BFA+MFA Thesis 2024

Gowri Maelathil

Multi-Sensory Primary School in Melbourne, Australia, Minimizing Technology Use

Interior design

I am an Indian-born designer and artist who grew up in Qatar, and I have had creativity at the core of my personality since childhood. This distinctive characteristic has carried into my adult life as an interior designer at VCUarts Qatar. My work includes multimedia, such as hand sketching, digital illustrations, collaging, and 3D realistic renderings. My work is described as bold, energetic, exploratory, and whimsical. My signature style uses vibrant colors and organic forms.

My approach to design projects is to let the process drive the outcome. My final BFA Thesis explores the effect of technology on children’s cognitive development. It is a prime example of my design process, as I acquired knowledge through academic research, evidence-based design, and interviews with experts in the field. This drove my final design of a multi-sensory, colorful, and interactive primary school in Australia that minimizes the dominance of technology and helps foster the children’s cognitive development, creativity, and growth. 

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