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ECOLOGICAL RENOVATION STUDIO

Course:  Interior Design studio (3 credits), Spring 2018
University: Texas State University
Level: Undergraduate (junior)

Pedagogy: This studio premise was centered on designing with nature through incorporating the principles of biophilic design principles and countering the sustainability gap, which is defined as the disparity that exists between the principles of Environmentally Sustainable Interior Design (ESID) and the reality of practice. The pedagogy included lectures to guide students on the integration of the 14 principles of biophilic design in the design approach. The instructions also included a site visit and managing as-built drawing developed by surveying existing cabins, and discussed building code, ADA requirements, and phases of project submission.

Project:
A four-weeks team project for site analysis and incorporation of biophilic design elements in design was followed by an eight-weeks individual projects. A design charrette with professionals, cabin users, and students professional organization was part of students explorations of the site during the first four weeks. The projects required rigorous research and understanding of precedents, materials, spatial relationships, human factors, and performance of design solution. By integrating Environmentally Sustainable Materials into interior and exterior spaces of the campus cabins in Wimberley, Texas, the students significantly reduced environmental impacts through less energy consumption and less natural resource depletion and pollution.

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Final Exhibit of students projects with jury represented by practitioners and stakeholders.

Site Visit, Wimberly, Texas

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Design Charette with Interior Design and Architecture practitioners, Interior Design Alumni, Interior Design student organization, campus Cabins users, and campus administrators.

Design Concept:
A Ying Yang concept was used by this team to create a an array of pairs of complementary forces—emulating the yin and yang—which was then applied to:

  • Natural elements vs man-made elements

  • Natural light vs artificial light
    two complementary forces—yin and yang—that make up all aspects and phenomena of life

  • Geometric forms vs organic forms

  • Fire vs wate

Students: Katherine Johns, Naomi Ball, and Chanel Devaughn.

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As-Built: Existing condition of the cabins, Texas State Property, Wimberly, Texas

Proposed Design Package

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