Research

Nov. 29 lecture on communication and space planning explores Space Syntax method

Continuing education units on health, safety and welfare available for IDCEC and AIA members

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Effective informal communication is key to cultivating a collaborative culture that supports innovation yet responds to ongoing project demands. The challenge for interior designers is to understand how space planning affects where and how often informal interactions will occur.

Margaret Serrato, a workplace strategist for Herman Miller Inc. and adjunct instructor of graduate students of interior design at Brenau University, will present “Where’s the Big Idea?” from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Nov. 29, in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, on Penn State's University Park campus. Her presentation explores the nature and importance of informal interaction and demonstrates the practical application of Space Syntax, a method for predicting patterns of movement and interaction.

Serrato holds a doctorate in architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology and master's degrees in interior design and environmental psychology from the University of Georgia and the City University of New York, respectively, as well as an MBA from the University of Georgia. She also received a certificate in strategic facility planning from the Executive Program at Harvard Graduate School of Design and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Society of Interior Designers.

Serrato's presentation qualifies for Continuing Education Unit credit, or CEU, for the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) and AIA members.

Reservations are requested and should be directed to Greg Nauss at greg_nauss@hermanmiller.com

Last Updated December 19, 2017