Experiential learning is the culture of the Design Studio. We have to step out and see the designed world around us, experience the spaces and analyse the design thinking behind them. Students always come back from these adventures with a fresh perspective. Often, they redesign their whole projects following inspiration from the display homes. We always hear from the students. Let’s hear from Carolyn:
“Who is the Greatest Designer of them all?
As the newly appointed teaching assistant in Textiles Design, I was fortunate to assist our Year 9 Design class during an excursion to the Aura Display Village.
It was a first for me, and the students, and the ohhhs and aahhhhs involuntarily expressed it did not disappoint.
If you’ve never been to the display village, I’ll lay it out for you. Imagine “The Truman Show” meets “The Block”, minus the construction chaos. A very gracious Designer sat at their carefully curated desk, welcoming us into their architecturally designed homes. Students practically floated through doorways as they imagined themselves living in these pristine spaces, imagining they owned that crisp Linen hanging in the wardrobe, and a table setting awaiting brunch to be served.
The immersive experience included fragrances evoking luxury and brought a depth of identity to each home. Couches were tested for ergonomic flow, and copious amounts of feather cushions were patted. How many people could we fit in that closet under the stairs? Maybe it could be a 4th bedroom?
On leaving each space, I did, however, feel that mum’s instinct to straighten up before we left each home with a few “there are cameras watching everything” out of the corner of my mouth thrown in for good measure.
We were brought back to reality when, upon reflecting on a space as a group, it was mentioned, “I feel like this place would feel really messy if I moved anything or didn’t have everything just perfect”. This brought a hush of reality over our group.
This led us to talk about what really made a space? Was it the aesthetic and functionality, or did people make it light up? And how could a carefully curated space influence a lifestyle? Who had the best design? Which will you remember when you leave here?
Walking away from these beautiful Monuments to design, I think we all felt a little overwhelmed by the scope of possibilities available to designers. I reflected on how God is the greatest designer of them all. When we ask for his help, his insight into our Design problems shows how much more awesome and innovative our projects could be with the Greatest Designer of them all on our team. The possibilities are endless.”
Your world was intentionally designed. Pay attention to every detail, and you will reap the reward
Primrose Kombanie, Secondary Teacher
For more photos, please click HERE
