Dezeen School Shows: a braille library featuring a tactile exhibition space for people with visual impairments is among the projects from students at the American University in Dubai.
Also featured is an education centre dedicated to agriculture and food, and a research hub for sustainable fashion.
American University in Dubai (AUD)
Institution: American University in Dubai (AUD)
School: School of Architecture, Art and Design – Interior Design Department
Courses: Interior Design Department – Senior Showcase 2025, IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII, Capstone Design and 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
School statement:
“IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII, Capstone Design: the advanced studio course builds upon the foundational research conducted in IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio, culminating in a comprehensive interior design project.
“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 culmination of this academic journey is showcased in the American University in Dubai (AUD) Interior Design Department – Senior Showcase 2025 – 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 AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2025, held in May, concluded with an awards ceremony recognising the outstanding projects of the year.
“The senior interior design projects are a testament to the exceptional talent of AUD Interior Design students. Each project is distinct, showcasing a strong integration of creativity, sustainability, technical expertise, innovation and critical thinking.”
Mimic by Elana Aridi
“Mimic is a research and exhibition space dedicated to sustainable innovation in the fashion industry. It addresses the growing issue of textile waste in the UAE.
“It brings together designers and scientists to develop biomaterials like algae-based textiles and mycelium as alternatives to synthetics.
“The architecture blends industrial grit with organic expression, referencing both fashion warehouses and nature’s raw processes. Through workshops, exhibitions, studios and labs, Mimic promotes transparency, collaboration and environmental awareness.
“The project encourages visitors to learn about alternative materials, understand the impact of fashion waste and take part in shaping a more responsible and circular future for the industry.”
Student: Elana Aridi
Courses: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: elana.aridi[at]mymail.aud.edu
AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2025 Award: AUD Interior Design Alumni Ambassadors Award
Echoes of Emotions by Isha Sajnani
“Echoes of Emotions is a thoughtfully designed space for emotional reflection, created to support people through grief, stress and the quiet complexities of life in a fast-paced world.
“Aligned with the UAE’s vision for inclusive wellbeing, it offers a calm, immersive environment where visitors can pause, reflect and reconnect with their inner selves.
“Divided into five emotional zones – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance – the centre embraces the non-linear nature of healing.
“With elements like a contemplative library, memory-focused VR pods, therapy spaces and a surrounding healing garden, it gently encourages emotional openness, personal growth and a culture of shared healing.”
Student: Isha Sajnani
Courses: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: isha.sajnani[at]mymail.aud.edu
AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2025 Award: AUD Interior Design Faculty Award for Student Excellence
Ard Al Elm by Malak Abdelkader
“Ard Al Elm is an innovative urban park that harmoniously merges nature with cutting-edge technology. The project features an artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics centre, a specialised digital library and inclusive spaces that promote lifelong learning and community interaction.
“Central to its concept is the integration of the mind and body. It offers a walking track that encourages physical activity while engaging with educational content.
“The park provides resources such as braille books, audiobooks and interactive tools, ensuring accessibility. It also includes open-air classrooms, landscaped zones designed to support workshops, cultural programmes and environmental education in a future-ready public setting.”
Student: Malak Abdelkader
Courses: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: malak.abdelkader[at]mymail.aud.edu
AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2025 Award: Best Concept Development and Presentation Mention
Recharge by Mariam Habr
“What if your next stop didn’t just recharge your car but recharged you too? In traffic-heavy, car-centric cities like Dubai, long commutes cause many problems like stress, fatigue, accidents and pollution, while unwelcoming rest areas leave drivers drained and disconnected.
“Recharge redefines what it means to take a break in today’s modern cities. It transforms this experience and truly puts the word rest back in rest areas. Designed to bring communities together, it serves commuters, delivery riders, truck drivers and anyone on the go.
“It offers 24/7 access, charging stations, calming indoor and outdoor spaces to relax, reconnect and recharge.”
