Decolonizing Design
Image from thesis project by Karla Roberts
Students and faculty have worked on a number of projects aimed at decolonizing design. There is a recognition that interior design has historically privileged a white Eurocentric point of view, and efforts to unpack existing narratives and broaden perspective. Projects have included expanding examples of design precedents, studio projects that design for underrepresented groups, and thesis projects addressing specific themes related to Black culture.
Link to “Decolonizing Design: A Focus on Non-Western Vernacular” precedent research by Hadiya Bynoe-Seabron
Link to “Resistance: Speculative Design Confronts Systemic Trauma of the Black Diaspora” thesis project by Karla Roberts
Link to “Igniting a Legacy: Adaptive Reuse of Cultural and Historically Significant Buildings on HBCU Campuses” thesis project by Rechelle Holly
Link to “A Curated Collection: Documentaries on Race Relations in America” research project by Karla Roberts
Image from thesis project by Karla Roberts
Image from thesis project by Rechelle Holly
Image from thesis project by Rechelle Holly
Images below are from the graduate Community Studio that researches displaced populations and proposes a center to support the re-building of community through spaces for making, meals, retail, and education.
