Dezeen School Shows: a dance studio designed to be accessible for blind and visually impaired people is among the projects from students at the School of Visual Arts.

Also featured is a nature-inspired nightclub and a medical centre featuring biophilic design.

School of Visual Arts

Institution: School of Visual Arts
School: BFA Interior Design: Built Environments
Courses: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee

School statement:

“The 2025 Senior Thesis in Interior Design: Built Environments at SVA showcases future-forward design proposals that address urgent global and local challenges – from climate resilience and adaptive reuse to cultural preservation and community wellbeing.

“Students explore complex real-world issues through research-driven, interdisciplinary approaches that bridge architecture, urbanism and environmental systems. Each project demonstrates a deep sensitivity to site, history and the human experience, resulting in spaces that are both imaginative and purposeful.

“Grounded in sustainable thinking and social responsibility, this body of work reflects the evolving role of interior designers as spatial storytellers, problem-solvers and agents of change in our built environments.”

Forest Flux by Tiffany Chen

“Forest Flux is a nature-inspired nightclub and food court that reimagines nightlife with wellness in mind. Addressing post-pandemic demands for healthy late-night options, it offers fresh, nutritious food in a vibrant, music-driven space.

“Curved walls and organic forms flow with the rhythm, guiding guests through a dynamic environment anchored by a spiral staircase wrapped around a central tree.

“Above, two rooftop lounges provide panoramic views and a peaceful escape. Below, winding seating fosters intimate social zones.

“Surrounded by greenery and movement, Forest Flux blends the energy of a nightclub with the calm of conscious dining in a truly immersive setting.”

Student: Tiffany Chen
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: tchen30[at]sva.edu

Toki House by Atalia Fragoletti

“Toki House is a home and studio hosting artist-in-residency programmes for Japanese master craftsmen, offering space to explore tradition through the lens of New York City.

“Rather than leaving heritage behind, the programme invites artists to reimagine their craft in a dynamic, urban context.

“Toki House fosters cross-cultural exchange and creative renewal by placing time – honoured practices in conversation with the city’s vibrant energy.

“Surrounded by new rhythms, residents experience fresh perspectives, sparking unexpected ideas and innovations.

“The result is a powerful blend of tradition and transformation – where heritage evolves and artistry takes on new, inspiring forms.”

Student: Atalia Fragoletti
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: afragoletti[at]sva.edu

Neotide by Junhan Han

“Neotide envisions a future city reshaped by rising seas, offering an architectural response to climate disaster.

“Set in a world submerged by water, Neotide functions as both sanctuary and memorial – a space to grieve what’s been lost and imagine what can still be created.

“The structure blends remnants of the past with futuristic design, honouring memory while fostering resilience.

“More than a building, Neotide is a symbol of adaptation and hope, offering the community a place to gather, reflect and begin again in the face of environmental transformation.”

Student: Junhan Han
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: jhan164[at]sva.edu

Octa Nexus by Liwen He

“Octa Nexus is a cultural and community centre located in Xinjiang, a diverse region once central to the Silk Road.

“Rooted in octagonal geometry – a symbol of unity – the design fosters connection among the area’s 56 ethnic groups.

“It blends traditional motifs with contemporary architecture to support education, cultural exchange and community-building.

“Open public spaces invite gatherings and dialogue, reinforcing the values of inclusion and shared heritage.

“Octa Nexus stands as a beacon of cultural convergence, preserving Xinjiang’s rich legacy while offering a modern space where diversity is celebrated and new forms of collaboration can emerge.”

Student: Liwen He
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: lhe19[at]sva.edu

Next Happiness by Bojun Huang

“Next Happiness transforms a prominent building near a bustling Shanghai alley into a vibrant hub for sports, entertainment, retail and community.

“Located just steps from the designer’s childhood home, the project blends familiar surroundings with new purpose.

“By integrating street culture and athletic spaces, it encourages youth engagement, social connection and neighbourhood vitality.

