Abstract :
Interior design, as a field of study, is a rapidly
growing area of interest – particularly for
teenagers in the United States. Part of this interest
stems from the proliferation of design-related
reality shows available through television media.
Some art educators and curriculum specialists in
the nation perceive the study of interior spaces as
a ‘practical application’ of the arts.
This article discusses an experiential design
problem, originally used in higher education interior
design studio courses that was modified and
shared with students in third grade to address
national academic standards. Later, this same
project was modified for use with high school
students in the educator’s community and with
international design students in South Korea.
Lastly, the project was presented in a workshop
to art education students at a higher education
institution. The project was modified to address
(1) the age group level and (2) a topic relevant to
the audience. Goals of the design project were:
(1) to explore creative problem-solving, (2) to
explore the application of design elements and
principles, and (3) to increase student understanding
of spatial relationships within an interior
environment. Findings indicate that the project
supported several visual art standards, including
perception and community. This project may be
of interest to current and future art educators and
others interested in the potential of interior design
content supporting art education.
