Ball State University’s Department of Construction Management and Interior Design has always championed the balance between the aesthetic and the functional in its curriculum. In the heart of this equilibrium lies the Interior Design program, which embraces the integration of pioneering technology and the art of design, cultivating an environment for students to flourish and evolve as holistic designers. Students’ academic program begins in earnest with “IDES 314: Lighting Technology 1”, which has been intricately structured around an expansive project, where students undertake the challenge of crafting an office space design from a foundational base floor plan. This rigorous exercise in understanding the theory of light and design enables students to experience firsthand the impact of light on space. Students learn about light distribution, the psychology of light and vision, and the role of color in lighting. In the proposed expansion of this course, the role of Virtual Reality (VR) will be transformative. With VR, traditionally abstract concepts will become tangible. Students will no longer be mere spectators but active participants within their designs. They will traverse their virtual spaces, discerning subtleties of light play and understanding its effects on mood, utility, and aesthetic appeal. This immersive experience, enhanced by tools such as Oculus Quest Pro VR headsets, will offer a feedback mechanism like no other. Students will be able to adapt, refine, and reimagine their designs with a level of immediacy and precision that traditional methods simply cannot offer. Students will then transition to “IDES 315: Lighting Technology 2” in the Spring semester, wherein the expanded curriculum will take a more technical bent. Here, design will meet technology in its rawest form. A novel project will introduce students to the world of 3D modeling coupled with the dynamic realm of Arduino-controlled lighting. This unique fusion will push students to step out of their comfort zones and meld creative design with tangible, technological implementation. Concurrently, introduction to a dedicated lighting simulation software will empower students to strategize placement of lighting fixtures, seamlessly merging beauty with functionality. This pedagogical approach is a testament to the Interior Design Program’s commitment to shaping the next generation of interior designers, who, through their success in these courses, will not only be visionaries but will also be adept at leveraging technology to bring their visions to life. Through meticulous coursework, state-of-the-art tools, and real-world projects, students will be prepared to lead, innovate, and redefine the future terrains of interior design.
