Dezeen School Shows: a wellness centre designed for maternal support, education and recovery is among projects from interior design students at the American University in Dubai.
Also featured is a youth sports facility that encourages a holistic approach to physical activity and a wildlife research hub designed to educate visitors about desert and wetland ecosystems in the United Arab Emirates.
American University in Dubai
Institution: American University in Dubai
Courses: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah, Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri
School statement:
"This article showcases work from the IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII, Capstone Design course that builds upon the foundational research conducted in IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio.
"After completing an in-depth analysis of a specific building type, students apply their research findings to develop a comprehensive interior design solution that reflects advanced professional competencies.
"The AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase is an annual event that highlights the creativity, talent and dedication of the graduating class. The showcase brings together students, faculty, families, alumni, media representatives, and esteemed members of the design industry to celebrate these significant achievements.
"The showcase is held in June and is concluded with an awards ceremony to recognise the outstanding projects of the year. Award winners were selected by industry professionals, members of the AUD Interior Design Advisory Board, Alumni Ambassadors, and AUD faculty.
"Awards presented included the AUD Interior Design Industry Award, Alumni Ambassadors Award, Faculty Award for Student Excellence and the Innovative and Sustainable Design Mention, alongside two new industry awards: the MillerKnoll Award and the Love That Design Award.
"The senior interior design projects are a testament to the exceptional talent of AUD students, demonstrating creativity, sustainability, technical expertise, innovation and critical thinking across a diverse range of design approaches."
Regenesis by Cathlyn Nassif
"Cities worldwide are confronting a growing crisis of organic and agricultural waste, much of which continues to be landfilled or burned despite its immense material potential.
"In the UAE alone, hundreds of thousands of tons of palm residue and food waste are generated annually, revealing not only an environmental challenge, but an untapped design opportunity.
"Regenesis reimagines waste as a catalyst for architectural innovation. The project is a research-driven community centre, where palm residues and food waste are fused with living mycelium to generate sculptural partitions, modular furniture and experimental interior systems, becoming a visible manifestation of material transformation."
Student: Cathlyn Nassif
Course: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: cathlyn.nassif[at]mymail.aud.edu
Next Play by Kalina Harmandzhieva
"In sport, growth does not happen only during action; it happens in the pause between plays.
"This thesis proposes a youth sports and recovery facility that treats rest, reflection and reset as of equal importance to movement and performance.
"The project challenges the traditional idea of sports architecture as loud, rigid and performance-driven, and instead frames it as a continuum, where physical activity, mental recovery, learning and community support flow seamlessly through space."
Student: Kalina Harmandzhieva
Course: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: kalina.harmandzhieva[at]mymail.aud.edu
Al Asalah Club by Zain Abu-Dahrouj
"With the closure of Dubai Ladies Club, the UAE is left without a dedicated inclusive place for women. The lack of such a space reveals an acute socio-demographic gap in a city that promotes diversity.
"For example, many women, including expatriates without family connections, single women and pregnant women, may experience social isolation and limited opportunities for community engagement.
"Al Asalah Club seeks to revive and redefine the concept of a women-only gathering space by providing a modern, culturally sensitive and safe environment that supports socialisation, self-discovery and intellectual growth.
"What distinguishes this venture is the strong emphasis on empowerment, privacy and belonging."
Student: Zain Abu-Dahrouj
Course: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: zain.abudahrouj[at]mymail.aud.edu
Ard by Youssef Lotfy
"Ard is a desert wildlife research and experience hub, designed to reconnect people with a landscape that is often misunderstood.
"Located within the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve near the Al Qudra Lakes in Dubai, the site sits within one of the UAE's most ecologically significant deserts–wetland environments.
"Ard is a space where research, education and immersive experience come together. It balances accessibility and environmental preservation, maintaining the quietness essential for wildlife.
"The project blends into its surroundings using reflective surfaces, creating a mirage and natural materials that echo the desert, transforming its perception into a living and dynamic landscape."
Student: Youssef Lotfy
Course: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri
Email: youssef.lotfy[at]mymail.aud.edu
Neoterra: The Living Lab for Generational Exchange by Nesrin Nuredin
"Dubai is growing fast, but many construction materials and waste can still be reused. At the same time, young designers often struggle to find spaces where they can test design, and many retired professionals and elderly residents also feel isolated and disconnected after leaving their careers.
"Neoterra responds to both environmental and social issues.
"The project focuses on young designers as the main face and driving force of space. It gives them a platform to experiment, build and transform ideas into practical outcomes using recycled materials.
"It bridges education and real-world practice, helping fresh graduates gain hands-on experience and confidence."
Student: Nesrin Nuredin
Course: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: nesrin.nuredin[at]mymail.aud.edu
The Bond Hub by Moaza Almheiri
"The concept was to create an inter-generational centre where children, adults and elders could come together in one space to learn, play, eat healthy and connect. The idea was to allow different generations to bond and support each other, instead of being separated.
"Biophilic design is an important aspect of the project, as it connects children and elderly people to nature, helping reduce stress, improve mood and create a calm, healthy space where all ages feel comfortable and happy.
"The project showcases a warm colour palette comprised of brown, beige and muted greens using natural woods and neutral stone finishes."
Student: Moaza Almheiri
Course: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Edoardo Rizzuti and Annamaria Lambri
Email: moaza.almheiri[at]mymail.aud.edu
Sprout by Amani Al Redha
"At its core, Sprout is an initiative that advocates for independence – specifically agricultural independence – while reimagining farming as an immersive experience rooted in education, exploration and research.
"The project grows directly from the needs of the community, while aligning with the UAE's long-term national ambitions.
"Sprout proposes a collective environment where agriculture is positioned as a cultural, educational and experiential system.
"The project demonstrates how sustainable farming can support national self-sufficiency, while actively contributing to the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051."
Student: Amani Al Redha
Course: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: amani.alredha[at]mymail.aud.edu
The Ripple Institute by Tania Khachek
"Urgent environmental issues are escalating in the UAE, and small eco-conscious choices can drive significant changes, empowering university students to foster a strong sense of ecological responsibility (RECAPP).
"In modern educational settings, an increasing number of young adults aged 18 to 24 lack environmental accountability and face mental health challenges due to high academic stress and burnout.
"Inspired by the concept of the "ripple effect", where a small action leads to larger impacts, the institute acts as a living metaphor for sustainable development and student well-being – Abu Rayhan."
Student: Tania Khachek
Course: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: tania.khachek[at]mymail.aud.edu
Athar, Maternal Wellness Hub by Aisha Alsamt
"Athar is a maternal wellness, education and recovery centre designed to support women throughout the prenatal and postnatal stages by creating a holistic, non-clinical environment that strengthens physical health, emotional wellbeing and social connection.
"The project responds to the gap between medical maternity care and the everyday emotional, educational and recovery needs of mothers by creating a sanctuary where women can learn, heal and grow within a supportive community.
"Athar integrates structured wellness programmes, maternal education, therapeutic care and movement to empower first-time and young mothers with confidence and knowledge."
Student: Aisha Alsamt
Course: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: aisha.alsamt[at]mymail.aud.edu
Partnership content
This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and American University in Dubai. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
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