Building disciplinary knowledge upon the knowledge first-year students already have

Introduction: The authors describe how a Fundamentals of Design Lab (LFP) in Interior Design can be an effective learning and teaching venue for combining disciplinary knowledge with the life experiences that first-year students bring to college. Methodology: In the article, the authors explore the teaching methods and principles of Universal Design Learning (UDL) that include learning by doing, classroom participation, iterative approaches to design, and dynamic teaching methodologies. Results: The article presents the exercises, workshops, teaching methods, results of student work, and a student survey. Discussion: The authors reflect on the pros and cons of the pedagogical approach. Conclusions: The objectives and learning outcomes of the foundations course were achieved because the teaching approach used a broad spectrum of learning methods, combined disciplinary knowledge with students’ personal experiences, and placed first-year students at the forefront of their Interior Design education.