Graduate Spatial Experience Design

Program Learning Outcomes

Mission Statement

Our Master of Science degree in Spatial Experience Design focuses on the parameters of sensory-based design and its ability to deliver a complete user experience on a variety of scales. The program takes candidates beyond the confines of style to consider the links between the psychological, physical, emotional and sensory effects of design.

Drawing from a diverse array of fields, the Spatial Experience Design Department investigates the dynamic qualities of story-driven design to conceive staging and sequencing which captures the dramatic qualities and needs of a specific spatial experience. Our program’s direction is to educate designers to position themselves as Author-Based Design Leaders. We develop Designers who are capable of advancing the discipline and the craft of environmental design with a focus on innovation. Our graduate program combines conceptual rigor, crossed with professional practice and a focus on theoretical thinking, technical innovation, manufacturing, fabrication and project execution. Rather than merely following trends, our students define the future of our living environment.

Graduate Spatial Experience Design is a two-track program that enables degree candidates to specialize and obtain advanced knowledge of theory and practice.

The Spatial Experience track addresses the relationship among body, materials, space and emotions, and our approach dictates that we work in a multidisciplinary way. This program is for students interested in elevating a multiscale spatial design direction with a strong industry focus and application.

The Furniture and Fixtures track investigates the relationship between: body, space, place, function and application of furniture and fixtures design with an emphasis in innovation, industry standards and the manufacturing process. This program deepens understanding of production furniture, case goods and fixtures and their relationship to manufacturing, materials, market and brand.

This is an Advanced Design educational program, which seeks to elevate an individual’s conceptual, technical, philosophical and practical application to become a game changer in the future of environmental design. Our program fuses Brand strategy, sustainable/ responsible design practices, social-cultural sensitive issues & ideas, human-centered design trends, with an eye to innovation.

Advanced knowledge in applied and critical thinking

• Students will learn an inter-disciplinary approach to addressing complex design. They learn tools that enable them to construct a process that engages in critical analysis: to analyze, evaluate and synthesize issues that identify more effective applications leading to better solutions and a strategy for implementation.

Developed theoretical and conceptual exploration skills

• Students will develop new methodologies to engage in theoretical explorations looking for connections between ideas that form a more complete and robust picture. Lateral thinking, disruptive thinking, and intuitive thinking help widen their perspective and encourage innovation.

Deepen investigative skills, elevating design research skills

• Students will deepen their research and investigative skills by learning a combination of methodologies that employ qualitative and quantitative analysis through experimental and experiential approaches designed specifically for the discipline. Students not only learn how research is integral to a design process but more directly how that applies to a developed point of view or formed conclusion.

Comprehension of current market, manufacturing and industry standards

• Students will gain insight and learn contemporary manufacturing and market trends as they apply to their role in professional practice and more specifically, to their thesis proposal.

Developed personal voice

• Students will learn to examine their personal role in design and develop a strong point of view in their discipline. Exercises that test their perspective and beliefs against current environmental design issues and principles help push the boundaries of the practice and elevate discussion to create smarter, more effective designers. Students are asked to defend their point of view through rigorous critique and self-examination, while innovative skill sets help their ability to communicate through rendering, sketching and ‘making’ by building models and prototypes.