Designing a habitat for a pet or an interior for a car or airplane all start with the user. Designing your own space is the first step to empathy-and something kids love to do. So why not use that inclination as a way to test their technical skill after some in-depth lessons in one- or two-point perspective. (You could also use it to check their understanding of isometric or plan drawing.) The issue is designing to meet needs and wants; the graphic techniques provide the "language" for spatial thinking and planning.

1-PT. PERSPECTIVE SPACE CHAMBER

Have you ever thought about just what you would need if you were to create a comfortable environment for yourself? Look at the spaces in which you are the most comfortable, the room(s) in your home or school where you spend the most time. An environment is more than just shelter form the elements. It is a place that meets your physical and emotional needs.

You're going to be in space for two years, on your way to the planet Neptune. You get to design the chamber where you'll spend most of your time.

Draw the interior of your multi-purpose room with at least:

• a bed, one window, a desk
• a table, one door, a sofa
• a chair, cooking & eating facilities
• some storage
• feel free to add other details.

In your drawing, base at least one of the objects on each of the following shapes:

• cube or rectangular box
• horizontal cylinder
• conical shape

Remember that you must be frugal in what you take, since most of the space in your craft will be dedicated to fuel, but you must also be comfortable. Two years is a long time.

Execute the drawing in pencil on drawing paper.

Use shading as well as other spatial cues to make your drawing convincingly 3-dimensional. Make sure the sizes seem consistent.

Use only one vanishing point. Everything in the chamber is subject to one-point perspective.

Make certain every object is IN the room or on the walls. (Make sure objects don't appear to penetrate the walls.)