Bronze Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2026
Zanewood
Public Building & Civic Architecture
Completed / Built / Professional Category
Architect / Designer:
Damaris Melo Gyasi
Studio:
Design By Melo
Country:
United States
Location: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, USA
Zanewood reimagines a long-standing community facility as an expanded youth hub, responding to evolving programme needs and increasing demand. The existing 1970s structure is repurposed to serve children in grades K–5, while a new adjoining building is introduced to accommodate teenage users, creating a clear yet connected spatial framework.
The design supports a wide range of activities, integrating indoor and outdoor gyms, spaces for workforce development, and areas dedicated to social interaction, including a gaming lounge. Outdoor amenities extend the programme beyond the building, encouraging active use and community engagement.
A flexible event space enables large-scale gatherings, reinforcing the centre’s role as a social anchor within the neighbourhood. The project focuses on adaptability, accessibility, and inclusivity, providing an environment that supports learning, recreation, and personal development across different age groups.
Design By Melo
Design by Melo is a practice focused on delivering integrated solutions for the built environment through a combination of design expertise, sustainability strategies, and advanced technological systems. The studio approaches each project holistically, aligning spatial design with performance, user experience, and long-term operational efficiency.
Its work incorporates an innovative portfolio of systems and sensors alongside digital platforms for community engagement and data collection. This approach enables informed design decisions that respond to real user needs and evolving patterns of use.
By merging architecture, technology, and research, Design by Melo creates environments that promote inclusion, comfort, and active engagement, supporting occupants in reaching their full potential within thoughtfully designed spaces.