Dezeen School Shows: a language and culture centre informed by Emirati courtyards and barjeel wind towers is among the interior design projects from Ajman University.

Also featured are offices for fashion house Vivienne Westwood, located in Dubai Design District, and an entrepreneurs and student support centre.

Ajman University

School: College of Architecture, Art and Design
Course: Graduation Project II
Tutors: Taher Aldanaf, Gamal Elsamanoudy, Ayman Kassem, Akram Azmy, Shams Hafez and Aisha Alshamsi

School statement:

"The course allows students to engage in interior design projects that involve complex spatial configurations, such as multi-functional spaces, open-plan layouts or adaptive reuse of existing buildings, selected in the Graduation Project I.

"Students apply the functional and aesthetic requirements of the space and develop design solutions that optimise its use and appeal.

"They are required to consider the needs and preferences of the users, as well as the space's environmental, social and cultural contexts.

"In addition, the course emphasises the importance of integrating sustainable and ethical considerations into the design process, promoting social equity and diversity. The course also prepares them for careers in interior design."

The Core Hub by Jana Mohammad Adnan Alakhras

"The Core Hub is a multifunctional creative hybrid hub designed to support youth, entrepreneurs, students and professionals in the UAE.

"The project merges collaboration, focus and emotional wellbeing inside one flexible, sustainable environment. The Core Hub is inspired by the layers of the Earth – a space where each spatial 'layer' represents one geological layer.

"Just as the Earth is built from distinct yet connected levels, each limit in The Core Hub forms a different atmosphere, purpose and user experience."

Student: Jana Mohammad Adnan Alakhras
Tutors: Gamal El Sayed and Shams Hafedh
Email: janamohammad130[at]gmail.com

Lumina by Marlee Nabil Nasry

"Lumina is conceived as a light-driven coworking library that transforms the traditional idea of learning into a dynamic, shared experience.

"Inspired by the relationship between light, cognition and human connection, the space functions as an interconnected ecosystem where individuals and groups can think, create and collaborate.

"Through a careful balance of open social areas, focused study zones and flexible collaborative spaces, the design supports different modes of work while maintaining visual and spatial continuity.

"Elements such as natural light, soft materiality, acoustic control and modular layouts enhance comfort, adaptability and cognitive flow.

"More than just a place to read or work, Lumina embodies a journey of illumination, where ideas are exchanged freely, creativity is sparked, and knowledge becomes a collective, evolving experience."

Student: Marlee Nabil Nasry
Tutors: Gamal Elsamanoudy and Shams Almula
Email: marleetoma[at]gmail.com

Haven – The Psychiatric Sanctuary by Monia Mahjoub

"Haven – The Psychiatric Sanctuary revolutionises mental health spaces by transforming traditional, sterile psychiatric environments into immersive therapeutic experiences inspired by the human brain.

"Rather than relying solely on medication – which numbs the brain – the design uses architecture as a healing tool through neuroplasticity and sensory engagement to heal the brain.

"Each zone is designed around specific brain lobes: the frontal lobe supports emotional regulation and clarity, the parietal lobe encourages sensory grounding and connection zones, the occipital lobe promotes creativity through art therapy zones, the temporal lobe enhances emotional expression through music therapy zones, and the cerebellum restores balance through movement and mindfulness zones.

"Haven creates a human-centred sanctuary that promotes mental wellbeing, recovery and self-restoration."

Student: Monia Mahjoub
Tutors: Gamal El Samanoudy and Shams Almula
Email: 202210787[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae

NeuroBridge by Zainab Dabo Rabiu

"NeuroBridge is a pioneering autism hub designed exclusively for autistic adults in the UAE.

"The hub bridges the gap between neurodiversity and meaningful participation in work, learning, therapy, creativity and community life by providing an inclusive environment that supports personal growth, skill development and social connection.

"Guided by the concept of 'calibrated calm', the design creates a sensory-responsive setting through carefully controlled lighting, acoustics, materiality and spatial organisation.

"By balancing stimulation with comfort, NeuroBridge empowers autistic adults to navigate daily life with greater independence, confidence, dignity and wellbeing."

Student: Zainab Dabo Rabiu
Tutors: Taher Eldanaf and Aisha Alshamsi
Email: 202120098[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae

Illuminated Reverence: Reimagining Our Lady of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church by Kristina Maher Massouh

"Our Lady of Annunciation, designed by Kristina Massouh, reimagines Dubai's Greek Orthodox Church as a contemporary, inclusive and multi-sensory worship environment rooted in Eastern Orthodox tradition.

"Inspired by brutalist geometry and the church's east-facing altar, the design uses light, sacred iconography, acoustics, incense, tactile materials and procession to shape a spiritual journey from entrance to altar.

"Accessibility is central to the proposal, following ADA principles, Dubai codes and local regulations to support People of Determination and blind users.

"The project balances heritage and contemporary design, creating a reverent church interior for prayer, learning, gathering and reflection."

Student: Kristina Maher Massouh
Tutors: Taher Eldanaf and Aisha Alshamsi
Email: 202210171[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae

Earthbeing – Indoor Community Nature Garden Project by Sorayia K S Shaat

"Earth Being proposes an indoor botanical garden on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, conceived as a multifunctional public destination that reconnects people with nature through architecture.

