This month we’re exploring design education in all shapes and sizes. One of the important lessons we heard from our contributors time and again is that education happens anywhere, and more importantly, it never stops. To design a better box we must first think outside it—and together we seek constantly to expand our horizons. Staying connected to diverse people and exposed to new ideas brings a dynamism to design thinking that is important to the sage and the aspirant alike. So goes the famous quote, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”
A wide range of thinkers have been kind enough to provide us with just the kind of kindling we need this month, so I’ll let them speak for themselves:
Global Report
Editor-at-Large Robert Nieminen scoured the world for schools that are pushing the envelope—in terms of design and the type of learning it facilitates.
Profile
Ann Sobiech Munson offers a lifetime of lessons—which she has gleaned from her roles as a registered architect, director of Iowa State University’s Core Design Program, city council member in Slater, Iowa, and co-founder of the non-profit Iowa Women in Architecture—about being more responsive to the communities we call home.
Field Notes
Michael Armstrong, CEO of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, sheds some light on the changing structure of design education, and what that means for firms as they integrate the next generation of new hires.
Field Notes
Derrell Jackson, strategic education solutions senior manager and head of Herman Miller’s Learning Spaces Research program, has a few pointers for designing flexible education spaces.
Project Feature
The Ron Clark Academy sets an inspiring bar for educators around the globe—and when it came time to expand their facility, they set a new standard for the design community as well. See what happens when designers and faculty work iteratively with students to create a space that reflects their own unique culture.
ASID
ASID National Chair and Colorado State University Professor of Interior Design Stephanie Clemons teaches the benefits of integrated learning communities.
IIDA column
Communications Strategist Genny Ramos offers some insights into building more meaningful mentor relationships.
Erika Templeton | Editorial Director
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