Interior Architecture (IARC)

Building on skills and knowledge introduced in Design 1 and Design 2, this studio focuses on medium scale design projects. Students engage in the conceptual, theoretical, functional, and aesthetic issues, integrating research and evidenced based decision making with the intuitive nature of the design process. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental processes related to the development of a complete interior, from research, programming and space planning, and codes to the selection and arrangement of appropriate furnishings and finishes. Students will also explore the influence of behavioral, socio-economic, and cultural factors on the functional and aesthetic quality of the built environment, and will communicate their designs by applying a range of professional presentation techniques.

This studio emphasizes the resolution of complex interior design issues in the context of health, human and environmental well-being, and community. Students will determine a design strategy through research, analysis, and synthesis in response to the design problems. The design solutions address relevant environmental, cultural, socio-economic, and behavioral factors. Holistic development of concept, large- and small-scale space planning, materials, construction details, lighting design, building systems, building codes, accessibility, and furnishings are emphasized in the completed work.

This course offers a global view of major historical movements and theoretical constructs that inform the greater context for architecture, interior design, and the allied arts from 1800 to the present. Discussion and critical analysis focus upon socio-economic, cultural, political, ecological, technological, and physical aspects that inform interiors, architecture, art, furniture, decorative arts, and material culture. The course will deepen and broaden student knowledge, perspectives, and awareness of crucial issues that influence design.

This course focuses on the advantages of building information modeling software (BIM) and related documentation techniques for integrated practice and collaboration. Students will build their knowledge of professional interior construction and specification documentation, produce a set of construction drawings for an interiors project, and explore other uses and plug-ins for this powerful and important type of program.

This course focuses on construction, and installation as it specifically relates to interior design. Students will be introduced to the nature and characteristics of interior detailing in relation to interior construction such as architectural woodwork, millwork, partitions, floors, ceilings, stairs, custom cabinetry, furniture, and specialty elements. The influence of interior finish materials on interior form and detailing will be explored. Additional foci include environmental factors, human factors, building codes, accessibility requirements, fire safety, materials regulations and construction documentation.

This interior architecture technology course introduces students to the art and science of light and color. Artificial illumination, daylighting, and color are covered with an emphasis on the experience of interior space and form as well as the effect on well-being. Daylight mitigation strategies, energy usage, and various control systems are also covered. Color theory and systems are explored in the context of the interior experience. Through lectures, demonstrations, and assignments, students explore various lighting design strategies, the effects of color, and how each can can contribute to effective design solutions.

This course introduces the role of textiles and applied materials in the creation of commercial and residential interiors. Key topics include the selection and specification of textiles, materials, and finishes based on their sources, properties, performance criteria, applications, installation methods, maintenance requirements, standards, life safety (codes and regulations), and environmental and human well-being. Students will also be exposed to estimating and life cycle costs of products and materials.

This course teaches advanced digital three-dimensional modeling, diagramming, and rendering techniques with a focus on interior environments. Emphasis is placed on compelling representation of interior spaces, forms, materials, furniture, color, and lighting effects. These professional-level skills enhance design representations and presentations. Students complete a series of exercises covering a series of advanced/emerging digital techniques.

This course introduces a range of viewpoints, concepts, and characteristics of human behavior in existing designed spaces. Cultural, social, biological, and psychological factors are examined, e.g., relationships to water, responses to open and enclosed spaces (both interior and exterior), roles of textures and aromas, relationships to the natural environment, etc. Various theories and methods of environmental assessment and design are studied that are based on an understanding of mutually supportive relationships between people and their physical environment. This course looks at how people use and are impacted by various environments and stimuli from a range of cultural, psychological and physical perspectives.

This advanced studio emphasizes the resolution of complex interior design issues. In determining a design strategy, students research, develop and analyze the problem, environmental factors, human factors, and then proceed with evidenced-based design. The goals of this course include developing the students’ ability to conduct relevant research, work in teams with a multi-disciplinary approach, and develop comprehensive, human-centered, sustainable, and innovative design solutions.

This course in the construction technology sequence focuses on the study of a broad range of building systems including mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, power, lighting, fire suppression, and other systems and their integration with interior construction. Students will be introduced to the issues of acoustical control, indoor air quality, and life safety, and the role that building systems play in the establishment of human comfort and the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants.

Students in this course learn about the managerial, financial, legal and ethical aspects of professional practice, including types of business formations, marketing, contracts, industry relationships and project management. Lectures and assignments cover the range of specialized services performed by design firms, and the role and responsibilities of the designer in different positions and at various stages of their career. Professional ethics and life-long learning, professional development and the value of professional organizations will be discussed. Students will learn about project and contract administration by developing marketing materials, proposals, and other aspects of project administration. Other assignments and guest speakers will add insight into the profession.

This course provides the foundation for the culminating design studio in the final semester and covers methods of research and programming in the field of interior design and architecture. In consultation with faculty, students will select a project type and site, and produce in-depth research, precedent studies, programming, and analysis, embracing relevant issues such as cultural, sociological, political, economic, environmental, anthropometric, human factors, life safety, and construction methods and technologies, amongst others. Students are expected to organize and synthesize this information and document their research in both written and graphic form. This information along with architectural/interior documentation and analysis of the selected site is presented to a group of jurors with expertise in the area of research and/or project type.

The interior design/interior architecture final studio provides students with an opportunity to develop an individual design project based on their chosen area of interest researched and developed the previous semester in the Research + Programming course. In their design solutions students will be expected to integrate and address contemporary design issues such as sustainability, human behavior, well-being, and emerging technologies. They will be expected to deliver an innovative and comprehensive project that integrates design principles, theory, and construction technology and meets applicable codes and regulations that impact the health, safety, and welfare of the public. While most students will complete this course using an applied project-based approach, grad students have an option of pursuing theoretical research. This major culminating design studio experience is a self-directed, faculty monitored project appropriate for students interested in exploring the creative/design dimensions of Interior Architecture while exploring a significant and advanced question in the discipline. Students select one project from a range of carefully screened design projects of appropriate and comparable scope, sophistication, and complexity.

This course provides an opportunity to explore topics in interior architecture not developed in other courses. Examples include advanced visualization techniques, human behavior studies, specialized history/theory topics, furniture design, ergonomics, environmental psychology, and more. Students may take this course more than once as the topics differ each time it is offered. Prerequisite: IARC-601 (with approval by director) or IARC-604

This course will allow students to pursue individual areas of interest while working closely with a faculty member. For further details, see the general description of Independent Study in the "University Academic Policies and Procedures" section of the academic catalog. See appropriate form online at the University Registrar's web page for more information. Prerequisite: Completed second year of program. Enrollment dependent on availability of faculty mentor and permission of program director.