Student projects prepare them for larger work

 
 
Photos by Judith Van Dongen, WSU Spokane
 
 
SPOKANE – We typically share our experiences with others via stories or images. But is there a more immediate way to help others relive your experience?

Students from WSU Spokane’s Interdisciplinary Design Institute (IDI) think there may be. They are bringing their design education to life through interactive structures that invite viewer/participants on a visual journey of their learning experiences.

Four different abstract structures will be on display today 1-2:30 p.m. outdoors on the Riverpoint Campus. The design students will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance. If the weather cooperates, the structures will be up through Oct. 7.
 
Guests are invited to interact with the structures by looking, touching and feeling the. Participation and interaction will bring the designers’ learning experience conceptually to life for each visitor.

The structures, prepared only from sustainable materials that will be donated for re-use or recycle upon project completion, have been designed in preparation for a larger class project. That will be to create an interactive structure that communicates an historic timeline for the city of Ritzville.

“Inspired by well-known structures and monuments, such as Maya Lin’s Vietnam Memorial or Cristo’s Gates, I developed the curriculum for this studio to help students use their personal experience, together with historical facts, to develop a design concept that promotes interaction and makes people stop and experience the moment,” said Janetta McCoy, associate professor for the IDI.

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