valeria lasso
Teaching experience
I teach at University San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) since August 2017. I've taught two design studios and a lighting design course throughout various semesters. In-detail descriptions of each class and sample work from my students is shown below.
Lighting
Design
Corporate Design Studio
Universal Design Studio
Lighting Design Course
Lighting is an art as well as a science. The understanding of light and its properties, as well as the human response to light, is essential in learning how to manage this malleable medium and to dominate it. This course introduces lighting design with a holistic approach, considering the human factors of light and lighting, its technical component, the science and technology that characterizes it, and presents lighting design as an integral part of architecture and interior design.
Students develop an understanding of the advantages of lighting through a series of content that delves into the basic concepts and properties of light, the psychology of light and its impact on the visual and empirical perception of a space, and encourages the students to experience these concepts first hand. It also studies the characteristics of different light sources, luminaires, control and auxiliary equipment together with their
ever-changing technologies. Photometrics and light calculations are presented to guide the student through a development and design planning phase that gives them the visual and technical tools to design a comprehensive lighting project for a real client.
The course includes two main projects. First, the students design the lighting scheme for a retail space that offers different light layers, analyzes visibility, aesthetics, technical specifications, control strategies, user experience and energy savings. They present schematic design visuals, lighting maps, lighting plans, electrical plans, lighting schedules and construction and assembly details according to their designs. This project allows the student to combine all the knowledge and apply it in a real space. In the second project, they design a pendant luminaire that is part of a family of luminaires for different applications. The aim of this project is for the student to understand in detail the operation of a luminaire and its light source, to be able to mold light with different materials and shapes, and to comprehend the meaning of photometric data and polar diagrams through the design of a luminous object that prioritizes the lit effect over its form and aesthetics and emphasizes its luminous and energetic functionality.
Corporate Design Studio
The corporate design studio introduces the design process especifically for offices and work related spaces. It studies the relationship between humans and their work environment investigating the effect that design has on productivity and work performance. It focuses on students understanding the different work stations and funcionality in an office space. It goes over open-plan vs closed office layouts, meeting rooms, brainstorming rooms, supply rooms, workstations, cafeteria among other requirements including the use of modular office systems.
The studio contains 2 main projects. First, students design a coworking office where they learn how to layout an open-plan office with collaborative spaces within a few square metres. This project allows students to be more creative and flexible with the design. In the second and main project, students design the headquarters of a company of their choosing. They have to interview workers and owners of the company to fulfill a programming document with information true to their client. This project allows the students to learn from a real-life experience where they have to include all the needs and requirements from the client they selected. They learn how to interpret an organizational chart and to translate it to the space planning.
For both projects the students must create a programming document, client profile, concept statement, furniture plan, RCP, electrical plan, floor finish plan, emergency exit and security layout, furniture details, sections, physiscal model, renders and a materials board.
Images on the left show examples of student work during my studio class. The OFS Brands project was part of the IIDA Annual Student Competition. An internal contest was held during class and the three best projects applied to the competition.
Universal Design Studio
The Universal Design studio focuses on designing spaces to be usable to the greatest extent possible by people of all ages and abilities/disabilities. It provides students with the necessary knowledge to create accessible spaces, including the understanding of international and national standards and regulations of accessibility. The course goes into a detailed analysis and study of body dimensions to adapt the design of furniture to optimal size for the user. However, the greatest emphasis of the course is to prepare students to apply the principles of universal design in every project and to become conscious designers that contribute to an inclusive world for all.
During the first project students design a children's ludic space, where they carry out research, needs analysis and development of an optimal concept for children. This project helps students start thinking about design for others than their own and allows them to be creative at the same time. The second project investigates the needs of the elderly and people with disabilities and combines it with the needs of children in a community space for all. The design of an Intergenerational Centre teaches the student to design according to their target audience and to how each generation will interact in the same space. It challenges them to be flexible and to analize in detail the selection of furniture and finishes accordingly.
For both projects the student must deliver a programming document, customer profile, concept, furniture plan, floors and ceilings plan, furniture details, cuts, model, renders and materials table.
Images on the left show examples of student work during my studio class.