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Forum Focus: Institutional and Knowledge Forums
In the summer of 2008, IIDA introduced the brand-new Institutional Forum
and Knowledge Forum to replace the former Education and Research Forum.
Perspective spoke with Institutional Forum Advisor Stacy Reed, IIDA, LEED
AP, and Knowledge Forum Advisor Phil Bulone, IIDA, to learn the benefits of
the expanded Forums.
Why has IIDA chosen to create the Institutional Forum
and Knowledge Forum from the former Education and
Research Forum?
Bulone: IIDA had received feedback from Members regarding
the categorization of the Education and Research Forum.
Members also expressed a desire for a place to exchange
information about designing educational facilities, such as
schools and libraries. We came up with a plan to create the
Institutional Forum, which deals with the design of schools,
libraries, museums, recreational areas, family service centers
and religious facilities, and the Knowledge Forum, which
encompasses valuable education and research initiatives.
How will the new Knowledge Forum better serve IIDA
Members and the interior design profession?
Bulone: The Knowledge Forum will promote the exchange of
information, spark fresh and investigative approaches to
design thinking, and contribute to the development of a common
body of knowledge within our profession. This Forum
can feed and collaborate with other IIDA specialty Forums as
the facilitator of information. Also, there are many great opportunities
for practicing interior designers to become leaders in
education, particularly continuing education. The previous
“Education and Research” title may have sounded too exclusive
and limited to only those engaged in academics. The
Knowledge Forum brings together all Members — both educators
and researchers, and practicing designers. The new
Forum will also more closely align with IIDA’s online
Knowledge Center and other educational programs.
What specific goals do you have in mind regarding the
Knowledge Forum?
Bulone: I envision the Forum serving as a bridge between
traditional research and the practice of Interior Design.
IIDA is in a prime position to do that, given the breadth of
specialized experiences and opportunities among its
Members. Universities and efforts by Interior Design
Educators Council (IDEC) provide a venue for critical
research. Collectively, we can practice the results of this
research in the field and provide the exchange of valuable
feedback. Feedback from practicing interior designers
can also contribute to the formation of interior design
curriculum standards.
The Forum will also work to inspire young designers to
seek opportunities in the specialty of interior design education.
IDEC studies show there is a decrease in the number of
available educators with the appropriate credentials. We are in
a position to influence future generations of design professionals.
Additionally, I would like to develop a program to promote
Interior Design as a career choice for K-12 students, as
well as educate their parents about our profession.
Why has interior design research become such a priority?
Bulone: Research allows the designer to bring more value to the table. Our clients are more educated, have access to
a great amount of information and continue to look for more
substance. Research helps us to create more effective environments
and gives us an additional tool to market our
ideas. Some areas of research that are receiving much
attention are sustainability, technology and healthcare.
How will the Institutional Forum benefit IIDA Members?
Reed: The Institutional Forum provides a specific venue for
Members who design the interiors of schools, colleges or universities,
museums, libraries, recreational areas, family service
centers and religious facilities. There was definitely a need to
separate this group because we, as designers, have specific
issues that other designers may not. We are in niche markets.
For example, designers of university buildings have to design
facilities that attract and recruit the best students and professors.
These spaces have to create interaction while remaining
flexible and incorporating the latest technology, which is
constantly changing. This Forum will address those needs for
IIDA Members.
What initiatives or events do you have in mind for the
Institutional Forum?
Reed: A key project of the Forum will be the biannual
Library Interiors Awards in partnership with the American
Library Association. I would also like to expand this idea
to other areas, such as an awards program for the design
of religious facilities or for museum design in alliance with
various professional associations. I would also like to see
improved communication among Members of the Forum.
The IIDA Knowledge Center message boards would be a
good venue to increase communication.
But first, we’re doing everything we can to get word
out about the new Forum. A major goal is to simply raise
awareness. I plan to work closely with Chapter Presidents
to recruit Members to the Forum.
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