“The design aims to create a local landmark where friendships form and wellbeing flourishes.

“Rooted in the belief that people are happiest when close to joy, Next Happiness brings energy and community spirit to a revitalised corner of the city.”

Student: Bojun Huang
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: bhuang7[at]sva.edu

Lento by Shukin Li

“Lento is a music therapy centre in Long Island City serving individuals with special needs and the broader public seeking stress relief.

“Designed around the healing power of sound and space, the centre includes therapy rooms, a performance hall, cafe and offices – all within a warm, inviting environment.

“Inspired by sonata form, the site is divided into three sections: exposition, development and recapitulation.

“Two buildings are connected by a curved walkway with views of nature. Piano-like forms shape the interiors and roof, whose rhythmic waves correspond to musical chords, allowing architecture, music and emotion to resonate together in harmony.”

Student: Shukin Li
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: sli45[at]sva.edu

Heart of the Chengdu by Songlin Lu

“Heart of the Chengdu explores how modern architecture can honour ancient heritage while supporting sustainable urban growth.

“Located in the capital of Sichuan Province, the project reflects Chengdu’s role as a historic cultural and commercial hub within the ‘land of abundance.’

“Drawing from over 5,000 years of Bashu civilisation, it seeks to integrate traditional elements into contemporary design.

“As the city faces rapid development, Heart of Chengdu responds to the urgent need for balance between modernisation, historical preservation and community renewal – offering a thoughtful framework for the city’s next chapter rooted in culture, identity and resilience.”

Student: Songlin Lu
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: slu9[at]sva.edu

Ravenswood by Jaewan Park

“Ravenswood reimagines New York City’s largest power plant as an energy-positive, community-centred complex.

“Located on 28 acres in Long Island City, Queens, the site once supplied over 20 per cent of the city’s electricity but now faces urgent decommissioning due to high emissions.

“The project’s first phase replaces outdated infrastructure with renewable energy systems and integrates Distributed Energy Generation (DEG) alongside residential, educational and research facilities.

“By transforming a legacy of fossil fuels into a model for sustainable urban living, Ravenswood becomes a catalyst for clean energy, community renewal and environmental stewardship in the heart of the city.”

Student: Jaewan Park
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: jpark201[at]sva.edu

Twin Springs by Yuanhao Shen

“Twin Springs responds to the urgent need for energy-efficient architecture in Jinan, China – a city with extreme seasonal climates.

“The project utilises the area’s underground spring water along with sustainable systems like geothermal pumps, air convection and plant walls to reduce reliance on air conditioning and promote year-round comfort.

“At its core is the revitalisation of a historic 19th-century stone building, originally built by a German architect, now reimagined as a cultural hub.

“Featuring a tea house, exhibition space and water-focused installations, Twin Springs strengthens community ties while honouring Jinan’s natural resources and architectural heritage.”

Student: Yuanhao Shen
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: yshen26[at]sva.edu

Studio Sensorielle by Morgan Jourdin

“Studio Sensorielle is a dance space for the blind and visually impaired, created in response to the isolation and disconnection of a post-covid world.

“Its mission is twofold: to empower the blind community to confidently engage in a discipline from which they’ve often been excluded and to invite sighted participants to explore the power of physical vulnerability.

“Through shared movement, Studio Sensorielle fosters empathy, connection and a deeper understanding of diverse lived experiences – building a truly inclusive community grounded in trust, expression and embodied awareness.”

Student: Morgan Jourdin
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: mjourdin[at]sva.edu

Evergeen Centre by Louisa Gutenberger

“Evergeen Centre reimagines psychiatric care on the abandoned grounds of Letchworth Village, once a site of neglect and trauma.

“Built atop Stewart Hall and its adjacent dorms, the centre connects three structures with glass greenhouse bridges that immerse patients in nature.

“Guided by six of the 14 patterns of biophilic design, it blends natural light, organic materials and therapeutic spatial experiences to promote healing.