"The project is founded on the belief that nature should be embedded within everyday life rather than experienced only occasionally.

"Inspired by the orbiting relationship between the earth, sun, and moon, the design explores how natural cycles influence human behaviour, movement and well-being.

"Through spaces for reading, dining, learning, social interaction and urban farming, the program incorporates a library, cafe, restaurant, exhibition space, flower shop and indoor garden, creating a year-round biophilic environment adapted to the UAE climate."

Student: Sorayia K S Shaat
Tutors: Taher Eldanaf and Aisha Alshamsi
Email: 202210690[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae

Mihna – Vocational Innovation Hub by Mahra Hamad Al Shamsi

"Mihna is conceived as a vocational innovation hub in the UAE where education, craftsmanship and entrepreneurship intersect within an inspiring spatial environment.

"Guided by the concept of 'The Catalyst', the design organises workshops, fabrication labs, exhibition spaces and collaborative areas around a dynamic network of social and learning experiences.

"The spatial journey encourages users to move seamlessly between making, sharing and showcasing their work. Open, flexible and highly interactive environments foster creativity, skill development and professional growth.

"Through its inclusive atmosphere, Mihna celebrates local talent while strengthening community resilience and lifelong learning."

Student: Mahra Hamad Al Shamsi
Tutors: Ayman Abdulrahim Kassem and Akram Azmy
Email: 202020058[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae

Horizon – Cultural Collective by Yousef Moh Moosa

"Horizon transforms an abandoned industrial warehouse into a vibrant cultural collective where learning, creativity, and community interaction converge.

"Inspired by the openness of the desert horizon, the design introduces fluid spatial transitions between a public library, coworking spaces, creative studios and social gathering areas.

"Large communal zones, flexible layouts and layered visual connections encourage exploration and collaboration.

"The preserved industrial shell contrasts with warm contemporary interiors, creating a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates adaptive reuse while offering users a dynamic journey through spaces dedicated to knowledge exchange, innovation and cultural engagement."

Student: Yousef Moh Moosa
Tutors: Ayman Abdulrahim Kassem
Email: 201910530[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae

Vivienne Westwood Offices and Fashion House by Husain Alseddeeqi

"Designed for Vivienne Westwood in Dubai Design District, this project reinterprets the contemporary workplace through a bold spatial language inspired by rebellion, craftsmanship and the woven structures of textiles.

"The design creates a dynamic sequence of interconnected spaces where collaboration, creativity and innovation are continuously encouraged.

"Fluid circulation routes, adaptable work settings and expressive meeting environments support diverse modes of working while reinforcing brand identity.

"Layered materials, dramatic forms and immersive visual experiences generate a distinctive atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between fashion studio, creative laboratory and corporate workplace."

Student: Husain Alseddeeqi
Tutors: Ayman Abdulrahim Kassem and Akram Azmy
Email: 202220067[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae

Namaa – Journey of Growth by Sara Ibrahim Aljahoori

"Namaa is an educational and creative hub in the UAE inspired by the continuous process of growth, transformation and self-development.

"The design translates this concept into a spatial journey where users progress through interconnected environments dedicated to learning, innovation, collaboration and reflection.

"Organic forms, flexible layouts and welcoming communal spaces create an atmosphere that encourages exploration and knowledge exchange.

"Training facilities, creative studios, technology labs and social areas are carefully integrated to support different stages of personal and professional development.

"Namaa offers an empowering experience that nurtures curiosity, creativity and lifelong learning."

Student: Sara Ibrahim Aljahoori
Tutors: Ayman Abdulrahim Kassem and Akram Azmy
Email: 202210736[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae

Fekra – The Starting Point for Every Idea by Yousef Waleed

"Fekra reimagines a former school in Ajman, UAE, as a multidisciplinary community hub centred on creativity, discovery and human connection.

"The concept draws inspiration from the moment an idea is born, translating this process into a sequence of interconnected spaces that encourage interaction, experimentation and learning.

"Courtyards, collaborative studios, workshops and social gathering areas create a rich spatial experience that balances reflection and activity.

"By preserving the memory of the original building while introducing adaptable and inclusive environments, Fekra becomes a catalyst for innovation, belonging and meaningful exchanges between diverse users."

Student: Yousef Waleed
Tutors:
Email: 202110719[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae

Bayt Al-Lughat: Language and Cultural Immersion Center by Maya Samir Khalife

"Bayt Al-Lughat is an adaptive reuse project located in Al Fahidi Historical District, Dubai, designed as a language and cultural immersion center.

"The project reflects the fusion of Emirati heritage and contemporary learning environments by preserving the historic structure while introducing modern educational and cultural spaces.

"Through immersive classrooms, interactive galleries, cultural performance areas and communal gathering spaces, the design promotes language learning, cultural exchange and social interaction.

"Inspired by traditional elements such as courtyards and barjeel wind towers, the project demonstrates how heritage architecture can be revitalised to create meaningful, inclusive and engaging experiences for future generations."

Student: Maya Samir Khalife
Tutors: Gamal Alsamandoudy and Shams Ahmad Hafedh
Email: mayasamir181[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Ajman University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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