Dezeen School Shows: a community centre that connects different generations is among the architecture and design projects from the University of Portsmouth.

Also featured is an indoor market made from mycelium and a research centre for ocean conservation.

University of Portsmouth

Institution: University of Portsmouth
School: School of Architecture, Art and Design
Courses: BA (Hons) Architecture, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design and MArch
Tutors: Lynne Mesher, Enrique Moya Angeler, Dario Pedrabissi, Nigel Simpkins, Antonino DiRaimo, Paula Craft-Pegg, John Pegg, Guido Robazza, Phevos Kallitsis, Leago Madumo and Roberto Braglia

School statement:

"In the realm of architecture and interiors, we foster strategic and sustainable design thinking and making within the built environment. Developing careers is a cornerstone of our teaching, with students working on real projects and with clients.

"We focus on the pressing planetary 'matters of concern' and the importance of context in design, ensuring our students understand where, when and how their designs will be created and for whom. Our hands-on approach provides graduates with the skills to tackle challenges through creative engagement.

"In our BA (Hons) Architecture course, architecture is a transformative act. Design is explored as an ethical and creative response to the challenges of our time. Teaching and learning are shaped by research, global perspectives and professional identity.

"Our students on our BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design course transform spaces into vibrant places to live, work and play. In dynamic studios, they explore global trends and develop inclusive, ecological design practices – graduating with creativity, skills and vision to shape bold, thoughtful ideas that positively impact the world.

"Our MArch is a testbed for exploring diverse urban and architectural design theories – aligned with staff expertise and enabling engagement with varied physical and cultural settings.

"Design studios tackle the climate emergency and social inequality through place-based approaches, research and experimentation."

Cultivated Growth by Caitlyn Janes

"A market rooted in mycelium, nested with organic design. Inspired by mycelium's organic networks, the market brings fluid, interconnected forms to the Garrison Church, blending natural growth with function to create a dynamic, purposeful space.

"Inspired by the microscopic view of spores and hyphae, the floorplan mimics the organic spread and clustering found in fungal growth.

"Like a mycelium network, the layout reflects natural interconnection, guiding movement and gathering across the space."

Student: Caitlyn Janes
Course: BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Enrique Moya Angeler, Dario Pedrabissi and Nigel Simpkins

NonSense Pilgrimage by Sam Wilkinson

"NonSense Pilgrimage presents 800 years of a building's history through a contemporary re-use scheme.

"The scheme places a new visitor centre and museum lightly within the existing historic Domus Dei church in Portsmouth with the intent to highlight and curate a sensory experience of this characterful ruin in a radical new way."

Student: Sam Wilkinson
Course: BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Enrique Moya Angeler, Dario Pedrabissi and Nigel Simpkins

Reeflect by Dharenz Delos Santos

"Reeflect explores the impact of invasive corals on marine ecosystems and brings these concerns into interior design.

"The project highlights the fragility of coral reefs while promoting sustainable and balanced responses. Focusing on the disruptive role of certain corals, the project links marine ecology with interior space.

"Set in the partially ruined Royal Garrison Church in Portsmouth – a site shaped by war and resilience – the project draws a symbolic connection between architectural decay and ecological vulnerability."

Student: Dharenz Delos Santos
Course: BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Enrique Moya Angeler, Dario Pedrabissi and Nigel Simpkins

Bridging Napoli by Lingxuan You

"This proposal focuses on reconstructing Naples' main central green axis by reconnecting two urban blocks separated by railway infrastructure.

"Pedestrian bridges are introduced to restore continuity and improve access across neighbourhoods. The green axis is extended to the coastline, forming a continuous public space that enhances connectivity, promotes walkability and integrates ecological functions.

"This approach strengthens links between the city centre and the sea, while supporting a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment."

Student: Lingxuan You
Course: MArch: Master of Architecture
Tutors: Guido Robazza and Phevos Kallitsis
Email: up2195448[at]myport.ac.uk

Urban Para[Site]: Leveraging Abandon Spaces for Social Housing by Zi Jing Kung

"The concept of urban para[site] reflects the current lifestyle of Naples' residents, particularly their adaptation to compact living in bassi due to the failure of social housing solutions.

"This lifestyle often mirrors that of a parasite, relying on the city while inhabiting its most constrained and overlooked spaces.

