2019 Southwest Regional Conference

Communicating with Gen Z: Graphic, Verbal, Written, and Interpersonal

Outside of a city hall with huge trees

Baylor University Office of the Vice Provost for Research

Waco, Texas

Considered to be the most diverse generation in U.S. history, 68 million Americans born between the mid 1990s – late 2000s make up Generation Z. Today’s students grew up with ubiquitous mobile devices and associated digital applications. How do we, as interior design educators get to know and accept them in order to authentically connect in meaningful ways? How can we partner with them as they develop creative processes that will influence future designs of built, virtual and hybrid spaces?

In order to connect with Gen Z students, we must be open to their understanding of identity, their value systems and their engagement with digital media as it relates to their identity and connection to their peers. This conference invites exploration of these issues as a means to foster conversation, understanding, and empathy in order to build meaningful relationships with our students.

October 3-4, 2019
Locations

Day 1: Location
Baylor Club, Suite 509 at McLane Stadium
1001 South M.L.K. Jr. Blvd
Waco, Texas 76704
Parking: Parking is at the stadium and is free of charge

Day 2
Paul Foster Business School, Room 250
1621 South 3rd Street
Waco, Texas 76704
Parking: Parking details pending

Conference attendees will drive from their hotel to the conference location.

Sponsor

Sponsored by: Baylor University Office of the Vice Provost for Research
On-site conference contact: Michelle Brown of Baylor University Interior Design

Conference Schedule

Photo of people inside a half circle shape and green and yellow triangles
8:00–8:30 am

Registration & Check-in
Baylor University/Pastries and Coffee

8:30–8:40 am

Opening Welcome and Orientation to the Conference

8:40-9:00 am

The Building Database & Analytics System (BuDAS): Computer Science and Interior Design Take on ‘Big Data’
Elise King, Baylor University
We explore the challenges of analyzing archival floor plans and provide an overview of the Building Database & Analytics System (BuDAS), developed to address these problems.

9:00-9:20 am

Understanding Generation Z’s Learning Preference: an exploration of Extended Reality based learning tool for the experience age
Dr. Zahid Islam, University of North Texas
The advancement of technologies as cloud, big data, internet of things, machine learning and its associated infrastructural supports have prompted a shift from industrial revolution model to the age of information.

9:20-9:40 am

Discussion

9:40-10:00 am

Cruising at a Higher Altitude-The Generation Z Inspired Redesign of the Las Vegas McCarran Airport Interactive Exhibit at the Discovery Children’s Museum
Torrey Tracy, University of Arkansas
To engage the Generation Z population who visit the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum in Las Vegas, NV, the airport themed interactive exhibit is undergoing a redesign.

10:00-10:20 am

The Beckoning Kitchen Table
Kathryn Brandt & John Joseph Linn, High Point University
Conversational pedagogy in digital cloud-based settings echo social media interaction and calls for understanding and empathy while enticing co-authorship: The Beckoning Kitchen Table

10:20-10:40 am

Discussion

10:40-11:00 am

Posters + Break

11:00-11:20 am

Just Getting in: Equity in Historic Retail Settings
Jennifer Webb, University of Arkansas
The goal of this project was to create a taxonomy of barriers for individuals with a reduced functioning (mobility, sight, hearing) in an historic town square retail setting.

11:20-11:40 am

TBD

11:40am-12:00 pm

Discussion

12:00-12:00 pm

Lunch

1:00-1:20 pm

An Exploration of Wellness in the Built Environment: Redefining the college campus center to address a generation defined by direct communication and unique experiences
Lynette Panarelli & Sylvia Masters, Wentworth Institute of Technology
An exploration of wellness currently on college campuses. A cohort of interior design students define characteristics of wellness that can effectively be integrated into the built environment.

1:20-1:40 pm

Design Professionals as Leaders in Childhood Health and Well-being
Dr. Kristi Gaines, Texas Tech
This externally funded project is a collaborative effort to provide design resources to design professionals, childcare providers, and child care licensing inspectors

1:40-2:00 pm

Discussion

2:00-2:20 pm

Design Archive + Oral History = State Treasure
Dr. Stephanie Zollinger, University of Minnesota
An oral history project is helping the Larsen Design Archive to come “alive.” The project is exploring and documenting the success and collaboration of Jack Lenor Larsen.

2:20-2:30 pm

Teaching design principles and elements to Generation Z students through the American School Philosophy: An iterative design longitudinal case study between Bruce Goff homes and design/build furniture
Dr. Natalie Ellis, University of Oklahoma
Teaching the theories of design principles and elements to Generation Z through Bruce Goff’s inspiration works in a full-scale furniture build.

2:30-2:50 pm

A Social and Cultural Collaboration of Human Centered Design Across Campus
Dr. Suchismita Bhattacharjee & Tracy Howard, University of Oklahoma
This presentation will discuss the effectiveness of a specially designed collaborative human factor project for the sophomore level Interior Design students.

