Business school integrates design into curriculum

Business school integrates design into curriculum

In a departure from typical business school coursework, the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia has opened its i.Lab to offer students an alternative learning environment.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the new design lab - which was once a part of the cafeteria - is intended to give students access to tools that are typically used by artists, engineers and architects.

School officials say that the center comes as part of the college's "design thinking" initiative, which is intended to give students creative and innovative thinking skills that are characteristic of successful entrepreneurs. Degree candidates may use the tools to make models of their ideas, and the facility will hold design-based classes such as Corporate Innovation and Design Experience.

In addition, student teams can use the space to work on group projects, which could foster a more collaborative atmosphere.

Elizabeth O'Halloran, managing director of the school's Batten Institute, told the college's website that the i.Lab is intended to offer a "studio where students can transform concepts and ideas into physical prototypes."