Welcome to the Global Workplace Studio 2015
This course focuses on the design, selection, specification, and documentation of a workplace environment in the context of a global perspective for design and practice. This course is designed to challenge and refine individual design methods and processes through the application of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and research in the discipline of interior design. The course examines the practice and application of design within a world context and how design needs may vary in cultural and social working groups within the parameters of organizational theory, socioeconomic, ecological, and cultural milieus. In addition, governing laws, standards, codes, and sustainability guidelines, which impact the design of interior spaces, is explored.
The course focus will include working with the design firm IA Interior Architects, Seattle in a workplace design that incorporates global clients, regional influences, design research, and professional practice interactions with IA and their client representatives. The collaboration with IA will provide in-depth work in the design stages, including how projects evolve throughout the process in order to give students a holistic feel for real-life expectations. The course will maintain a flexible schedule to allow for ‘real-life’ situations to enable both IA and WSU to better meet the needs of course objectives and to be mutually beneficial to both, resulting in greater outcomes. Course instructors’ will advise and monitor students’ development aligned with professional standards and design theories to aid students’ progression towards the profession of interior design with global contact engagement.
The semester-long studio design problem will provide an opportunity for students to interact with practitioners and the design industry; offering students professional development and learning in an academic setting. The course is structured as an integrated aligned course based on experience and evidence-based learning. Students’ will become knowledgeable regarding efficient workplace strategies, office procedures, and technology while cultivating contacts with trade representatives. Students’ understanding of professionalism will deepen to include improved verbal, visual and written communication as they begin to engage with vendors, clients, and other project team members.
The studio project will follow a prescribed process to achieve a successful design solution meeting the health, safety, and welfare needs of the end user in addition to the requirements necessary to meet the programmatic and aesthetic needs of the client. Students’ designs will address the rapidly changing workplace on a global scale by assessing workplace spatial needs, modes of work, and support for collaboration through the development of basic programming materials, design concepts, and design solutions based on research and design resulting in global approaches in workplace environments.
