Abstract
The
purpose
of
this
paper
is
to
discuss
the
benefits
of
embracing
constructivism
as
a
conceptual
basis
for
the
practice
of
teaching
and
learning
in
interior
design
degree
programmes;
namely
Bachelor
of
Technology,
and
BA
Honours
offered
at
many
of
the
institutions
in
South
Africa.
Deliberation
is
given
to
using
a
constructivist
approach
to
both
teaching
and
learning,
and
as
a
research
paradigm
to
better
align
the
research
and
practical
components
of
these
traditionally
vocationally-‐orientated,
project-‐based
design
programmes.
A
research
dissertation
structure
is
described
to
support
exit
level
outcomes,
which
are
intended
to
equip
students
with
both
the
research
and
practical
skills
and
knowledge
to
practice
in
the
interior
design
industry,
and
simultaneously
provide
a
better
academic
foundation
for
the
discipline
at
an
undergraduate
level.