At Cornell, a wide variety of departments teach design studios and/or design thinking, yet a vacuum exists for meaningful connections within the curriculum spanning the different fields. Strengthening design pedagogy at Cornell depends on gathering the seemingly disparate fields to discuss common goals and opportunities.

To help accommodate this need, on February 14, the inaugural Design@Cornell Roundtable will bring together students and faculty from across disciplines to exchange ideas for creating more continuity for the study of design. It will take place 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cornell’s ILR Conference Center, room 423.

“The bedrock of design, in all fields, is to solve problems and make the world a better place,” said Mardelle Shepley, professor and chair in Cornell’s Department of Design + Environmental Analysis, and an organizer of the symposium. “Design@Cornell will focus on how to continue this mission within and beyond the Cornell campus.”

Designing the physical and visual environment – from parks to buildings and products – is a lasting material expression of our values. Design addresses both beauty and human need, and has an impact on the quality of our lives. Designers are facilitators that help us navigate everything from the visual representation of information to creating healthy cities, Shepley explained.

The Roundtable will feature comments by College of Human Ecology Dean Rachel Dunifon and College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Dean Meejin Yoon, followed by short talks on design philosophies by faculty from: Architecture, Art, City and Regional Planning, Design + Environmental Analysis, Fiber Science and Apparel Design, Information Science, Landscape Architecture, Performing and Media Arts, and Mechanical Engineering; then participants will break into groups to continue to discuss the role of design at Cornell.

This event, open to faculty, staff and students, is an opportunity to hear about the design-related academic programs and resources on the Cornell campus. Invited are those who are interested in celebrating Cornell’s multifaceted strength in design. For more information, please contact Ellie Valenzuela-Mendoza (ev227@cornell.edu).

Details: February 14, 2020, 8:15 AM to 1:30 PM Cornell Campus ILR Conference Center 423