The Office of Academic Affairs awarded Brittany Snyder ’20 (BFA), whose thesis project is featured on this page, the Ana Blanc Verna Award. This award is given to a graduating BFA student who demonstrated unique creative vision. At NYSID, thesis projects are long journeys that challenge students to brainstorm, conduct research, and synthesize all they have learned. The journey ends with a presentation to a jury of faculty and industry professionals. Our students work closely with faculty to create hypothetical designs that offer solutions to real-world problems. View all 2020 thesis projects here.

Student: Brittany Snyder
Project: Chakra Holistic Healing Center & Cannabis Consumption Lounge
Award: Ana Blanc Verna Award, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Instructor: Barbara Weinreich

The organizing concept behind Brittany Snyder’s design for the Chakra Holistic Healing Center & Cannabis Consumption Lounge is an ancient Hindu mandala called a Sri Yantra, which uses sacred geometry to attract positive healing energy into its center while dispelling negative energies through its four sides. According to Snyder, “Barbara Weinreich helped me immensely throughout the process, specifically in regard to maintaining a clearly laid out diagram that remained cohesive with my concept for the Sri Yantra mandala.” Snyder was fastidious in her use of natural materials, including stone slabs and vegetation known for their healing energy and biophilic properties.