we're in DC ... HOLLAAA

hello  beautiful !!

are you ready for the most fabulous group of people you've ever seen !?! 

this weekend the Iarc 2nd year studio got to travel to Washington, DC to explore the Amazing museums of the Smithsonian. We started our journey right outside the Castle on the lawn (above). here students were given their assignments for the day - three museums to focus on. part of the assignment was to observe specifically the outside of each museum, its lobby space, and the main reception area.

Iar 2nd year studio on the steps of the Library of Congress

Jessica Krasuski, an alumni of the Iarc program, currently lives in DC and works with the Library of Congress as an interior designer! she gave us a tour of the Library and told us a little about what she does. it was fantastic to hear from someone who graduate from our department and made it with such a fabulous job!

Jessica giving our class a small tour of the library.

A New Perspective ...

Today in class we traveled to the Industries of the Blind, Inc. of Greensboro, NC.

The company mission is, "to provide opportunities for employment and personal development for people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve greater independence."

While touring the building we were all introduced to an environment we would have never otherwise thought of. Firstly, there are so many different categories under the title "legally blind." Some workers have  Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Glaucoma, and some are completely blind. It was an amazing visit and an opportunity to engage with so many different people.

Original Main Conference Room

Snap Shots of the Amazingly talented workers at IOB

A Walk through the Weatherspoon

Art is best understood when one interacts with it. In class today, we journeyed to the Weatherspoon Art Museum, to experience and understand the design of this unique space. From the sculpture garden to the exposed lobby to the galleries filled with beauty, the Weatherspoon offers moments to sit and marvel at the art it's consumed with.