Artist Biography
Alanna Connolly is an emerging interior designer from Massachusetts and a senior at Endicott College, where she is completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture. She will continue her education at Endicott, pursuing her Master of Interior Architecture with an expected graduation in 2027. Alanna is especially passionate about immersive and experiential design, with a focus on creating environments that go beyond aesthetics to support meaningful human experiences. She is drawn to spaces that engage the senses, foster connection, and promote well being.
Through her academic and applied design experiences, Alanna has strengthened her ability to collaborate with clients, translate ideas into thoughtful design solutions, and balance creativity with functionality. She approaches each project with the goal of not only creating a well designed space, but crafting an experience that leaves a lasting impact.
Thesis Abstract
Drift and Tide explores how immersive design can support holistic healing and emotional well being for children with limb loss. This experience center is designed for amputee children, their families, and thoses who support them, creating a space that goes beyond traditional rehabilitation by integrating sensory engagement, play, and moments of reflection. Inspired by the rhythms of water and the changing seasons, the design reflects a journey of resilience, growth, and rediscovery, offering an environment that feels both supportive and empowering.
The center is shaped by a series of interconnected spaces that support therapeutic experiences, community connection, and exploration while encouraging interaction and engagement. Rooted in the idea that healing is not linear, like water moving through the seasons, the design embraces fluidity and change, with sensory rooms, therapy areas, and family centered spaces supporting children at different stages of their healing process while also uplifting caregivers. By blending immersive design with principles of healing and inclusivity, Drift and Tide reimagines what a therapeutic environment can be, emphasizing not only physical rehabilitation but also emotional support, confidence building, and a sense of belonging, allowing children and their families to navigate their journeys in a space that feels engaging, uplifting, and meaningful.