“The Evergreen Centre responds to a growing need for psychiatric hospitals that reflect current mental wellness research – offering a space where nature and care converge to foster dignity, recovery and a renewed sense of place.”

Student: Louisa Gutenberger
Course: Senior Thesis
Instructors: Gita Nandan and Anthony Lee
Email: lgutenberger[at]sva.edu

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and the School of Visual Arts. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Dance studio for people with visual impairments among projects from the School of Visual Arts appeared first on Dezeen.

The Periphery House by Locus Studio sits quietly on the edge of Utah’s high desert, adjacent to the vast Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This two-bedroom home is a careful exercise in framing space, light, and atmosphere. Its architects, led by Anson Fogel, have created not just a dwelling but a lens through which the rhythms of the desert—wind, silence, and shifting sun—are experienced from within. The result is a home that feels both rooted and floating, harmonizing with the landscape while maintaining a strong architectural identity.

Elevated above slickrock and wetlands at 6,300 feet, the house hovers among juniper and pinyon, leaving the ground largely undisturbed. The cantilevered concrete deck extends outward, offering a vantage point that turns the horizon into a living mural. Inside, the boundary between exterior and interior dissolves, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, oak finishes, and sculpted steel elements that create a seamless transition from the wild to the domestic. Every choice of material feels intentional and thought through, striking a gentle balance between durability and the softness of a lived-in space.

Designer: Locus Studio

Living in the Periphery is about more than shelter—it’s about immersion. The house is designed to capture the subtle drama of desert life: the way morning light cuts across polished surfaces, or how twilight transforms the color of the hills beyond. Spaces are open and uncluttered, with each room positioned to maximize views and privacy. There’s a sense of retreat here, but not of isolation. The home invites you to slow down, to notice the interplay of shadow and sky, to inhabit the landscape rather than dominate it.

Despite its modest size, every inch of the house is considered. The kitchen and living areas are compact yet generous, featuring built-in casework and meticulous detailing that create a seamless flow without excess. Bedrooms are oriented for both sunrise and privacy, while the bathrooms borrow light from clerestory windows, ensuring that even the most utilitarian spaces feel connected to the outdoors. The HVAC and lighting systems are discreet but effective, supporting comfort without distraction.

The home also beautifully showcases the value of craft. The studio’s design plan and approach mean that the people who imagined the project were intimately involved in its realization. This connection is visible in the joinery, the millwork, and the way surfaces fit together. The house feels personal, not generic—each detail speaks to the care and patience of its makers. It is an architecture of presence rather than spectacle, quietly asserting that utility and beauty are not mutually exclusive.

For those drawn to the edges, The Periphery offers a compelling vision of what home can be. It’s a space for reflection, connection, and pause—a reminder that the best architecture doesn’t shout, but listens. Here, utility, functionality, and a deep sense of place intersect, creating a home that is as much a sanctuary as it is a starting point for adventure. This is a house for those who want to live on the threshold, where nature and design are always in dialogue.

The post This Modern Desert Home With A Cantilevered Deck Offers A Seamless Connection To The Landscape first appeared on Yanko Design.

Los Angeles studio OWIU Design has renovated the ranch of influencer Remi Ishizuka near Austin, Texas, where the studio’s minimalist Asian aesthetic merges with the farmhouse-style property.

OWIU Design overhauled the Pontious Ranch House in Dripping Springs for internet personality Remi Ishizuka, who moved to Texas with her partner in 2022.

Born in Los Angeles, Ishizuka grew up as a second-generation child of Japanese and Chinese immigrants, and wanted to infuse her home with elements from her Asian heritage.

She called upon her close friend and OWIU co-principal, Amanda Gunawan, who had a similar upbringing, to help bring in elements of both Asia and California.

The two-storey house was built in a traditional ranch style in 2018, and the studio worked with the first owner to retain this character while adding contemporary elements.

“We learned from each other and respected our mutual expertise – it was beautiful and meaningful to have the original builders have a hand in the next iteration of their creation,” said Gunawan.

