The Interdisciplinary Design and Experimental Architecture Studio

The Interdisciplinary Design and Experimental Architecture Studio (IDEA Studio) bridges the gap between practice and education by integrating design research with emerging technology. The combination was designed to understand the expressive, experiential, and environmental possibilities of innovative material strategies.

“This collaborative environment is beneficial to students who are at the forefront of design research topics at all levels from doctoral and master’s, to undergraduate students, as the students actively participate in advancing knowledge and also interact and learn from each other. Research is integrated through innovative pedagogy into coursework offering real-world context through project-based and active learning.”

Within the space, investigations are facilitated through manual and computational design approaches, involving examination of existing theory, geometric explorations, and prototyping for partial to full-scale mockups. Past projects have ranged from the product to building and urban scales, full-scale design-build, and urban-scale public art projects. Jefferson’s local, national and international partners in academia and industry are engaged throughout.