Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an experimental class curriculum where interior design educators taught sustainability and computer design technology in a design studio focusing on contemporary environmental issues. This study will examine the appropriateness of a virtual reality computer program used to teach sustainable design theories for passive solar house design and sustainable lighting design. Sustainability education has become an important part of interior design curricula. Interior designers are becoming aware that the sustainable design techniques they recommend all have an impact on the environment. When technology is integral to and embedded in the curriculum, it can be an effective tool for students to achieve higher levels of proficiency and recall. An animation technique is one way to create a controlled environment in a sustainable environment, using day lighting effects and applying sustainable materials to create the exact experience as the real environment. This study shows that teaching sustainable design through computer design technology in a design studio is successful. Educational technology research suggests that additional studies should examine the implications of computers in the curriculum. Sustainable design is becoming significant in design institutions. Instructors must teach sustainable design to next generation of designers. This study shows that a sustainable design class need not stand alone, but can be incorporated into established design courses using real projects and computer assisted design.