Warm, neutral tones that evoke the Texan fields and plenty of cream shades were used to create a calming palette that works with the building’s wood and stone structure.

“The colours reflect the immediate landscape, creating an unbroken conversation between the exterior and interior of the Pontious Ranch House,” said OWIU Design.

In the living room, hard corners were smoothed over to create more rounded, softer shapes similar to those found in adobe homes.

The line of a built-in seat below the windows is continued as a light-toned stone ledge that runs past the fireplace.

The kitchen is anchored by a huge chunk of rough-hewn stone, from which an island and a wooden dining table with rounded edges extend.

Minimalist wooden cabinet fronts, a square range hood and marble surfaces are neatly detailed to contrast the natural rock.

“The sheer spectrum of textures in this one continuous piece reads as a timeline for Ishizuka’s own trajectory,” said the studio.

A circular opening – a common motif in Asian architecture – visually connects an upstairs lounge with the stairwell void, framing a trio of paper pendant lamps.

A marble shelf bisects the circle and creates a display space, matching another ledge above pale wood cabinetry along the opposite wall.

Bedrooms continue the same light-hued colour scheme with texture added via carpets, bedding, headboards and curtains.

Overall, the project represents “a sincere amalgamation of California and Texas design and a reflection of a friendship built over years” according to OWIU Design.

In its home town of Los Angeles, the studio has recently completed a remodel of Ray Kappe’s Glass Ridge House and the renovation of the mid-century Duane House.

Previous OWIU Design projects include a revamped 1950s home and a loft in a converted biscuit factory, both into which the designers brought Japanese design elements.

The photography is by Justin Chung.

The post OWIU Design imbues Texas ranch house with Japanese minimalism appeared first on Dezeen.

The new-age homes around the globe require robust security which has led to significant advancements in technology, with innovations like drones, robots, biometrics, and cybersecurity becoming increasingly popular. These technologies provide enhanced protection, especially for unoccupied or spacious homes with minimum residents and homes with elderly occupants, which can be prime targets for burglars. As the demand for better security and monitoring grows, these advanced solutions help address potential risks, they offer real-time surveillance and proactive threat detection. By incorporating these latest technologies in home security, one can efficiently improve home safety and prevent theft or burglary.

1. Security Cameras

In recent years, there has been a demand for advanced security cameras with multifunctional features and cutting-edge technology. Unlike traditional CCTV cameras, which often provide low-resolution video images, blurry footage, and poor performance in low-light conditions, modern cameras offer 4K and 8K resolution for clear and detailed images. The latest security cameras have infrared technology for enhanced night vision and low-light visibility.

A recent innovation uses AI-powered analytics to further elevate their capabilities by transforming video footage into actionable data. Additionally, advanced cameras feature motion detection, remote access, and seamless integration with alarm systems, making security more efficient, intelligent, and accessible anytime and from anywhere.

Take a look at the Anona Aurora Security Camera that offers advanced home security with 4K HDR resolution, exceptional low-light color night vision, and AI-driven motion detection. It captures sharp, detailed footage with eight megapixels that one to monitor crucial details like license plates and distant movements. The camera’s starlight sensor and 10-LED spotlight ensure accurate color and clarity even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for larger areas such as driveways and backyards.

The security camera is equipped with a 10,000mAh battery that provides up to 180 days of power on a single charge, the Anona Aurora ensures long-lasting operation. It features 32GB of local storage, eliminating the need for cloud subscriptions while keeping your footage private. When paired with a 4.8W solar panel, it becomes a self-sustaining unit. Some additional features include two-way audio, a siren, and Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility to enhance its functionality.

2. Smart Door Locks

Some emerging trends in door lock technology are revolutionizing access control and offering greater security alongside flexibility. As a result, traditional mechanical locks are being replaced by electronically controlled systems that prevent unauthorized entry. Note that biometric integration enhances access control, including fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scanning. Also, wireless connectivity, through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allows for remote management and monitoring, making it easier to control locks from anywhere.

