WCU interior design students address health, aging challenges through service learning
WCU interior design students
Interior design students at 甜瓜视频app recently embarked on a transformative service-learning project integrating cutting-edge research on social determinants of health, WELL Building Standards, and aging in place.
This initiative enhances their educational experience and aims to make a tangible impact on the community.
鈥淭he project is part of the Design for Health initiative, an interdisciplinary effort that includes faculty and student researchers from interior design, sociology, and business,鈥� said Shelby Hicks, associate professor of interior design at WCU. 鈥淭he students apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, focusing on how the built environment can influence health outcomes, particularly for older adults in rural and underserved areas. Social Determinants of Health are non-medical factors that affect health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, education, and the physical environment. By addressing these determinants, the students aim to create spaces that promote health equity and improve quality of life.鈥�
WELL building standards provide a framework for designing buildings that enhance human health and well-being. These standards focus on air quality, water quality, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mental health.
The students incorporated these principles to ensure their designs support holistic health. Aging in place refers to the ability of older adults to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
鈥淭he students are designing spaces that accommodate the needs of aging individuals, making homes safer and more accessible,鈥� Hicks said. 鈥淭he key component of the project is the pilot testing of the Resilient Age Inclusive Design assessment tool.鈥�
Developed with a $70,000 transform grant from the American Society of Interior Designers, the RAD tool evaluates the social determinants of health outcomes for older adults. The students are involved as study personnel, collecting data and assessing the tool's effectiveness in various settings. The RAD tool identifies challenges and priorities for developing resilient and age-inclusive environments. By participating in this pilot, the students gain hands-on experience in research and data analysis, preparing them for future careers in interior design and related fields.
The service-learning project has a significant impact on the local community.
鈥淭he students are partnering with The Great Laurels in Waynesville, NC, a Givens Community,鈥� Hicks said. 鈥淭hey conduct volunteer community member interviews, transcribe conversations, and analyze data to create holistic housing needs assessments. Their work helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, providing valuable insights for community members and service providers.鈥�
The project also fosters collaboration between students and community partners, such as the Givens Communities, enhancing educational experience and promoting social justice projects and community service.
鈥淲CU's deans and community members' support underscores this initiative's importance,鈥� Hicks said. 鈥淭his service-learning project exemplifies how interior design can go beyond aesthetics to address critical health and social issues. By applying research on SDOH, WELL Building Standards, and Aging in Place, and piloting the RAD assessment tool, WCU students make a meaningful difference in their community while gaining invaluable skills and knowledge.鈥�
