2026 Senior Exhibition Artists 2026 Senior Exhibition Artists: Vanessa K. Adams

About Vanessa Adams

Vanessa Adams is a senior in the Interior Architecture & Design program at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Throughout her academic journey, Vanessa has demonstrated a strong dedication to creating vibrant spaces that are both comfortable and practical for all users. In addition to her academic work, Vanessa has shown strong leadership through her role as Lead Admissions Ambassador position and as the Recruitment & Social Media Chair for the UMass Dartmouth’s Women's+ Rugby Club Team.

Statement

My senior thesis, Renovations to the Cedar Dell Townhouses at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, explores the adaptive reuse of a once-beloved residential building on campus. The project focuses on revitalizing a meaningful time capsule for many UMass Dartmouth alumni and past visitors while reintroducing a sense of community and independence that current students feel has been missing from the campus environment.

This project reimagines the Cedar Dell Townhouses as housing to upperclassmen students rather than traditional dormitory-style living, supporting both student and personal independence while strengthening connections among residents. Through thoughtful demolition and reconstruction strategies, the renovation balances the preservation of the building’s historical significance with the needs of contemporary student living. Ultimately, the proposal demonstrates how adaptive reuse can honor the past while creating meaningful, functional spaces that serve future generations of the UMass Dartmouth community.

Website: wix.to/VYcKgWg  

Vanessa K. Adams

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