TEACHING DESIGN FOR DIVERSITY
Teaching Design for Diversity
While diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are values that some designers and scholars have worked towards for many years, the Black Lives Matter movement has accelerated efforts and since 2020 there has been a significant increase in awareness and efforts to achieve DEI goals in built spaces. These changes have opened opportunities for students to engage in projects that promote social justice, of which a few are described below.
Since 2020 a number of students have worked on a number of projects aimed at decolonizing design. This work stems from a recognition that interior design has historically privileged a white Eurocentric point of view, and efforts to unpack existing narratives and broaden perspective. Projects have included expanding examples of design precedents, a film series curated to examine race relations in America, studio projects engaging underrepresented groups, and thesis projects addressing issues related to Black culture.
In 2021 Drexel’s College of Arts and Sciences created a new Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS) with a space on campus envisioned as “a place where students and faculty can meet casually, study, attend seminars, or just hang out.” This project was incorporated into the Environmental Design Theory course as a “Considering Difference in Design” assignment. Students visited the site, met with key stakeholders, and worked in teams to prepare design proposals for the space, with the intent to foster and promote the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Collaborators: Sara Girotto; Various Students
Related Projects: Environmental Design Theory Course, Identity Culture Community Course, Facilitating Graduate Thesis
Related Materials:
“Decolonizing Design: A Focus on Non-Western Vernacular” precedent research by Hadiya Bynoe-Seabron
“A Curated Collection: Documentaries on Race Relations in America” developed by Karla Roberts
