Teaching students how to draw colored top view maps (Top View) is a fundamental aspect of interior design education, especially at the early stages of academic study. This skill not only enhances students’ technical abilities but also opens the door to a deep understanding of space, movement, and functional organization within interior environments.<br />Top View Mapping: A Primary Tool for Spatial Understanding<br />When students learn how to draw top view plans, they begin to observe the relationships between walls, doors, windows, and furniture in a systematic and scientific way. This type of drawing goes beyond showing aesthetic features; it reveals the function of each element and its connection with the others within the space boundaries.<br />Educational and Artistic Benefits of Teaching Colored Top View Plans<br />Development of Spatial Thinking:<br />Top view drawing helps students develop the ability to visualize three-dimensional spaces through two-dimensional representation—a crucial skill for every successful interior designer.<br />Understanding Functional Planning Principles:<br />Students learn how to distribute elements within a space, taking into consideration comfort, flow, and optimal use of area.<br />Enhancement of Visual Organization Skills:<br />By using color in the top view, students practice distinguishing between functional areas (e.g., living, dining, sleeping), which improves their ability to read and interpret design plans.<br /><br />Teaching Proportions and Scale:<br />Drawing top views requires strict adherence to scale and proportion, which is a foundational principle in any successful interior design project.<br />Acquiring a Professional Architectural Language:<br />By learning the symbols for furniture, doors, windows, and types of flooring, students begin to use a universally recognized design language, preparing them for professional and academic communication.<br />Coloring: Enhancing Visual Understanding and Functional Differentiation<br />Using color in top view mapping is not merely an aesthetic enhancement—it’s a visual method to clarify the different functions of each area within the design. For example, a specific color might be used for bedrooms, another for living areas, and a third for kitchens and bathrooms. This technique speeds up the interpretation of the plan and helps students, especially beginners, to visually differentiate between spaces.<br />Proposed Practical Project<br />As part of practical training, instructors can ask students to draw a simple residential floor plan in a colored top view format, adhering to accurate measurements and scale. Evaluation would be based on proportional accuracy, thoughtful spatial distribution, and harmonious color usage. This experience directly connects theory to practice and encourages students to think critically about space planning.<br />Conclusion<br />Teaching students how to draw colored top view maps in interior design is not just about enhancing drawing skills—it lays the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of spatial principles and functional organization. It prepares students to move confidently into more advanced stages of design and application. This early training fosters a mindset of thinking like professional designers who combine creativity with scientific precision in every project they undertake.<br />🎯 Sustainable Development Goal Achieved: SDG 4 – Quality Education<br />This article supports SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.<br />By integrating practical, visual, and cultural elements into interior design education, students gain critical skills and a deeper understanding, ensuring a more inclusive and effective learning experience.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University the first university of Iraq .