Threshold

/ˈθrɛʃ.həʊld/

A drug de-addiction & rehabilitation centre for substance use disorder recovery,

set within a 1934 psychiatric hospital in the Tuscan countryside near Volterra, Italy.

A drug de-addiction & rehabilitation centre for substance use disorder recovery, set within a 1934 psychiatric hospital in the Tuscan countryside near Volterra, Italy.

"Architecture as restorative infrastructure, a building whose role is to hold space for

the long, non-linear journey of recovery."

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Prerequisites

Overview

Understanding

Addiction

Site

Conditions for

an interior

Narrative

Practice

GRADUATION PROJECT · 2026

The purpose of this design research project is to explore how spatial design can support the recovery and rehabilitation of individuals with substance use disorder, by examining the neurological, psychological and social impacts of addiction.

As a result, forming a design strategy, highlighting the importance of a designed environment that influences behaviour, contributes to emotional regulation, and supports recovery outcomes.

MODULE BRIEF

DURATION

Nine Months

Subtitle

SUBMISSION

May 2026

Public Defence for Jury

MENTOR

J. Andres Flores Centeno

Lead & Supervising Studio Professor

Research

Site Study

Interior Design

Material Practice

Public Defence

Meira…

Goldsmiths, University of London

Awarding Institution

Degree awarded by the Department of Design at Goldsmiths,

recognised internationally for its critical, research-led approach to

design education and material practice.

New Cross, London · United Kingdom

BA (Hons) Interior Design

Florence Institute of Design International

Delivering Institution

Studio teaching, fabrication, and field research delivered in Florence, placing the project in direct dialogue with Italian architectural

heritage and craft traditions.

Borgo Ognissanti · Florence, Italy

3-Year Studio Programme

the author

Ævar Bernburg Kristjánsson

BA (Hons) Interior Design · Class of 2026

Contact

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project timeline

SEPT 2025

Brief & Research

Site selection, literature review,

precedent studies.

DEC 2025

Title

Subtitle

MAR 2026

Title

Subtitle

MAY 2026

Final Defence

Public viva, boards, walkthrough

submission.

142

Pages of written research

142

3D Renders & Technical Drawings

142

Verbal Presentations

OVERVIEW

Understanding Addiction

How does addiction reshape the brain, the mind, and the relationships that anchor us?

Yearly economic impact (USA)

Hospital admissions (Italy, 2024)

346

Pending criminal proceedings for drug-related crimes (Italy, 2024)