Student: Mariam Habr
Courses: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: mariam.habr[at]mymail.aud.edu
AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2025 Award: Community Engagement Design Mention
AquaGuardian by Sandra Abdelmacih
“AquaGuardian is a marine conservation project at Dubai’s World Islands, inspired by Bayyinah Salahuddin’s research on the environmental impact of artificial islands in Dubai.
“It addresses these challenges through three key functions: marine rescue and rehabilitation, long-term researcher accommodation and immersive environmental education for children.
“Designed with both above-water and underwater experiences, AquaGuardian emotionally engages young visitors through sensory zones and workshops.
“Using sustainable materials and thoughtful design, it transforms human impact into learning opportunities. AquaGuardian empowers a new generation to protect our oceans by combining scientific research, emotional connection and hands-on sustainability education.”
Student: Sandra Abdelmacih
Courses: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: sandra.abdelmacih[at]mymail.aud.edu
AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2025 Award: Designing for Impact Mention
Connexa by Yasmine Khalife
“Connexa – meaning connection – is a community space designed for construction workers in Dubai. It serves as a complementary facility to existing labor camps and includes areas for rest, learning, recreation and social interaction.
“It aims to improve workers’ quality of life through support, growth and connection within a shared community.
“As Dubai’s construction sector continues to grow, with over 500,000 labourers, many face long hours, isolation and limited support. Connexa presents an opportunity to address this by offering thoughtful, human-centred spaces.
“Materials used to build the space were repurposed from construction site waste, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability.”
Student: Yasmine Khalife
Courses: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: yasmine.khalife[at]mymail.aud.edu
AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2025 Award: Sustainable and Repurposed Design Mention
#Hashtag by Ruvarashe Makuvise
“Located in Dubai, at the heart of global innovation and aligned with the UAE’s forward-thinking vision, #Hashtag catalyses creative expression, digital growth and collaboration within the rising influencer and content creation sector.
“Our hub offers everything content creators need, from cutting-edge curated studios and masterclasses to real-time networking. We cultivate an inclusive, supportive culture that values authenticity, celebrates diversity and empowers creators.
“What sets us apart are our AI-driven, immersive studios that spark personalisation, break monotonous content cycles, and reduce production costs.
“#Hashtag redefines ‘instagrammable’ through texture, volume and scale – not LEDs or neon.”
Student: Ruvarashe Makuvise
Courses: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: ruvarashe.makuvise[at]mymail.aud.edu
AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2025 Award: Project Development Mention
Beyond Sight by Kierra Dias
“Beyond Sight is an innovative braille library and tactile exhibition space intended to provide people with visual impairments with an individualised, sensory-rich experience.
“This library mainly targets an audience with visual impairments, not limited only to blindness. Through the integration of music, art and education, it empowers, promotes literacy and inspires creativity.
“Due to the integration of braille services into larger institutions, spaces dedicated exclusively for people with visual impairments are scarce, therefore limiting resources and accessibility.
“This braille library offers these individuals a space where vision is defined by imagination, knowledge and community in ways that go beyond sight.”
Student: Kierra Dias
Courses: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: kierra.dias[at]mymail.aud.edu
AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2025 Award: Innovative Design Mention
Agriculinary by Ganna Zaki
“The Agriculinary centre blends sustainable agriculture with culinary education to address food security in the UAE.
“It offers gardening workshops and cooking classes using locally grown produce to create global recipes, and a library features resources on farming and traditional Gulf cuisine.
“The centre includes a farm-to-table restaurant with an open kitchen and a mixology lab following the same concept but for drinks, crafting herbal beverages.
“The agrilab hosts global scientists researching seed resilience and climate-smart farming. The centre fosters environmental awareness and supports the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2031 and beyond by reducing food imports and promoting community sustainability.”
Student: Ganna Zaki
Courses: Senior Project: IDES 492 – Interior Design Studio VIII: Capstone Design and IDES 441 – Senior Thesis: Research and Portfolio
Tutors: Chadi El Tabbah and Annamaria Lambri
Email: ganna.zaki[at]mymail.aud.edu
AUD Interior Design Senior Showcase 2025 Award: AUD Interior Design Industry Award
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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