Kimia Jafari
Collective Nest
Environmental Design
2026
Collective Nest is a student housing project that aims to foster a supportive living environment while addressing the need for affordability. The design is organized through a spatial hierarchy that carefully balances private and public realms, maintaining a sense of individual retreat while encouraging connection and interaction.The project integrates complementary programs, including retail spaces and fitness facilities, which not only serve daily needs but also create employment opportunities for students. Shared spaces are intentionally designed to promote coexistence, social engagement, and the development of community life, enabling residents to live as part of a cohesive and interconnected collective.Drawing inspiration from the spatial organization and social behavior of ant colonies, the project adopts a system that emphasizes efficiency, collaboration, and adaptability. This biomimetic approach informs both the physical layout and the social framework, reinforcing the idea of a unified community where individuals contribute to and benefit from the collective whole.
Work by
Kimia Jafari
Environmental design
“To design is to shape how people live together. My work explores community, connection, and growth through human-centred environments that balance collective and individual experiences. Informed by...” [More]