Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Denver, Colorado | 800.888.ARTS
Home / Interior Design /

Green Design

What is Green Design?

Green Design involves using design methods, products, and processes that minimize the ecological impact of design and construction upon the earth. Green design uses methods and products that cause the lowest possible impact upon the ability of the natural environment to maintain its balance. Green design's aim is to prevent the environmental damage inherent in traditional processes of building or remodeling. By integrating considerations for sustainability with principles of aesthetics, function and comfort, green design enables professional designers to make sustainability possible and attractive by creating spaces that are as comfortable as they are healthy, energy and resource efficient, functional and aesthetically pleasing, and by promoting the well-being of their occupants as well as the earth.

Why Does Green Design Matter?

Whether our perspective is global or local, we should care because the design choices we make affect the health, safety and welfare of those for whom we design as well as the health of the planet. We spend more than 90% of our lives indoors, therefore the indoor air we breathe, and the materials with which we have constant physical contact are fundamental parts of our lives. But only recently have we begun to consider the effects of indoor air and materials upon our physical health. Most design experts agree that green design is the standard by which good design will eventually be measured, and that designing for sustainability will soon be an ordinary part of an interior designer's job.

How Does RMCAD Prepare Interior Design Students To Become Successful Green Designers?

The Green Design Area of Emphasis offered by RMCAD's interior design department provides students with the opportunity to add in-depth, applicable knowledge about green design to their educational experience and their portfolios. Students study green design as an integral part of their FIDER accredited interior design program. In addition to the required Green Design 1 course, issues and methods of environmentally responsible design are covered in all other applicable courses. For example, students in the Residential Design study how the effective use of natural light not only reduces energy consumption, but also enhances the overall well-being of the occupants. Restaurant and Retail Design students explore sustainable materials and technologies that reduce the use of non-renewable resources in their projects while enhancing the uniqueness and quality of their designs.

What is the Green Design Area of Emphasis?

The Green Design Area of Emphasis covers the philosophical, practical, and professional issues and principles of green design. Studies begin with an examination of the environmental issues and basic principles and practices of green design. Through readings, field trips, site visits, guest lectures, and in-class discussion, students gain valuable information about sustainable materials, products, and methods for construction and interior applications. The specialization also provides students with an understanding of alternative energy sources, resource conservation, and analysis of the properties and application of green building and interior products. Information from sustainable design organizations is presented, as well as the philosophies and projects of local, national, and international sustainable designers and architects. Students apply their green design knowledge and skills in a variety of projects including the design of a sustainable home and the redesign of an existing commercial structure to meet LEED standards.

Any questions concerning course content for RMCAD's Green Design Area of Emphasis, or general questions about green design should be directed to: Julie Stewart-Pollack, ASID, IDEC jpollack@rmcad.edu

Recommended Links

in