Faculty of Design

Environmental Design - Interior Design Specialization

Sumamah Javed

The Dérive

My intrest in the themes such as belonging, multiculturalism, and the pursuit of a home away from one’s place of origin comes from my personal sojourn when I existed in the liminal space between immigrant and citizen. While everyone talks about housing issues that arise due to people moving in from other countries, there remains a notable absence of discourse surrounding the challenging reality of departing from one’s homeland to dérive into a new one. It endeavors to create a more inviting and comfortable environment, considering the unique challenges faced by individuals and families seeking comfort.

“This project investigates the challenges newcomers face in building a sense of home in foreign environments, focusing on how geography shapes emotion and behavior. It proposes a network of transitional spaces that offer support, belonging, and comfort—helping newcomers drift with peace of mind as they navigate the challenges of settling in a new place. The core challenge lies in balancing practical functionality of the design with users’ perceptual experiences in this series of Pavilions.”