Abstract:

2011 will be considered as one of the most catastrophic years in the history of mankind given the natural disasters people around the world have endured: may that be tsunami, the tornados, wild fires, epic floods or earth-quakes. These natural disasters have caused massive destruction, taken thousands of lives, caused lot of suffering and pain, and yet; with each calamity, we have seen nations rising back from ashes and their people getting back on their feet through generosity and help of their friends, neighbors and even complete strangers. Hundreds of people have selflessly given their money, time, talents, and skills to serve their fellow human beings. Who taught them to help others in need? How did they become so compassionate? How can we, the educators prepare our students to be empathetic and respond to these situations and help them in solving small or large community issues?
This paper highlights this need for selfless service in our society and stresses the importance of incorporating service learning component in design curriculum to prepare civic minded, responsible future leaders. In this paper the author will discuss how to introduce service learning aspect in design curriculum and engage our students in community service projects, and create enthusiasm for these projects. Discussion will follow on challenges educators may face while establishing service learning and community design projects, how to overcome these obstacles and hurdles, how to achieve successful outcomes, and what approaches to adapt for successful future service learning and community design projects. The author will also discuss how to encourage student-client communication, foster successful interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, promote civic engagement within young audience, and develop leadership within our students. In conclusion, the author will share a simple guideline that educators can follow to introduce service learning in their curriculum.

Keywords:

Service Learning, 21st Century Design Curriculum, Architecture, Interior Design, Community Service, Service Projects.