The project is particularly significant in the context of making design public, a theme central to the book ‘Making Design Public.’ This book aims to explore the civic engagement of design students and the role of design education in opening up design discourse and processes to the larger community. By involving students in real-life community projects, the educational approach exemplifies how theoretical knowledge can be translated into practical solutions that benefit the public.
Moreover, evaluating the project’s outcomes allows educators to assess its effectiveness in enhancing students’ knowledge and attitudes towards energy conservation and green building practices1. Feedback from students provides valuable insights into the most engaging aspects of the project, which can be used to refine its structure, content, and delivery for future iterations.
Experiential learning methodologies play an essential role in the field of interior design education, significantly enhancing students’ grasp and practical application of concepts concerning energy, the environment, and green building practices. By engaging in hands-on projects, students can bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and real-life scenarios, thereby refining essential skills in sustainable design.
To develop students’ skill, one such project was developed for first-year undergraduates within a sustainability-centric curriculum, focusing on evaluating energy consumption in a public building within the local community. This project allowed students to explore various energy sources used in the building and devise strategies to reduce energy consumption. The practical experience of using thermal cameras during site visits enabled students to detect thermal inefficiencies, thus gaining a deeper understanding of building envelope performance and energy loss mitigation techniques.
This chapter discuss the way to provide practical applications of theoretical concepts to students while offering a comprehensive assessment of learning outcomes. By analyzing energy consumption and proposing energy-saving strategies for a public building, students can apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. This process not only enhances their understanding of environmental principles and energy management but also fosters a positive attitude towards sustainable design practices.
The inclusion of community engagement in the curriculum is essential for fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the public among interior design students. By working on projects that directly impact the local community, students not only apply their skills in real-world contexts but also develop a deeper understanding of the societal implications of their work. This approach aligns with the overarching theme of this book, emphasizing architecture as a public matter and highlighting the role of design in serving the community.
In this context, the students’ engagement with the local community through the assessment of public facilities and the introduction to energy efficiency through hands-on projects serves as a practical demonstration of the public theme. This experiential learning project encourages students to think critically about energy consumption and sustainability, fostering a mindset that is conscious of environmental impact and the importance of energy conservation. Additionally, this project offers an opportunity for students to enhance their research and presentation skills, which are crucial for their future careers. By conducting detailed energy assessments and presenting their findings, students practice articulating complex concepts clearly and persuasively, an essential skill in the professional field. This process also allows them to receive constructive feedback, further refining their communication and analytical abilities.
Ultimately, this hands-on project not only prepares students to become proficient in sustainable design strategies but also equips them with the skills necessary to advocate for these principles in their future professional careers. By fostering an environment where theoretical knowledge is seamlessly integrated with practical application, interior
design education can play a transformative role in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the built environment. By aligning the project’s objectives with the book’s essential theme, this chapter will illustrate how interior design education can contribute to the broader discourse on public architecture and civic engagement. Through detailed analysis and reflection on the project’s outcomes, this chapter will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of experiential learning in cultivating a new generation of environmentally conscious and community-focused design professionals.