Mobile-centric solutions enable locks to be opened via smartphone apps, catering to a tech-savvy generation. Additionally, smart locks that integrate with home automation systems offer seamless access for authorized individuals and enhance convenience alongside overall security.

For instance, the Yale Approach with Wi-Fi is a retrofit smart door lock designed to offer easy installation and enhanced security for the home. It allows homeowners to upgrade their existing deadbolt without replacing the entire lock. The installation is quick as it requires only a screwdriver and around 10 minutes to secure the device. The Wi-Fi bridge connects seamlessly to your network, ensuring the smooth operation of the door lock.

This smart lock offers key-free access, automatic locking, and proximity unlocking, providing convenience and security. One can grant temporary or permanent access to others which makes it perfect for renters or shared spaces. Also, the Yale Keypad adds an extra layer of security, allowing entry through a code. It offers a simple, cost-effective way to upgrade home security without the need for complex installations., making it ideal for those who want a smart lock without the hassle and expense of a full replacement.

The Plus Link Z is an innovative smart security solution designed specifically for sliding doors, which are often overlooked in traditional home security systems. Unlike typical smart locks made for hinged doors, this module combines the functionality of a smart lock, a security camera, and an automatic sliding door opener. It allows homeowners to remotely lock or unlock the door and monitor activity through an external camera, enhancing home security with ease.

What sets the Plus Link Z apart is its ability to automatically open and close sliding doors using motorized gears, thus eliminating the need for manual effort. This design doesn’t require modifications to the door itself, as the module is installed above the door frame. It may require professional installation and raises concerns about potential wear on the door frame but the Plus Link Z effectively addresses a common security gap by securing sliding doors, offering a smart solution for modern home security needs.

3. Security Robot

Another innovation in home security is the security robots that provide effective video surveillance by moving around the home and eliminating blind spots that are usually missed by fixed cameras. Unlike static systems, it can monitor gates, doors, and windows, record suspicious events, and is a perfect security solution for homes that are left unattended for long hours.

However, the robot’s route must be mapped to ensure comprehensive coverage. It can detect strangers and send real-time alerts to guards, thereby enhancing security. Equipped with advanced sensors, motion detection, and high-definition video, it also identifies unusual sounds, smoke, or suspicious behavior. Make a note that regular maintenance and service are required to ensure optimal performance.

The EBO X is an innovative security robot designed to monitor your home with a friendly, kid-centric approach. Unlike traditional cold, impersonal security cameras, the EBO X combines advanced surveillance features with a playful, approachable design that children and pets can interact with comfortably. It moves on wheels, following people and pets while capturing images and sending alerts if something suspicious is detected. The robot can be controlled remotely, allowing you to check on your home from anywhere, and features touch-sensitive zones for easy interaction.

Its human-centric design truly sets the EBO X apart, making it more than just a security device. With a cute face and dynamic lighting, it responds to voice commands, making it feel like a companion. This combination of security and personal interaction transforms the EBO X from a typical robot into a friendly, accessible family member. It’s the perfect blend of technology and warmth, ensuring safety while enhancing home life.

4. Home Security Drone

Drones used for security can capture aerial footage and offer advanced features such as tracking and following intruders, while automatically identifying potential threats. As drone sizes decrease and technology improves, these devices can reach areas of the home that are otherwise hard to access. Cloud-connected and remotely managed, they provide real-time monitoring and quick responses to security risks. Equipped with high-definition cameras, they deliver clear images both day and night. Sensors like infrared and motion detectors allow them to identify unusual activities, while patrol routes are mapped via phone apps to focus on suspicious areas. The drones launch from their charging stations, capture aerial footage, and return to recharge, ready for the next mission.

The Always Home Cam by Ring is an innovative indoor security camera designed to protect your home from intruders. Unlike traditional fixed cameras, this flying drone activates when a break-in is detected by flying to the scene and capturing video footage, which is then sent to your phone or potentially the police. With a fully enclosed propeller system, the drone ensures safety for pets and family members while navigating your home.

