Dezeen School Shows: a kindergarten in Brooklyn, New York, built from sustainable materials, is among the projects from the New York Institute of Technology.

Also featured is a proposal for a residential complex designed to foster community and a theatre that combines indoor and outdoor architecture.

New York Institute of Technology

Institution: New York Institute of Technology
Tutors: Trudy Brens, Maria Di Natale, Matthew Kennedy, Bradley Engelsman, Demim Purisic, David Diamond and Robert Cody
School statement:

"A comprehensive exhibition of the best student and faculty work from the 2024-25, produced at the School of Architecture and Design (SoAD) at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), was inaugurated in November 2025, and it's still ongoing in the School's Long Island Campus of Ed Hall in Old Westbury.

"This showcases the best curricular and extracurricular work collected on the occasion of the in-person visit of the team from the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB), which took place within the accreditation process of the SoAD B.Arch and M.Arch programmes, successfully conducted.

"A variety of design proposals across the SoAD programs explored several dimensional scales, topics, materials, building systems and modalities of representations, including drawings, physical and digital models, videos, etc.

"Focusing on advanced digital technologies, experimental applied research and new fabrication systems, the students' work catalysed relevant aspects of environmental sustainability, the collaboration with local and global communities and new approaches to integrated design, while also merging with the research and expertise of the school's talented faculty.

"A dedicated section was also successfully included in the exhibition to demonstrate compliance with the NAAB criteria as part of the school's 2025 accreditation."

Theatre by Jason Haxhari

"The proposed theatre preserves key remnants of the site's past by nourishing a deeper connection to both the landscape (tree lines) and the morphology of the Lower East Side community (programme distribution).

"Diagonal pathways derived from the existing trees disrupt the traditional grid, shaping circulation, programme distribution and interior partitions to create fluid transitions between public and private space.

"A sculpted roof and a faceted facade integrate a water collection system that channels rain into new gardens and tree basins, allowing the building to nourish its surroundings.

"The result is a spatially porous, ecologically active theatre that extends the park's spirit through both form and function."

Student: Jason Haxhari
Tutor: Trudy Brens

Manhattan Theatre by Jacqueline Taylor

"This proposal for a theatre in the Lower East Side of Manhattan becomes an opportunity to rethink the connectivity between ground and building structure.

"It features a continuous ribbon that delineates at the same time and in merging continuity pedestrian paths, building envelop/facade and roof systems.

"The extreme permeability between indoor and outdoor spaces, between interior and exterior programmes, allows for a dynamic and fluid interaction between them.

"The surrounding context is also included as one of the main components of the interior spaces, simultaneously exposing these to the streetscape.

"Structural and environmental systems are reconsidered to guarantee safe and comfortable use of spaces."

Student: Jacqueline Taylor
Tutor: Maria Di Natale

Urban Wavefront Theatre by Anthony Chen

"The Urban Wavefront Theatre developed from the idea of flowing perspective levels, creating a smooth transition between the sight lines separated by East Houston Street.

"In addition, the courtyard allows these to define a centrepiece and create a vertical spatial transition.

"East Houston Street is pushed back at the ground level, while the height of the theatre is designed to respond to the overall neighbourhood scale. The roof level rises from the south side to the north side, with a unifying gesture that creates movement, catalysing the morphing of the facades.

"The building faces north, with three open sides, while the south side is almost adjacent to the school building and more introspective."

Student: Anthony Chen
Tutor: Trudy Brens

The Heart of the East Village by Jaesean Austin

"This proposal aims to recreate 'The Heart' of The East Village by utilising the pre-existing key components that have defined it for so long.

"Reconnecting relevant locations within the Lower East Side through the site the form of the building takes shape while also defining the elements of the facade and the programme distribution.

"The process began with in-depth research into the most iconic and active.

"Two different structures were selected to house two primary functions: the smaller building serves as the school, while the larger one functions as the main theatre.

"Within each, additional other functional spaces were integrated to support their respective roles."

Student: Jaesean Austin
Tutor: Matthew Kennedy

Bed-Stuy porposal by Bradley Engelsman

"This proposal aims to merge nature, community needs and history of the site. The structured facade reflects the grid of Bed-Stuy and NYC, integrating natural materials, forms and patterns that echo the surrounding historical environment.

"Internally, the layout breaks traditional boundaries, creating organic pathways and open spaces that invite interaction and connectivity through nature and shared spaces.

"This deliberate contrast celebrates the dynamic relationships between people and the natural world, crafting a space that evolves with its community while grounding itself in timeless principles.

"Gardens and green spaces were designed and placed to harbour a sense of integrated community throughout the building experience."

Student: Bradley Engelsman
Tutor: Jason Haxhari

Bedford residential complex by Julia Staufemberg

"The design of the 31-unit residential complex in Bedford thoughtfully balances functionality and aesthetics.

"Each set of units is grouped to foster a sense of community by incorporating designated 'common ground' spaces.

"These shared areas serve as vibrant focal points for social interaction, recreation and connection among the residents.

"This proposal strategically positions the units along the edges of the site boundary maximising access to natural light and enhancing views for each unit.

"By pushing the units to the perimeter, the central area is freed up, allowing for open, flexible spaces that encourage communal interaction and movement."

Student: Julia Staufemberg
Tutor: Demir Purisic

Brooklyn YMCA by Angela Madrigal

"The design of a YMCA in Brooklyn, New York, focuses on site, environment and building design interrelationships. It integrates environmental analysis and structure, emphasising the building envelope to modulate passive and active systems.

"The entrance is articulated through an angled volume, providing space for the community, while a sun deck extends from the second-floor gymnasium.

"The pool space features a sculptural roof supported by angled long-span glulam beams, mirrored by angled bleachers.

"A curtain wall facade with integrated privacy screening brings in natural light while maintaining privacy.

"Large openings connect the pool to a private exterior garden, enhancing the indoor-to-outdoor relationship while promoting wellness."

Student: Angela Madrigal
Tutor: Robert Cody

Wyckoff House by Devam Desa

"The Wyckoff House in Brooklyn, one of the oldest surviving Dutch frame houses in America, stands as a vital cultural landmark that reflects the area's history and evolution.

"This project proposes a kindergarten school on this historic site that preserves its heritage while creating a contemporary learning environment that addresses modern needs through modular design and sustainable strategies.

"It is inspired by grids and proportions of the Dutch frame house, translating them into a modular system that organises the new school by connecting classrooms and learning spaces through fluid movement and passages.

"It also incorporates a public farm, reinforcing community engagement and offering hands-on learning about ecology and sustainability."

Student: Devam Desa
Tutor: David Diamond

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and New York Institute of Technology. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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