Designs for Well-Being: VCUarts Qatar Graduates Reimagine Spaces

Two graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) have gained international recognition for their innovative interior design theses. Their projects, which tackle pressing issues like digital dependency and childhood obesity, were recently accepted by the US-based Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA), underscoring the global relevance of their research.

EDRA is a renowned interdisciplinary organization dedicated to improving the relationship between people and their environments. The acceptance of these projects by students from VCUarts Qatar highlights the importance of interior design in shaping healthier lifestyles and fostering cognitive and physical development in children.

Rethinking Spaces to Reduce Digital Dependency

Gowri Maelathil’s thesis, ‘Analogue Orchard: A Multi-Sensory and Interactive Primary School in Australia’, explores the impact of technology on cognitive development in young students. Her research was inspired by a visit to Australia in 2023, where she observed the increasing dependence of children on digital devices.

“I was struck by how many children defaulted to screens instead of engaging in physical play,” Gowri explains. A conversation with a six-year-old, who described her post-school routine as watching shows and playing games on her iPad, solidified her resolve to design an alternative learning environment.

Gowri’s research included interviews with leading experts such as child psychologist Dr. Kimberly O’Brien, Professor Wesley Imms from the University of Melbourne, and a primary school teacher. Their insights reinforced the need for spaces that promote active learning over passive screen time.

Her proposed design incorporates flexible seating arrangements—bean bags, modular group seating, armchairs, and non-traditional seating options—to enhance student engagement. She also introduced a ‘free exploration space’ with distinct zones aligned with different subjects, allowing children to learn through hands-on experiences. Carefully selected colors further support cognitive engagement, with warm hues energising activity areas and cool tones fostering concentration.

“If we create spaces that stimulate curiosity and movement, children will naturally gravitate toward exploration rather than screens,” she adds. Her approach is adaptable to schools worldwide and could even reduce reliance on expensive digital learning tools.

Combating Childhood Obesity Through Design

Childhood obesity is a growing global concern, often linked to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. In Qatar, studies reveal that over 50% of school-aged children are overweight or obese, with 75% failing to meet recommended activity levels.

Determined to tackle this issue, Shahd Alkaabi’s thesis, ‘Childhood Obesity’, investigates how interior design can encourage movement and healthier living. Her research revealed that environmental factors, including cultural norms and socioeconomic disparities, significantly influence children’s eating habits and physical activity levels.

VCUarts Qatar student Shahd’s solution applies kinetic design principles, integrating movement-enhancing features into interiors. She designed interactive furniture that requires problem-solving and physical engagement, preventing prolonged periods of inactivity. By embedding movement into everyday spaces, her approach helps foster a more active lifestyle from an early age.

Her choice of purple and blue hues was deliberate, as these colors are known to encourage mental and physical activity. “This concept isn’t limited to schools,” she explains. “It can be applied in homes, community centers, and even public spaces to promote healthier behaviors at every stage of life.”

By collaborating with school administrators, urban planners, and policymakers, interior designers can contribute to healthier living environments for children, shaping a future where obesity rates decline through well-planned spatial interventions.

A Future Shaped by Thoughtful Design

The work of Gowri and Shahd demonstrates how interior design can serve as a powerful tool for addressing modern health challenges. Their research-based, human-centered approach offers scalable solutions that can be adapted worldwide.

With their projects earning recognition from EDRA, these young designers from VCUarts Qatar are paving the way for future generations of interior designers to integrate wellness into the built environment. As the work shows, a well-designed space is not just about aesthetics—it has the potential to transform lives.