Northumbria University’s Interior Architecture graduates have made a mark at the 2025 Venice Biennale, a prestigious architectural exhibition. Amber Morley and Khalil Abdulrahman, both final-year students, were selected to present their projects at the Austrian Pavilion as part of the Unconventional Affordable Housing (UAH!) initiative.
The UAH! network brings together institutions from across Europe to explore innovative housing solutions. Morley and Abdulrahman’s projects focused on addressing pressing social issues. Morley’s design, “Fragments of the Past,” aimed to create a community living environment for elderly residents, tackling loneliness and isolation. Abdulrahman’s project, “Co-Living Newcastle,” proposed co-living spaces for individuals rebuilding their lives in a new country, considering the unique needs of different family dynamics.
“I was honored to represent Northumbria University Interior Architecture at the Venice Biennale,” said Amber Morley. “It was fascinating to take part in the Unconventional Affordable Housing convention, collaborating with other European universities to rethink housing.”
Khalil Abdulrahman added, “It was an incredible experience to exchange perspectives and see our work showcased alongside inspiring projects from students across Europe, all addressing today’s urgent housing challenges.”
Paul Ring, Associate Professor and Head of Subject for Architecture at Northumbria University, said, “For Northumbria Architecture to be involved in the Biennale is hugely significant, a career-defining opportunity for our students.” Andrea Couture, Programme Leader for BA Interior Architecture, noted, “We are immensely proud of this achievement and the learning experience this has provided for our students.”
Image Courtesy: Northumbria University
