Dezeen School Shows: an art gallery created to support students experiencing grief is among the interior architecture projects by students at Corcoran School of Arts and Design.
Also featured is a community centre that promotes sustainability, urbanism and food security, and a school that emphasises play with features like a climbing wall.
Corcoran School of the Arts and Design
Institution: The George Washington University
School: Corcoran School of the Arts and Design
Course: Capstone Studio
Tutors: Douglas Crawford and Nadia Volchansky
School statement:
“The Interior Architecture BFA programme at the George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts and Design in Washington DC (DC) offers students a unique opportunity to study, learn and create within a creative environment at a major research university.
“Our programme is the only council for Interior Design Accreditation – an accredited programme within DC and one of ten interior programmes 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 programme, students learn to design three-dimensional environments through the use of dynamic concepts, cutting-edge materials and innovative methods and techniques.”
Shift by Alex Walkush
“Shift is a tech-forward social lounge where physical and virtual spaces playfully overlap.
“Located in Shaw, DC, Shift aims to fill a niche in the DMV area by creating a dynamic gathering spot for lovers of all things digital and virtual.
“Shift features an arcade, computer and console gaming lounge, an augmented reality zone and several other spaces that explore how humans use technology to connect and communicate with one another.
“These interactive spaces encourage physical socialisation sparked by shared appreciation of the digital, allowing Shift to naturally develop its own vibrant social ecosystem.”
Student: Alex Walkush
Course: Capstone Studio
Tutor: Douglas Crawford
Email: alexwalkush[at]gmail.com
Kids Connect – Fostering Healing and Connection by Elinor Nott
“Kids Connect is an outpatient rehabilitation centre for children ages three to ten in the DMV area recovering from leukemia. Focused on post-remission care, it offers physical, occupational and mental health therapies for patients as well as their families.
“The space is designed as a comforting alternative to clinical settings, promoting healing, enrichment and connection.
“The layout centres around a structural ‘spine’ with cutouts and walkways forming a layered atrium, allowing for views to a variety of therapy rooms and family areas.
“The concept emphasises physical and spatial linkages between people, environments and functions, fostering community and holistic support.”
Student: Elinor Nott
Course: Capstone Studio
Tutor: Nadia Volchansky
Email: elinor.nott[at]gmail.com
Cyclical Roots – where grief is held and released by Emma DiUbaldi
“Cyclical Roots is a place where nature guides grief and gently allows for the rebirth of the human spirit. It holds the ashes of the departed and offers meaningful solitude for those mourning.
“The name is drawn from the rhythm of the seasons – winter’s decay mirroring the heaviest moments of grief and spring’s blooming flowers and lengthening days reflecting the gradual return of warmth and resilience.
“Loss is not just sorrow, but an enduring testament to love and connection. In every leaf, flower and turning tree, the memory of the departed lingers – patient, tender and ever-present for those who choose to see.”
Student: Emma DiUbaldi
Course: Capstone Studio
Tutor: Douglas Crawford
Email: ediubaldi13[at]gwu.edu
Rooted – A Sustainable Approach to Food Insecurity by Isabela (Izzy) Rasmussen
“Rooted is an urban farm, cafe and dining room that explores the intersection of sustainability, urbanism, food security and community wellbeing.
“Each of these systems must be examined together to create a holistic design solution: how is food insecurity caused by different socio-economic factors and how can this symptom be addressed in a sustainable way?
“The project seeks to revitalise the Anacostia waterfront east of the river, increasing community engagement with the site.
“The spaces within the building bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor, creating a connection to nature in an otherwise urban environment.”
Student: Isabela (Izzy) Rasmussen
Course: Capstone Studio
Tutor: Douglas Crawford
Email: isblarasmussen[at]gmail.com
Capstone Studio by Joshua Hernandez
“Inspired by the cliff swallow who patiently shapes a home from earth, this 20,000 square-foot space in Union Market DC offers artists emerging from transitional or hidden homelessness a place to land.
“With ceramic studios, communal housing, a cafe and galleries, it fosters healing through making, routine and shared purpose.
“Here, clay is more than material, it is a medium for rebuilding lives. ‘Form’ becomes both shelter and expression, where identity is shaped not by hardship but by hope.”
Student: Joshua Hernandez
Course: Capstone Studio
Tutor: Nadia Volchansky
Email: joshrenehernandez[at]gmail.com
Chinatown Cultural Community Centre by Michelle Lin
“The Chinatown Cultural Community Centre aims to create a local cultural community for those of Chinese descent, connecting Chinese Americans with their heritage and Chinese immigrants with assistance and advocacy.
“The project centres around a food hall for communal dining and authentic cuisine, specialised language classes and library (as pictured), social services and a history and art gallery.
“Chinatowns represent the long history of Chinese people in America and have transitioned from ethnic enclaves to cultural touchstones.
“More recently, these areas have become gentrified, commercialised versions of tradition. The centre will work to educate, build community and restore the neighbourhood’s cultural identity.”
Student: Michelle Lin
Course: Capstone Studio
Tutor: Douglas Crawford
Email: linmichelle[at]gwu.edu
Willow by Aarsha Shah
“Willow is a healing art gallery and support centre for college students experiencing grief.
“This project offers multiple tiers of support for students, including traditional grief counselling services, art therapy sessions and an art gallery to view and interact with works related to grief and the human experience.
“Willow is shaped around the idea that healing is not linear and this project is designed to reflect that, with seamless connections between introspective and expressive spaces.
“As such, Willow encourages students to reflect and reconnect with their emotions to foster a holistic experience of growth, transformation and self-reflection.”
Student: Aarsha Shah
Course: Capstone Studio
Tutor: Nadia Volchansky
Email: aarsha.shah13[at]gmail.com
Cedar Hill Preschool by Teoivi Rank
“Cedar Hill is a preschool in Washington, DC, for children ages three to five, offering a nurturing, play-based learning environment.
“Thoughtfully designed spaces – classrooms, library and indoor play areas – encourage creativity, literacy and exploration.
“Whimsical architectural elements, inspired by local flora and fauna, create a calm, engaging atmosphere that mirror the wonders of childhood.
“With flowing corridors and cozy nooks, the school fosters both movement and quiet connection. Climbing walls and outlooks allow children to explore from high and low.
“Situated near schools and a community centre, Cedar Hill supports early development while deepening community ties and laying the groundwork for lifelong educational success.”
Student: Teoivi Rank
Course: Capstone Studio
Tutor: Nadia Volchansky
Email: teoivirank[at]gmail.com
Partnership content
This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
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