Contemplative practices and mindfulness in the interior design studio classroom
Journal of Interior Design March 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1111/joid.12134 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Undergraduate interior design students in an upper-level studio class |
| Intervention | Contemplative practices |
| Duration | One semester |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Students responded favorably to contemplative practices integrated into an interior design studio, and a significant number expressed interest in more such opportunities in the university setting. |
Abstract
Contemplative practices, such as mindfulness, have gained popularity across a variety of secular contexts by mitigating the distractions of everyday life, reducing negative reactivity, and cultivating a more thoughtful awareness of one's present experience. In addition, these practices may foster a heightened sense of empathy, feelings of interconnectedness, and a reduction in assumptions. Evidence supports that mindfulness practices in higher education can reduce stress while increasing focus and creativity; however, the connections with design are less established. The general lack of clarity in defining mindfulness and contemplative practices makes their assessment difficult. This project assessed the value of mindfulness and contemplative practices in an interior design studio. In an upper–level, undergraduate interior design studio class, students participated in a range of contemplative practices while simultaneously designing an inpatient hospice facility that required the incorporation of contemplative spaces for patients, visitors, and staff. By first engaging with practices in class, it was anticipated that students would see their positive value by also incorporating contemplative practices into their personal lives. During the semester, surveys assessed the students’ reaction to the various practices, and their results demonstrated that, not only did the students respond favorably to the practices, but a significant number of respondents indicated that they would like more opportunity to engage with contemplative practices in the university setting. These general results point to a positive experience with contemplative practices in an interior design studio class and open up new opportunities to consider how these practices may benefit the field at large.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain sources of EEG gamma frequency during volitionally meditation-induced, altered states of consciousness, and experience of the self Advanced meditator | 2001 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Mindfulness Meditation for Alcohol Relapse Prevention: A Feasibility Pilot Study Adult alcohol-dependent graduates of an intensive outpatient program | 2008 | Prospective case series | n = 19 |
| How does it feel to lack a sense of boundaries? A case study of a long-term mindfulness meditator. A single long-term mindfulness practitioner (S) with 40 years of practice in... | 2015 | Qualitative case study | n = 1 |
| Loving‐kindness meditation to enhance recovery from negative symptoms of schizophrenia Individuals suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with persistent negative... | 2009 | Case study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Problem Gambling A female problem gambler | 2011 | Case study | n = 1 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Designing for Mindfulness and Global Public Health: Where Inner Awareness Meets the External Environment Mindfulness March 1, 2025
- Contemplation by Design: Leveraging the “Power of the Pause” on a Large University Campus Through Built and Social Environments Frontiers in Public Health February 28, 2020