Teaching Beyond the Curriculum
Abstract
In an immersive learning project, 50 undergraduate students from the Interior Design program engaged in home energy assessments to understand energy efficiency in residential buildings. The project aimed to bridge a noted gap where many students, despite being familiar with sustainable design methods, lacked comprehensive knowledge about energy usage in the built environment. By partnering with a nonprofit organization in Indiana, students conducted energy assessments on various types of homes, interacting with homeowners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. These hands-on assessments allowed them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, testing aspects like airtightness, heating, cooling, and ventilation. Students used tools like thermal cameras to detect thermal leakage and light meters to measure light intensity, offering actionable insights for homeowners to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. This symbiotic relationship benefited both the students, who gained invaluable practical experience, and the community, which received recommendations to transform aging housing stocks into energy-efficient homes. A post-project survey revealed that students appreciated the hands-on experience, which provided faster understanding and deeper insights than traditional classroom learning. The project not only equipped students with technical knowledge but also honed their professional client-interaction skills. In conclusion, this initiative showcases the potential for similar annual courses in the Interior Design program, emphasizing the importance of applied learning in preparing students for the future job market while also benefiting the community.
Juntae Jake Son, Assistant Professor, College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University, received his Ph.D. in School of Planning, Design, and Construction from Michigan State University. His current research focuses on biomimicry in indoor environments. He is finding new solutions using biomimicry to find ways to reduce building energy consumption and to improve occupant satisfaction.