Tiziana Proietti, assistant professor of Interior Design and Architecture and director of the interdisciplinary laboratory Sense|Base, recently presented her research at the 2023 Interior Design Educators Council Southwest Regional Conference. She was recognized with the Best Presentation award for her project, Vision Training for Designers.
Proietti presented her research regarding new pedagogical methods that aim to develop the sensorial abilities of young designers. According to Proietti, many architectural education programs focus on aesthetics and the use of certain shapes and proportions universally considered to be beautiful. However, this method of design ignores the larger issue regarding how certain qualities of objects are perceived and affect the overall experience of the built environment.
In her presentation, Proietti emphasized the importance of human perception in design education. She encouraged the use of innovative pedagogical formats, such as the Theory of Pure Design by Arthur Wesley Dow and Denman Walso Ross. This approach focuses on physio-psychology and relies on empirical studies to determine the visual appeal of various design forms.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture congratulates Dr. Tammy McCuen, Robert E. Busch Professor of Construction Science, on beginning her term as president of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), an international organization dedicated to advancing construction education through teaching, research and service.
Following years of contributions to the College’s research and strategic initiatives, Gibbs College shares that Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement Angela M. Person, PhD, will step down from her position at Gibbs College as she moves to Tucson with her family, effective June 30, 2026.
On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.
