Professional Practice
Workplace and K12 Interiors

challenge

How can interior design address issues of social isolation and wellbeing while accomodating an aging population?
​The typical design of spaces for elders have left many isolated from family, community and nature.  Incorporating a whole person approach through livable cities principles, intergenerational living research and biophilic design can provide designers a guide to addressing these issues. It is critical for interior design students to unpack complex problems through evidence-based design to prepare them for the changes coming to the built environment.​

by the numbers

120k sf

The size of the program which included residential units, rooftop garden, child daycare and hospitality spaces.

16

Students worked in teams of  4 worked to develop a 2 building complex.

solution

Experiential real-world project-based learning in the design studio provides opportunities for young designers to apply new skills and capabilities to complex challenges.  In this semester long final studio, senior interior design students met with constrution site engineers currently developing the location for mixed use multi-family, talked with the president of DMA Companies who specialize in affordable independent living, and presented to a panel of interior design professionals from Austin, TX who specialize in mixed use multi-family residential and assisted living. 

problem statement, design goals and objectives

evidence-based design

site analysis

concept

programming: zoning and adjacentcies

plans

space design