apartment building and community space. It creates a place for residents to gather and build a tight community, as well as making sure there is no compromise to the amenity spaces.
    “Using a bright colour palette and taking inspiration from 60s pop art, which was a time of progression in the civil rights movements and pushing the boundaries of art, I aimed to create a space of acceptance for college and postgraduate residents.”
    Student: Kyle JohnstonCourse: IDES 401: Senior Interior Design Studio IITutor: Kristin CarletonEmail: kylejohnstonr[at]gmail.com
    Partnership content
    This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Virginia Commonwealth University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

    Read more: More

  • in

    The Interior Design School presents seven student projects

    Dezeen School Shows: a co-living space for healthcare workers and a student housing project that acknowledges the importance of mental health are included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at The Interior Design School.

    Also included is a residential project designed to be accessible to an ageing population and a co-working space within a London mews.

    School: The Interior Design SchoolCourse: Professional Diploma in Interior DesignTutors: Iris Dunbar, Adrienne Star, Melissa White, Amanda Culpin, Angela Howell, Jenny Grove, Laura Cant, Janet Crawford, Rosie Armstrong, Victoria Ayesta and Marcus Steffen
    School statement:
    “Professional Diploma in Interior Design is aimed at students wishing to gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge required to change career, continue in further education or for those gaining individual development.

    “Our studio represents a functioning design practice enabling students to operate in an environment that feels relevant and professional before entering into the interior design industry.”

    Uniden – Student housing by Sarah Celebidachi
    “The brief was to develop the Devonshire Mews in Marylebone to provide a student complex that caters to living and social needs.
    “The housing unit should be flexible to a student budget and the demand for London student housing. The mews itself should offer a campus feel, providing a safe space in what can be a very overwhelming move to the busy city.
    “For that reason, it is crucial to cater to mental health by providing a gym, job centre, counselling practice and extensive library. The other spaces should be available to rent to local restaurants, shops and cafes.
    “The student housing units should offer a communal kitchen and dining space, private sleeping quarters and a lounge that allows for quieter and more social activities. This requires the student units to be divided into three floors and therefore involves careful planning to maintain the integrity of the front facade.”
    Student: Sarah CelebidachiCourse: Professional Diploma in Interior DesignContact: sarahcelebidachi[at]gmail.com

    The Viaduct – New living business Airbnb by Lynn Jackson
    “Mace construction company has commissioned the design of a co-living space to accommodate short-term requirements for project-related visits.
    “The space is designed to encourage a balance between work and relaxation.”
    Student: Lynn JacksonCourse: Professional Diploma in Interior DesignContact: lynn.e.jackson[at]live.com

    Pace – A refuge for healthcare workers by Caterina Fiore
    “A kind and restorative co-living space where residents can slow their pace and find peace and tranquillity after a hard-working shift.
    “The space is available to healthcare workers such as research staff, nurses, doctors and visiting staff who work locally at St Mary’s Hospital.
    “The definition of pace is the speed at which someone or something moves, or with which something happens or changes. It also means peace in Italian, a state of mutual harmony between people.”
    Student: Caterina FioreCourse: Professional Diploma in Interior DesignContact: caterina1.fiore[at]gmail.com

    The Conduit – Business Airbnb by Dimitra Loi-Theodorikakou
    “A co-living and co-working space for employees on remote or on-site work schedules and teams working on intensive projects within their business.
    “The space is designed to accommodate short-term stays with interactive spaces to eat and socialise. The project spans over twelve mews houses located in Conduit Mews, Central London.”
    Student: Dimitra Loi-TheodorikakouCourse: Professional Diploma in Interior DesignContact: dimitraloi80[at]gmail.com

    Junction – Co-living for healthcare employees by Fran Middleton
    “The brief was to design a co-living environment for healthcare and other key workers that have regular or irregular shift patterns, which will be established in a historic mews in the Bayswater Conservation Area.
    “Residents should be able to settle in the community long term, with a minimum stay of six months. They will typically be single but may have a partner living with them short term.
    “Junction brings residents together into a self-organising community, with services and facilities designed to support life outside society’s typical daily rhythm. Inspired by the seaside in its historic role as a place to convalesce, the design provides a relaxing escape and eye-opening stimulation.
    “Common meals are served in two social spaces, one shared by those experiencing the morning and one by those arriving home from work. Secluded bedrooms allow residents to achieve good quality sleep after a soothing bath, while other activities are kept psychologically and physically distant.”
    Student: Fran MiddletonCourse: Professional Diploma in Interior DesignContact: francescamiddleton[at]outlook.com

    Third Age – A co-living concept for the ageing population by Kristin Björkman
    “We have a new type of ageing population, with many individuals remaining broadly unaffected by health and mobility problems. This can be described as an extended middle age or in this case, the third age.
    “There is a vast gap in the market for this demographic and many design opportunities to explore.
    “The project was designed with the principles of universal design in mind, which means undetectable accessibility for all. Your home should be a constant reminder of your possibilities and abilities, rather than your limitations.”
    Student: Kristin BjörkmanCourse: Professional Diploma in Interior DesignContact: bjorkmankristin[at]gmail.com

    A Community for Healthcare Workers by Nina Jorden
    “This project rethinks co-living in response to the coronavirus pandemic by creating a retreat for healthcare workers.
    “Made up of nine mews houses in Junction Mews, Paddington, residents are transported outside of the hospital rules and hierarchy to a place where they can decompress and re-energise before reconnecting with the outside world.”
    Student: Nina JordenCourse: Professional Diploma in Interior DesignContact: ninajorden[at]gmail.com
    Find out more about the Professional Diploma in Interior Design course at The Interior Design School on Dezeen Courses.
    Partnership content
    This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and The Interior Design School. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

    Read more: More