October 9, 2009
This project is actually around the corner from my office.
This week, instead of the typical white walls in the hallway of the third floor in the Architecture Building, I had the view of interior design junior studio projects. I spoke with interior design professor Jo Hasell about the projects. She explained that the students are working with P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School. The school is affiliated with UF’s College of Education.
The interior design students worked in teams of three to put together a proposal for a new elementary school. In addition to working on an overall concept, each team member chose one of three learning communities to focus their designs. The learning communities allow for a team-teaching approach and are divided by grade: 1. kindergarten and first grade, 2. second and third grade and 3. fourth and fifth grade.
The projects were presented to key stakeholders and will be revising their designs based on the feedback.
This is the view directly across from my office.
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Interior Design, Service Learning, Students, Views outside my door | 
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Posted by Julie
June 11, 2009
This summer and each fall, DCP students have the opportunity to study in Paris, France. In addition, we have had countless studios over the years study New York, through both visits and on-campus studio work.
As our students develop their problem-solving skills and their design language, the opportunity to study some of the world’s greatest cities provides case studies, real examples of what works and what doesn’t. It also provides inspiration and avenues for exploring.
Case in point, The New York Times recently covered the architecture of Paris and the High Line project in New York. Don’t miss the multi-media on the High Line project, including this slide show.
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Architecture, Historic Preservation, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Students, Sustainability | 
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Posted by Julie
May 8, 2009
Typically, back to school refers to August or September when kids return to school after a summer off. But for DCP alumni, back to school means returning to Gainesville and sharing their knowledge and experience with our students.
Alumni return throughout the year for programs such as Building Construction Professor-For-A-Day or for final crits in the design studios. Interacting with alumni help the students to envision their career paths after they graduate and help shape the decisions they make.
On May 1, landscape architecture alumnus Bill Coan shared his experiences with DCP students at commencement. He explained how he graduated in 1978 during tough economic times. He discovered the field of designing theme parks and guest experiences even though he had never stepped foot in a theme park. After 14 years with Walt Disney Imagineering, he now serves as president and design principal of ITEC Entertainment Corporation.
“The best thing about the work I do is that we never do the same thing twice,” Bill told the audience of students and their families and friends. “The worst thing about our business is that we never do the same thing twice.”
Bill encouraged the students to seek challenges in their careers, explaining that each challenge he encountered provided something unique. “Challenges excite me. Each one reveals something majestic and almost spirtual that I had not considered before.”
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Alumni, Students | 
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Posted by Julie
April 22, 2009
It’s that time of year. For every design student, it is a milestone in their development as an architect, interior designer or landscape architect. It’s pin-up time.
In April of each year, the hallways are filled with second-year students and their pin-up boards. As an observer, I enjoy this time of year — watching as the various projects are displayed in the hallways. But that’s easy for me to say. My future is not on the line.
It began last week with both the architecture and interior design students. The architecture students pin up on the first and second floor. But outside my door is where the interior design students were putting their boards. The students flood into the hallway with their boards and their hammers, stepladders, cement blocks and plenty of pins.
The boards stayed in place for a week, and then, the landscape architecture students moved in with their boards. The experience is similar but the result is different. The hallway has a different look and texture.
Before long, the walls will be white again. But in the meantime, I will enjoy absorbing the designs outside my door.
Click here to view photos from this year's pin-up.
Leave a Comment » | Architecture, Interdisciplinary, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Students, Views outside my door | Tagged: Architecture, design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, university of florida | Permalink
Posted by Julie
February 17, 2009
One of the great things about working in the Architecture Building is the ever-changing views. Walking through the building’s atrium, you may discover a unique display of student-created newsstands or a scene from Italy. Or an installation of
African architecture. Or a
Design 3 exhibit.
In the hallway outside my door, I find a rotating series of models, posters and design projects. To share these with you, I will be posting photos on this blog with the views from outside my door.
Today, I find a Design 4 project. This is the School of Architecture’s sophomore class. At the end of the semester, these students will select and arrange their best work to display during “Pin-up,” a critical component for admission into upper division.
View outside my door today: Tower Project by Design 4 students
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Posted by Julie
January 29, 2009
Last week, the College held a 10-hour “Pride in Place Charrette” calling on students to find cost-effective ways to improve the Architecture Building. Here’s what the winning teams came up with:
All of the student designs submitted will be considered for implementation this fall.
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Posted by kaitlinofarrill