While the Always Home Cam offers cutting-edge surveillance, the downside is that it raises privacy concerns with its ability to map the interior of your house. Unlike stationary cameras, the drone can navigate and capture a detailed floor plan of your home. Therefore it is designed to only activate when you’re not home, providing a discreet and effective security solution. While its main purpose is to identify intruders, its potential to gather more data about your living space can be worrisome.

The post Home Security for the 21st Century: Using Technology to Deter Intruders & Keep Your Family Safe first appeared on Yanko Design.

It’s the most basic of furniture pieces, but in this roundup, we look at eight designs that explore the surprisingly broad potential of the humble stool.

Pew by EJM Studio

With this stool made from repurposed oak, London-based EJM Studio sought to reimagine the church pew as a means of looking beyond “typical design trends”.

“I’m interested in how some of these familiar but forgotten design typologies might exist as modern objects outside of a religious setting,” said studio founder Edward John Milton.

Find out more about Pew ›

Cling by Junho Kang

Cling, by South Korean designer Junho Kang, is a stool made from stainless steel that borrows from an unusual source: rock climbing.

The seat is intended to recall a boulder and the pincer-shaped legs emulate the shape of hands gripping onto a hold, while a rope and carabiner dangle underneath.

Find out more about Cling ›

Omi Series 2 Stool by Omi Collective

Designed by Lagos studio Omi Collective and informed by classic African seating designs, this stool is in fact three stools in one. It consists of a trio of identical wooden modules connected by steel rods, which can separated out if more than one person needs a place to sit.

“The stool emerged from a broader question: what is an African way of seating – if such a thing exists?” according to Omi Collective founder Olorunfemi Adewuyi. “If there were to be a stool that was distinctly African yet spoke to a global audience, what might it look and feel like?”

Find out more about the Omi Series 2 Stool ›

Digested Objects by William Eliot

While the previous three stools sought to challenge design conventions by looking to unusual sources of inspiration, British designer William Eliot went one further by outsourcing the form-making process to another species.

He collaborated with plastic-eating mealworms to produce this gnarled three-legged seat. The insect larvae munched through blocks of waste polystyrene, which Eliot then cast in wax before 3D-scanning them and printing the most stool-like in sand.

Find out more about Digested Objects ›

Chul-02 Cone Stool by Sukchulmok

Three pointy legs are connected to conical tops via a specially created mechanical joint in the Chul-02 Cone Stool.

It was designed by South Korean architecture studio Sukchulmok to showcase the “sharp and mechanical form of steel“.

Find out more about the Chul-02 Cone Stool ›

Dice by Kosmos Architects

Another architecture studio that decided to experiment with the stool was Swiss firm Kosmos Architects.

In Dice, it created a five-pronged piece of wooden furniture that takes on a new shape and function depending on how it is rotated. It can be used as a stool, a coffee table, a footrest or even a lamp.

Find out more about Dice ›

Aluminium Stool by Rimowa and Vitra

German luggage manufacturer Rimowa is known for its grooved aluminium suitcases, but for this project it teamed up with Swiss furniture brand Vitra to produce a mobile storage stool.

The cubic stool has a hinged cap topped with a detachable fabric cushion. Inside, it is upholstered in Vitra-produced fabric with two leather dividers.

Find out more about the Aluminium Stool ›

Hackability of the Stool by Daisuke Motogi

For his Hackability of the Stool project, Japanese architect Daisuke Motogi and his team didn’t produce just one unusual stool but 100 of them.

They adapted Alvar Aalto‘s three-legged Stool 60, a design classic conceived in 1933, into a vast range of other objects – including a wastepaper bin, a chessboard, a loo-roll holder, a dish-drying rack and a record player.

Find out more about Hackability of the Stool ›

The post Eight stools that challenge conventional furniture design appeared first on Dezeen.