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3/27/2020

Keeping Calm and Carrying On: Design Classes Continue!

Dr. Ransdell works with Furniture Design students
Dr. Ransdell works with Furniture Design students

It is undeniable that the national news about the Coronavirus has captured attention and altered the normal way of doing things for all of us. Amidst this disruption, however, the Department of Interior Architecture & Design has harnessed a strength—our many faculty and students are exercising their strategic design thinking abilities and are carrying on without interruption. With remote work policies now in place, faculty have nonetheless found creative ways to engage and assist students within the diversity of our classes.

For example, Professor Yelena McLane has pre-recorded history lectures for student viewing on FSU’s online learning platform and is offering live, videoconference “afternoon tea sessions” with students to maintain connections and explore ideas. Professor Marlo Ransdell has boldly confronted the challenges of the Furniture Design class through students’ use of animation software to envision original furniture pieces. And Professor Jim Dawkins offers audio and videoconference student consultations for the students’ design of a hotel that feature his real-time markups of their floor plans and other graphics. Our students are beautifully rising to the challenge of the current situation with grace and ingenuity.

 

Dawkins works with Studio 5 students
Dawkins works with Studio 5 students

As the situation continues to evolve (almost daily!), faculty are committed to forging ahead to confront the challenges of summer classes and beyond. The need for designers is now stronger than ever, and these unique times are demonstrating the importance of the built environment to public health. Our Department is well-positioned to prepare students for their future career challenges and opportunities.