"To address this issue, the idea envisions continuing the essence of bassi life but in a more sustainable and dignified way, using abandoned buildings to regenerate the city.

"Rather than making the city denser or more congested, this approach integrates green and sustainable elements that enhance liveability for residents while benefiting the surrounding neighbourhoods.

"Social housing, in this vision, acts as a 'parasite' in the city's negative spaces, turning underutilised areas into vibrant, greener and more functional parts of the urban fabric, fostering regeneration for the greater good."

Student: Zi Jing Kung
Course: MArch: Master of Architecture
Tutors: Guido Robazza and Phevos Kallitsis
Email: up2239303[at]myport.ac.uk

Science Beyond Diplomacy: Thawing Boundaries and Rising Tensions, Svalbard Research Hub by Barnaby Thornton

"This proposal, in collaboration with the Norwegian government, envisions a neutral, centralised research hub in Svalbard to separate genuine scientific inquiry from geopolitical motives, respecting the 1920 Svalbard Treaty.

"Inspired by the International Space Station, the hub would unite Arctic states in a shared facility, eliminating the need for national research stations.

"It aims to foster international collaboration, promote environmental education and support conservation. Around 30 per cent of research would focus on Svalbard's fragile ecosystem.

"The hub's architecture and tourism engagement would reflect its ecological mission, ensuring science serves sustainability rather than diplomacy or national interests."

Student: Barnaby Thornton
Course: MArch: Master of Architecture
Tutors: Antonino DiRaimo, Paula Craft-Pegg and John Pegg
Email: up2134018[at]myport.ac.uk

Roots/Routes by Tom Rawlings

"Based within Gosport, a place with a rich heritage, told through the forts, faced with a weakened community.

"The project is driven by the 'coastal resilience' narrative, whereby the scheme bolsters the existing space.

"We developed an 18th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of 'Roots and Resilience' aimed at strengthening economic and community growth.

"The Permaculture Centre site is whittled down through principles of integration, embedding the community into the site, as it sits within the centre of the masterplan.

"The building responds to what was existing, honouring and adding to the biodiversity. The scheme itself aims to better the community through health, education and connectivity."

Student: Tom Rawlings
Course: BA (Hons) Architecture
Tutor: Leago Madumo
Email: up2118834[at]myport.ac.uk

Viewpoints: A Landscape Framed by Life by Kate Simmonds

"The project is situated in Gosport, in the vicinity of Gosport Park. The project aims to transform Gosport to become a destination by fostering a symbiotic interaction between nature and architecture.

"The initiative examines the deficiency of financial and age inclusion in Gosport.

"The initiative seeks a resolution by facilitating business opportunities and accessible housing and nutritious food. The vibrant hues of Gosport's landscape permeate the scheme."

Student: Kate Simmonds
Course: BA (Hons) Architecture
Tutor: Leago Madumo
Email: up2103688[at]myport.ac.uk

Carving Life Through Movement: Resurrecting Life on the Isle of Dogs by Andreas Xenos

"Breaking the divide. The Lazarus Centre aims to reduce social isolation among older adults by fostering intergenerational connections.

"Through thoughtful spatial and visual design, the project encourages shared experiences between young and old – particularly supporting individuals with dementia and their carers.

"It integrates inclusive programming and focuses on three core forms of connection: visual, movement-based and spatial.

"By blurring generational divides, the centre becomes a space for mutual care, learning and interaction."

Student: Andreas Xenos
Course: MArch: Master of Architecture
Tutors: Antonino DiRaimo, Paula Craft-Pegg and John Pegg

The Hatchery: Cultivating Blue Science, Growing Green Solutions by Thomas Brzezicki

"The project is conceived as a 'farm for ideas', where collaboration flourishes among researchers, professors, students and the local community, all working alongside the Blue Marine Foundation.

"This space will foster innovative solutions for restoring oyster reefs and advancing ocean conservation while actively raising awareness about sustainable consumption practices and environmentally conscious behaviours.

"By engaging both the local and global communities, it aims to inspire action that supports the protection of our oceans and promotes eco-friendly lifestyles.

"At its heart, the building is a hub for collaboration and education, weaving a collective narrative that connects local and global communities through pioneering environmental efforts."

Student: Thomas Brzezicki
Course: BA (Hons) Architecture
Tutor: Roberto Braglia
Email: thomas.brzezicki[at]myport.ac.uk

Partnership content

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

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