In a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, San Domenico proudly hosted its inaugural IDC Community Showcase, held in our brand-new Sister Gervaise Valpey, OP Community Center.
The showcase marks the culmination of the first year of the Interdisciplinary Design & Creation (IDC) program—San Domenico’s bold reimagining of high school education. IDC breaks down traditional classroom barriers, bringing students from diverse academic backgrounds together to tackle complex, real-world challenges. This year’s challenge: designing and building (virtually) a model of affordable housing for Marin County.
At the showcase, students presented the culmination of their year-long project: a vision for sustainable housing on the site of the former Walgreens near Red Hill Shopping Center. After the presentation, guests explored architectural plans and sustainable interior design plans, reviewed a preliminary pro forma, and learned how students studied local zoning laws and state housing regulations. A physical model offered a visual overview, but it was the immersive virtual reality (VR) experience that truly captivated the audience—complete with lifelike student avatars who answered questions in the students’ own voices, bringing both the project and its creators vividly to life.
“The IDC program was designed to connect the classroom and the community, creating a space where education mirrors the professional world,” explains Director of Digital Arts Harry Maxon. “In being connected with industry professionals to tackle a contemporary, real-world challenge, our students are not just preparing for college and career—they are actively participating in society with determination and purpose. This first cohort of IDC students has embraced that opportunity, and they have shined. They have set a high bar for future IDC classes. I could not be more proud of them.”
The program is structured around six UC-approved courses—including Architecture & Engineering; Law, Public Policy, & Urban Planning; Principles of Sustainable Design, Augmented and Virtual Reality; Applied Construction; and Ethics of Science and Technology—all meeting together in a single shared classroom. Students used their course-specific skills and knowledge to tackle this shared challenge, collaborating like a team of professionals to deliver a cohesive project.
Throughout the year, students consulted with real-world experts, gaining mentorship and feedback from architects, geotechnical engineers, designers, and members of local government. The program culminated with a formal presentation to the San Anselmo Planning Commission, simulating a real proposal for development approval.
“This project asked students to do what professionals do: collaborate across disciplines, consult with experts, and create something meaningful for a real community,” says Director of Design, Engineering, and Educational Technology Jen Cronan Flinn. “They contributed directly to their community and worked well together as a team. From developing thoughtful design solutions to presenting their work to the local planning commission, our students showed what is possible when education is rooted in purpose. We’re immensely proud of how they rose to the challenge with passion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to making the world around them a better place.”