2:50-3:00 pm

Discussion

Tour & Evening Reception Sponsored by Wilsonart
3:00-4:00 pm

Depart for Tour/Travel to Wilsonart: Temple, Texas – transportation by van provided by Baylor University

4:00-5:00 pm

Wilsonart LEED Building Tour & Product Development

5:00-6:30 pm

Reception at Wilsonart

6:45-7:45 pm

Travel back to Hotel/Dinner on own

8:00–8:30 am

Pastries and Coffee/Welcome Day 2

8:30–8:50 am

Biomimicry and Natural Architecture: An approach toward sustainability in healthcare environments
Lori Guerrero, Texas Tech University
This investigative study reexamines an existing medical clinic to improve sustainable design practices. The authors will discuss methodology and the direct applications influenced by biomimicry, natural architecture.

8:50-9:10 am

An Exploration of Europe’s Barefoot Parks: Possibilities for Applications in the U.S.
Amy Roehl, Texas Christian University
This paper investigates the concept of European “barefoot parks” as a model for engaging children in the U.S. with the built and natural environment.

9:10-9:30 am

Accessorizing Space: Sculptural Awnings
Torrey Tracy, University of Arkansas
To engage, highlight, and/or accentuate an existing structure or space, the designers have designed a series of sculptural awnings that carry a sensitivity to the human scale as well as a connection to the natural environment.

9:30-9:45 am

Discussion

9:45-10:10 am

Posters + Break

10:10-10:30 am

The Readiness Assessment: An Alternative to Portfolio Review
Sally Ann Swearingen, Joe Strahl, Mitzi Perrit, & Leisha Bridwell, Stephen F. Austin State University
Faculty explore an intensive one-day skills-based assessment instead of a traditional portfolio review. Student evaluations indicate a positive reaction to the assessment intent and administration.

10:30-10:50 am

Baby Boomers to GenZ: A Comparative Analysis and Teaching Strategies for the Interior Design Studio
Dr. Michelle Pearson, Texas Tech University
A comparative analysis was conducted to help understand the key differences and similarities among the generations of a typical interior design studio. Additionally, strategies were developed for effectively delivering interior design education based on the findings.

10:50-11:10 am

Student’s Preference of Design Mediums in the Design Process
Luis Mejia, Oklahoma State University
Design students’ preference for traditional design tools and digital design tools in multiple stages of the design process.

11:10-11:25 am

Discussion

11:30-12:30 pm

Lunch & Business Meeting

12:30-12:50 pm

Making Connections: Students, Faculty, Clients, Community
Dr. Valerie Settles, University of Central Oklahoma
A working studio provides students with experiential and service learning opportunities to develop meaningful skills while collaborating with community partners

1:20-1:40 pm

Bonjournal: Using a travel journal app to connect with peers and deliver course objectives
Dr. Heather Carter, Oklahoma State University
This study investigated a sophomore interior design cohort’s use of Bonjournal travel journal app to interact with peers and instructors and achieve seven course objectives.

1:40-2:00 pm

Discussion

2:00-2:15 pm

Break and Vote on Posters

2:15-2:35 pm

Expanding Narrative Theory for Interior Designers
Ronnie Rama, Abilene Christian University
Narrative applied to pre and post design classroom projects as a means to inform and expand the design process.

2:35-2:55 pm

Jack Lenor Larsen at 90: Transformations by a Textile Innovator
Dr. Stephanie Zollinger, University of Minnesota
The goal of the exhibition was to introduce guests to the areas in which Jack Lenor Larsen influenced and broke new ground in textile craft and industry

2:55-3:15 pm

Space Prints: A Workflow
Torrey Tracy, University of Arkansas
Space Prints: A Workflow captivates a student audience by promoting the value of composition, instilling a sense of ownership and individual uniqueness to a design outcome, demonstrating the benefit of a strong workflow, and highlighting an imperative individual biological outcome-a space that is a part of us- our fingerprints.

3:15-3:30 pm

Discussion

3:30-3:45 pm

Break and Vote on Best Paper + Best Creative

3:45-4:00 pm

Awards, Thank-Yous, and Closing

Depart Conference or Dinner on Own

Conference Fees

Full Conference
One day
Member
$149
$119
Non-Member
$249
$199
Graduate Student Fees
Member
$99
Non-Member
$129

Hotel

Entrance to a large hotel
Hotel Indigo Waco

211 Clay Avenue
Waco, Texas 76706
To secure conference rate call 254-754-7000 by Wednesday September 11, 2019

Conference Rate: $164.99/night good for nights of October 2-5
Local Lodging Options:

Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco
2500 Bagby Avenue, Waco, TX 76706
254-752-4400

La Quinta Inn & Suites Waco Downtown Baylor
911 South 10th Street, Waco, TX 76712
254-758-2929