Dezeen School Shows:  a sustainably designed housing complex encouraging intergenerational living is included in Dezeen's latest school show by students at Corcoran School of the Arts and Design.

Also included is a gym designed to foster social interactions and a hostel that promotes wellness through Swedish rituals.

Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at The George Washington University

Institution: The George Washington University
School: Corcoran School of the Arts and Design
Course: Capstone Studio
Tutors: Douglas Crawford and Melina Misri

School statement:

"The Interior Architecture BFA and MA programs at the George Washington University's Corcoran School of the Arts and Design in Washington DC offers students a unique opportunity to study, learn and create within a creative environment at a major research university.

"Our program is the only Council for Interior Design Accreditation-accredited program within DC and one of ten interior programs located at universities that rank in the top 70 of US News and World Report's list of national research universities.

"Through our studio-based curriculum, the core of our program, students learn to design three-dimensional environments through the use of dynamic concepts, cutting-edge materials and innovative methods and techniques.

"See Corcoran's end-of-year show by clicking here."

Creatives at the Carnegie by Catharina Giacian

"This project seeks to transform The Carnegie Library into an artist networking and collaboration hub for young artists wanting to pursue careers in film and photography.

"The hub facilitates collaboration and mentorship opportunities for emerging talents through workshops, mentorship programs and access to resources such as a film-developing dark room, lighting studio, cinema etc., empowering artists to refine their skills and navigate the competitive landscape of these creative industries.

"By fostering inclusivity and accessibility, the hub enriches the local artistic community and shapes the future of film and photography on a broader scale."

Student: Catharina Giacian
Course: Interior Architecture Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio 5
Tutor: Douglas Crawford
Email: giaciancat[at]gmail.com

Fika: Hostel and Social Spa by Ella Kuehnert

"Fika is a Swedish social daily practice that means more than 'to take a break' – it's a way of living.

"Fika: Hostel and Social Spa brings this healthy lifestyle to DC – it is inserted into the active Swedish embassy at the Georgetown waterfront.

"This project focuses on combating the loneliness epidemic by integrating Nordic wellness rituals, such as social bathing and mandatory breaks, into American culture in order to foster a sense of belonging.

"These customs are also implemented spatially – the design celebrates the immersive sensory experience of being submerged in water through the presence of wooden wraparound structures."

Student: Ella Kuehnert
Course: Interior Architecture Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio 5
Tutor: Douglas Crawford
Email: ellakuehnert[at]gwu.edu

Dumbarton Grove: Retreat and Venue by Kyle Layman

"Dumbarton Grove is an overnight retreat and venue located in the main house of the historic Dumbarton Oaks in DC's Georgetown neighbourhood.

"This proposal provides a solution to the issue of finding balance in one's hectic city life.

"Using slow-living principles as inspiration, the programming and amenities found at Dumbarton Grove aim to help visitors revive purpose and intention in their everyday life through instructional cooking classes, gardening, journaling and much more.

"The house currently lies dormant, which informed the Dumbarton Grove design with aims to revitalise the building and fill the halls with guests once again."

Student: Kyle Layman
Course: Interior Architecture Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio 5
Tutor: Douglas Crawford
Email: ktlayman1[at]gmail.com

Echo Market by Xichen Cao

"Echo Market is an oasis in urban life, aiming to address challenges such as loneliness, alienation and environmental degradation in modern society.

"By integrating natural elements, sound wave shapes and community culture, Echo Market creates a space for harmonious coexistence, fostering deep connections between people and nature.

"It is not just a market for material needs, but also a place to nurture the soul, promote social interactions, and preserve cultural heritage.

"Echo Market provides a green space for urban residents to relieve stress, restore inner peace and promote community interaction, offering a sanctuary in bustling urban life."

Student: Xichen Cao
Course: Interior Architecture Master of Arts, Studio B
Tutor: Melina Misri
Email: xichen.cao[at]gwu.edu

CirRound Market by Vy Huynh

"Washington DC is home to many consulates around the world where many cultures meet.

"The Union Market area mixes residents from various ethnic backgrounds, contributing to a rich tapestry of traditions, languages and cuisines.

"Visitors can experience this diversity through the vast array of culinary offerings, from global cuisines to local favourites.

"The cultural scene around Union Market is vibrant, with a strong emphasis on artistic expression.

"Local artists often showcase their work in galleries, studios and public spaces, adding to the neighbourhood's creative energy – CirRound Market provides the space to learn and explore culture through food and people."

Student: Vy Huynh
Course: Interior Architecture Master of Arts, Studio B
Tutor: Melina Misri
Email: vy.huynh[at]gwu.edu

Fifty-Fifty Market by Delaney Lindberg

"Fifty Fifty re-envisions the historic Union Market into a refreshed, spirited food hall.

"Its concept and design target two strategic user groups – college students and young professionals in the area.

"Both demographics desire places to work or study remotely and lively spaces where they can gather and socialise with others over food and drinks.

"The collective project concept encompasses three elements for design direction: function, features and feelings.

"Fifty-Fifty aims to have authentic, engaging features while functioning as a day-to-night market for people to both work and socialise, creating a third place for people to feel companionship, connection and balance."

Student: Delaney Lindberg
Course: Interior Architecture Master of Arts, Studio B
Tutor: Melina Misri
Email: delaney.lindberg[at]gwu.edu

The Scarlet at Union District by Abbie McGrann

"DC is one of the most vibrant areas for young people to live in the US, and NoMa is one of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods in the nation.

"The concept for The Scarlet is centred around creating a space that caters to young up-and-coming individuals, offering a venue where they can dine, drink, enjoy live music and partake in games – an aspect currently lacking in the DC area.

"The concept behind the design seeks to evoke both ambiguity and familiarity within a space.

"Here, visitors can anticipate the overall experience, yet encounter unexpected design decisions, fostering a sense of mystery."

Student: Abbie McGrann
Course: Interior Architecture Master of Arts, Studio B
Tutor: Melina Misri
Email: abbiemcgrann[at]gwu.edu

The New Age of Living: A Blueprint for Intergenerational Residentials by Mariel Joven

"The primary objective of this project was to elevate the quality of life for the ageing population by establishing a new standard of living.

"This involves integrating them more effectively into the broader community through offering appealing active lifestyle options that cater to various user groups.

"By blending programs and leveraging nearby amenities, we can foster housing environments that promote intergenerational and intercultural connections.

"The implementation of inclusive, universal and sustainable design principles aims to redefine the norms of intergenerational living – recognising it not just as a necessity but as an opportunity for creative and human-centric design solutions."

Student: Mariel Joven
Course: Interior Architecture Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio 5
Tutor: Douglas Crawford
Email: mmjjoven27[at]gmail.com

Breaking Boundaries Bouldering by Sara Scully

"Breaking Boundaries Bouldering is a gym space that allows people to socialise and hang out while bouldering together.

"Unique in its social aspect, bouldering is an activity that allows you to connect, as you are often mapping routes up the wall, spotting for safety and strategising with other climbers.

"In a world where feelings of isolation are increasingly common, Breaking Boundaries Bouldering is a third place that would allow people to thrive physically and socially, to break free of the external factors that often put our lives in metaphorical boxes."

Student: Sara Scully
Course: Interior Architecture Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio 5
Tutor: Douglas Crawford
Email: sarauscully[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Corcoran School of Arts and Design. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.