Dezeen School Shows: a nursery designed for children who are colourblind is featured in Dezeen's latest school show by students at the American University in Dubai.
Also included is a rescue centre for stray animals as well as an exhibition around the role of the traditional Arabic robe-like dress the abaya in the fashion industry.

American University in Dubai

Institution: American University in Dubai
School: School of Architecture, Art and Design – Interior Design Department
Course: AUD Interior Design Senior Projects: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri

School statement:

"IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design: this capstone studio builds upon research done in IDES 441-Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio and culminates in the design of a project.

"Having researched and analysed a building type, students apply their findings an interior project that demonstrates professional skills.

"The final senior projects are celebrated in the annual American University in Dubai (AUD) Interior Design Senior Showcase, where the projects are displayed and seniors, students, families, friends, alumni, press and respected members of the industry, met to celebrate this remarkable academic achievement.

"The innovative AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2024 - AUD May 2024, concluded with the awards ceremony of the winning projects.

"The jury from the industry was composed by international leading representatives of the industry selecting the Awards of the Senior Showcase 2024; the jury composed by AUD Interior Design Alumni Ambassadors 2024 selected the winners of Alumni Ambassadors Awards.

"Other awards include the award from AUD ID Faculty and the Public's Choice Award.

"The senior interior design projects are a testament of AUD Interior Design students' remarkable talent.

"Each project is unique and expresses creativity, sustainability, technicalities, innovation and critical thinking."

Centre for the Future by Thasneem Abuthahir

"The Centre for the Future, aims to create a space preparing the community for the future, aligning with the United Arabs Emirates vision.

"Driven by the UAE's forward-thinking initiatives in fostering innovation, the centre serves as a catalyst for empowering the community to embrace the transformative potential of AI and robotics.

"Through immersive learning experiences, hands-on workshops and collaborative projects, the centre provides a dynamic environment where curiosity thrives, creativity flourishes and boundaries are pushed.

"Key to the centre's mission is its commitment on nurturing a culture of openness, collaboration and respect, for an inclusive and equitable society."

Student: Thasneem Abuthahir
Award: AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2024 Industry Jury (winner, first place)
Course: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri
Email: thasneem.abuthahir[at]mymail.aud.edu

Youth-Fly by Joud Kayali

"Within every child resides a unique narrative and dreams of a promising future.

"Unfortunately, many children don't have the opportunity to develop their skills for a bright tomorrow.

"Youth-Fly Hub Centre aims to address the complex challenges of displaced children, aligning with UNICEF's mission.

"This specially designed facility provides support and opportunities for growth, with tailored programs and services prioritise the needs of these children, promoting skill development and cultural exploration.

"The design includes dedicated spaces for educational programmes, technical workshops and cultural exchange zones; all strategically located to encourage interaction, collaboration and exchanges of ideas."

Student: Joud Kayali
Awards: Award of AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2024 Industry Jury (winner, 3rd place) and Alumni Ambassadors Award at AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2024 Alumni Ambassadors Jury (winner)
Course: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri
Email: cud.kayali[at]mymail.aud.edu

Supersight Nurseries by Farah El Sayed

"Colourblindness affects the ability to see colours or colour differences due to lack or disfunction of cone cells in the eyes.

"Supersight Nurseries is an inclusive educational facility in the UAE for children aged two to six, supporting colourblind kids in their uniqueness and the use of their superpowers to thrive.

"The design emphasises adaptability, symbolised by clouds and chameleons.

"Clouds: the fluidity to respond to changes; chameleons: the ability to adjust to different situations.

"It is a flexible and supportive environment where children learn, grow and embrace their unique perspectives and identities."

Student: Farah El Sayed
Awards: AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2024 Industry Jury (winner, honourable mention) and Alumni Ambassadors at AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2024 Alumni Ambassadors Jury (winner, honourable mention)
Course: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri
Email: farah.elsayed@[at]ymail.aud.edu

Therapaws by Reem Alqadi

"The TheraPaws Centre rescues stray and abandoned cats and dogs in the UAE, training them as therapy pets and service animals.

"The centre provides a comprehensive care, with medical attention and emotional support to these animals.

"Specialised trainings prepare them to serve as autism service dogs, diabetic alert dogs, guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility assistance dogs, search and rescue dogs, psychiatric service dogs and seizure alert dogs.

"Agility and protection training are offered as well, therapy cats are also trained.

"This program fosters a mutually beneficial relationship, where animals receive help and provide valuable support to humans."

Student: Reem Alqadi
Award: Senior Showcase 2024 Industry Jury (winner, special mention)
Course: Senior project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri
Email: reem.alqadi[at]mymail.aud.edu

Abaya Academia by Kawthar Akrin

"Abayas represent a cultural symbol and traditions in the Arabic culture.

"Exploring this topic provides a clear understanding of how abayas design is also introduced into the fashion industry, allowing designers to express the culture.

"The project Abaya Academia includes a public space with runaway and exhibition, along with the academia with specific design classes, activities and the materials-fabrics library."

Student: Kawthar Akrin
Award: Public's Choice Award at the AUD Interior Design Department Senior Showcase 2024 public vote (winner)
Course: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri
Email: kawthar.akrin[at]mymail.aud.edu

Geo Hostel by Menatalla Mahmoud

"The UAE's tourism and hospitality industry is continuously growing.

"Geo Hostel introduces the concept of hostel to the region as an optional offer to satisfy the requests of an emerging segment of the market constituted by budget-conscious travellers.

"The project incorporates biophilic design and Feng Shui principles to enhance guests' wellbeing.

"It is an innovative and affordable lodging option contributing to the diversification of the offer and the development of the sector."

Student: Menatalla Mahmoud
Award: Award from Faculty at the AUD Interior Design Department Senior Showcase 2024 AUD ID Faculty Jury (winner)
Course: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri
Email: menatalla.mahmoud[at]mymail.aud.edu

Shift by Lina Hassan

"Shift merges education, exhibitions and hands-on experiences catered to a diverse range of audience including aspiring designers, professionals and educators in the field.

"Here, educators come together to witness the transformation of iconic cars into bespoke masterpieces, reflecting individual tastes and style.

"The project goals are to integrate fluid design elements reflecting the concept of fluidity that cars bring in our lives, to create a dynamic space encouraging hand-on learning, personalisation and experimentation and to encourage a sense of community and collaboration."

Student: Thasneem Abuthahir
Award: Award of AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2024 Industry Jury (winner, second place)
Course: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri
Email: thasneem.abuthahir[at]mymail.aud.edu

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and the American University in Dubai. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.