Student Showcase

Graduate of PP-MID Program

Artful Sanctuaries

In a world where the adults are the ones paying, and the ones that are running all the businesses, we often forget about the little people, the ones that eventually grow up to be those very same busy adults. What we do not realize is that these children shape what the future will look like, and to be proactive by creating healthy environments for holistic development saves us time, money, and emotional dysregulation. This is what Artful Sanctuaries is here to do. This project creates spaces for children, ages four to nine, to escape stressful environments such as schools and hospitals. It is a space that is designed to provide a safe and playful place to create art. The sanctuary is equipped with art, hideout, and indoor/outdoor spaces. It gives children a level of control, guidance, and playfulness that helps in the development of their wellbeing and self discovery. Thus leading to a generation of increased well rounded individuals.

Graduate of PP-MID Program

AI: The Future of Design

This thesis embarks on an exploration of the future of interior design, examining the intersection of artificial intelligence and traditional craftsmanship, particularly in ceramics. The research delves into how AI can inspire and enhance the design process, offering new possibilities for creative expression while maintaining a deep connection to the organic and historic qualities of clay. It investigates the potential of AI-driven tools to revolutionize design by enabling designers to push beyond conventional boundaries.

Through interviews with industry pioneers, Amir Noori and Sandra Ohlendorf, the thesis captures a spectrum of perspectives on AI's evolving role in design. Their insights provide a critical lens through which AI integration is analyzed, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. This comprehensive exploration presents a nuanced understanding of how AI and ceramics can converge, proposing a future where technology and tradition coexist to create sustainable, unique, and revolutionary designs.

Graduate of PP-MID Program

Healthy Interior Design as a Prerequisite of a Positive Spatial Experience

It is a well-known fact that people spend 90% of time indoors. With such a strong connection of people and the built environment, it is important to investigate how buildings affect our health. Yet, the study of the connection between the two is a relatively new subject of research.

This paper investigates the multifaceted influences of the built environment on human health in residential settings. Part I examines the theoretical framework of spatial perception. Part II goes into an exploration of various aspects of health, affected by the built environment, grouped into Physical, Mental and Social Health. Part III includes examples of projects where these ideas were partially integrated.

The paper culminates in three outcomes: 1) design of the space with the application of conducted research, 2) questionnaire for clients/users of the spaces, and 3) “Healthy Interior Design” manual with a set of practical guidelines for interior designers.

Graduate of PP-MID Program

Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design

As housing prices rise, the number of homeless and low income individuals rise
along with it. Canada is currently struggling to keep up with the demand for housing as the population grows. At the moment, the affordable housing community is being mistreated and neglected; this is proven to be true when observing the decline in new affordable units and the poorly designed spaces that are currently occupied. In order to effectively evaluate the spaces that already exist, I have conducted quantitative research methods which include interviews with residents, diary studies, user journey maps, and material organizational sheets. The design process that follows these research methods will lead to a more sustainable solution with the use of efficient materials. The intention of this MRP is to introduce sustainable material usage all while designing a space that provides efficient storage, furniture and organization.