Harrington College of Design students will showcase the completion of their own educational environment with an opening reception on July 10th, 2008. With only $600 and two months' time, students confronted the challenge of planning and executing their design of an approximately 5,000 square foot educational environment. At the reception, the doors will open to a space designed for first-year students in Harrington's first-ever Immersion Program beginning this fall. "Harrington College of Design recognizes the need for an evolutionary approach to design education and supports the students' ability to sculpt an environment that best suits their learning needs," said Erik Parks, Harrington College of Design president.

Led by Foundations Department Chair, David Dunworth, this unique project provides the student team control over planning, design, and execution of a space meant to engage new students while documenting every step of the process via blog and photo journals online.

(Viewable at http://harringtonimmersionprogram.blogspot.com)

Working within a budget, the students are challenged to find creative ways of repurposing discarded furniture and building materials, enforcing an environmentally conscious approach to design. Students are creating new solutions for furnishing the empty office space through acquisition of donations from individuals and companies in the design community, bridging the gap between students and practicing designers. A list of donors will be displayed in the entrance to the space, as well as on the project website.

The Harrington College of Design Immersion Program (HIP) is an educational prototype that will debut this fall. HIP will consist of 22 first-year students in a quest for an integrated design experience in a collaborative environment.

Harrington College of Design is a four-year college that offers flexible scheduling for a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design or Communication Design and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Interior Design or Digital Photography. Harrington is committed to creating the next generation of design professionals to lead and serve the global community.

Harrington has been a member of Chicago's design and higher education communities since 1931. Harrington seeks to foster an environment that maximizes students' intellectual and artistic potential. The majority of the faculty is practicing interior designers, architects, photographers and fine art professionals.

Harrington is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees and bachelor's degrees. Harrington is recognized as a private college by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and is authorized by the IBHE to confer baccalaureate and associate degrees. The Interior Design Program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER). Harrington is a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ: CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools.

For more information, call 312.939.4975 or visit www.harringtoncollege.com

Source: pr-canada.net