Spatial Experience Design

Program Learning Outcomes

Mission Statement

The undergrad program in Spatial Experience Design (BS) prepares students to design impactful environments across a range of scales: from objects and furniture to immersive spaces and urban experiences. We approach spatial design as a holistic practice, grounded in research, driven by narrative, and responding to human needs and cultural context. We are committed to designing the total spatial experience: from the first moment of encounter to the last moment of interaction. We believe that the strength of any project lies in the clarity of the story and the context that shapes the design, the interaction, and the emotional impact.

Our students learn to design with intention, using materials, technologies, and building methods that reflect sustainability, innovation, and care. Through an iterative process of exploration and refinement, they develop the creative confidence to solve complex spatial challenges, crafting experiences that are functional, meaningful, and emotionally connected.

We embrace an inclusive and interdisciplinary mindset that expands the boundaries of interior architecture, brand experience, exhibition, hospitality, and environmental design. Our students are encouraged to question conventions, explore ideas, and design with empathy. We believe that design is a powerful tool to shape the way we live, work, learn, and connect. By fostering critical thinking, communication, and professionalism, we empower a new generation of visionary designers ready to lead with purpose and contribute to a better future.

Design Spatial Experiences Across Different Scales

• Students will demonstrate the ability to design environments and experiences at multiple scales: from object and furniture to immersive spaces and urban experiences, considering human behavior, interactions, and contextual relationships.

Integrate Research and Design Solutions

• Students will apply research methods, knowledge of cultural context, Historic Precedents, emerging trends, and narrative to inform, inspire, and develop spatial design solutions that have intentional meaning and sensitivity to diverse people and needs.

Explore and Refine Ideas Through Design Process

• Students will demonstrate confidence in the design process, including ideation, exploration, testing, evaluation, and refinement, in order to develop thoughtful, meaningful design outcomes. Students will apply an iterative design process to solve complex spatial problems effectively and think holistically.

Demonstrate Material Awareness and Sustainable Thinking

• Students will select and apply materials and fabrication and construction methods responsibly, considering sustainability and production, and building constraints. Students will explore materials as a source of design motivation, use sustainable thinking and prototyping to bring spatial ideas to life.

Communicate Design Intent Effectively

• Students will clearly articulate their design story visually, verbally, and spatially using analog and digital platforms, conveying both big-picture vision and details. Communication tools include not only visual tools but also oral and written skills to represent the depth of the project narrative.

Professionalism and Adaptive Thinking

• Students will identify opportunities, navigate ambiguity, and shape their own career pathways with a cross-disciplinary mindset and self-directed vision. Students will develop creative confidence with a collaborative spirit, demonstrating maturity, ethical awareness, and the ability to adapt in diverse and evolving professional contexts.