Founded 2015
Co-Founders:
Heidi E Schlegel, (former) Program Chair, Interior Design Program, RIT, NY USA.
Rim Fathallah, (former) Program Chair, Interior Design, Dar al Hekma University, Jeddah SA
Background:
Rim and I met at an IDEC East Regional Conference in Toronto in the fall of 2015. Before the conclusion of the conference, we spontaneously decided to bring our two undergraduate programs together collaboratively. An amazing friendship and academic partnership was born. We co-created an annual one-week cyber design charrette that to date has encompassed universities from three continents and over 250 students from over 20 countries ranging from sophomore to graduate level.
Each year we reach out to varied universities internationally to create a balance of cultures and perspectives.
Objectives
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Create connection and discover shared similarities within dissimilar social/cultural and geographic experiences
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Develop a foundational understanding and basic application of design decisions based on a given design problem
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Acquire long distance interpersonal skills: intercultural sensitivity, respect and work ethics
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Foster positive working relationships within a culturally diverse group
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Develop skills to listen, value and be inspired by the opinions of others
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Reach a consensus on a design language and solution considerate of all concerned parties
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Generate creative and prompt problem solving skills in a reduced time span
Sample Design Problems
2019
Create a spatial artifact to address a humanitarian need for displaced populations.
2017
Create a spatial artifact utilizing design psychology strategies that represents shared connections of your team members
2016
Create a biomimetic inspired living environment respecting the culture of all participating parties