Teaching Beyond the Curriculum
Abstract
The paper presents findings and research frameworks from three tightly associated, pedagogically-driven endeavors. First, the development of the senior-level serial interior design studio partnering with advocacy agents and neurodivergent communities, specifically the ShrubOak International School of Autsim (FA22/FA23) and the ASPIRE program at St. Joseph’s University (FA21). This collaborative, transdisciplinary design studio offers the student body crucial real-world experience collaborating with neurodivergent individuals. Based on evidence-based research, the studio develops design methodologies and novel glossaries of spatial experiences that celebrate differences and the comprehensive needs of the human spectrum. Second, the transdisciplinary, international symposia “Neurodiversity and the Built Environment” with yearly thematic titles “Building Community” (FA20), “Immersive Experiences” (FA21), and “PlaceMaking” (FA22). These discussions combine the lived experience and intrinsic knowledge of neurodivergent advocates with the industry and various design, art, medical, educational, and tech expertise. Finally, the parallel research work conducted as part of our “Synesthetic Research and Design Lab,” where we examine the role dynamic, multisensory, and informational environments can play in redirecting our spatial interactions more equitably in consideration of overlooked issues of neurodivergence. We develop experimental prototypes and immersive installations at the intersection of science, technology, art, and design. All three interlinked endeavors are initiated within the College of Architecture and the Built Environment at Thomas Jefferson University (TJU). They happen in collaboration with the Jefferson Health Center for Autism and Neurodiversity. Additional collaborators include the University College Dublin Inclusive Design Research Center of Ireland and the SMARTlab teams in Dublin Skelligs and Niagara.
Loukia Tsafoulia is an Assistant Professor at the College of Architecture and the Built Environment, Thomas Jefferson University, where she co-directs the Synesthetic Research and Design Lab. Her exhibited work includes the ECC 2021 Venice Biennial, the Trajan Market Museum, Rome, the Municipal Theater of Piraeus, Greece, the Segovia IE Creativity Center, Spain, the London 3D print show, and the NYC ICFF. Loukia is the editor of “Transient Spaces” and “KatOikia, Housing Explorations at the Intersection of Pedagogy and Practice.” She holds an MSAAD from Columbia University.
Severino Alfonso is an Assistant Professor at the College of Architecture and the Built Environment at Thomas Jefferson University and co-director of the Synesthetic Research and Design Lab. His creative work has been exhibited in international design venues, including the Trajan Market Museum of the Imperial Fora in Rome, the European Cultural Center 2021 Venice Biennial, the Municipal Theater of Piraeus in Athens, Greece, and the IE Creativity Center in Segovia, Spain. He holds an MSAAD from Columbia University in NYC and two MS in Urban Design and Advanced Architecture from the ETSAM, where he is a Ph.D. candidate.