This studio examines the elements, principles and theories of interior design within the framework of residential and hospitality design. Students will explore and synthesize conceptual, theoretical, functional, and aesthetic issues. Additional foci include the organization and interrelationship of multi-level interior spaces, elements of enclosure, human behavior issues, symbolism and socio-cultural factors. The craft of making and the role of color, materials, furniture, fixtures and equipment in defining spaces and environmental experience will be emphasized.
Through diverse design projects, this studio introduces students to the conceptual, theoretical, functional and aesthetic issues related to civic/educational and commercial interiors for contrasting populations. The integration of intuitive and structured design processes will be emphasized. The development of spaces, selection of furniture, fixtures, equipment and materials will be made in relation to performance and experiential requirements. This course incorporates collaboration, research, writing, and analysis to explore human behavior and needs in the built environment.
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 human factors, building codes, accessibility requirements, fire safety, materials regulations and construction documentation.
This elective course explores several types of rendering techniques for interior design and architectural spaces. It consists of discussion, demonstration and experimentation of freehand and drafted ink work, graphite, color pencils, markers, watercolors, pastels and various reproduction presentation methods.
The primary intent of this course is to establish the computer as an effective tool in the design and presentation process. The course will focus on two primary areas in this regard: visualizing design concepts in three dimensions and communicating those concepts in a manner consistent with interior design studio level work. Methods include digital model construction, creating and applying surface materials, lighting, rendering, and post-processing.
This interior design studio challenges students with increased complexity of three-dimensional interior space, program, concept, and design process in the context of community oriented commercial/retail design. Students will translate their design thinking into comprehensive solutions that address place making, branding, construction technology, materiality, lighting design, human factors, furniture selection/planning, building codes and standards. This studio incorporates collaboration to enhance understanding of teamwork in design practice.
This studio concentrates on contemporary issues relating to business/office typologies, building technology, and sustainable design. Design and technological issues are addressed through: an understanding of office culture, form making, construction systems, solar considerations, indoor environmental quality, HVAC systems, space planning, material and finish selection, lighting design, and integration of systems furniture and equipment. Solutions emphasize holistic and sustainable design thinking, organization of complex spatial responses, and the understanding that design is inherently constructive in nature.
This integrated community service course is required in the Interior Design major. It is an opportunity for students to use and apply their acquired knowledge in a ?real world? setting and to work in integrated and collaborative teams. Students will experience the reciprocal nature and responsibility of community service work as fully participating citizens within the greater Philadelphia region.
This mandatory course will focus on the understanding and application of a broad range of mechanical, electrical, lighting, acoustical, plumbing, HVAC, security and other building systems in the context of interior design. Students will be introduced to the nature and characteristics of fire detection, protection and suppression in building interiors. The critical role of interior building systems in establishing and maintaining the health, safety and welfare of users will be emphasized.
This course teaches advanced digital three-dimensional modeling, rendering, and animation techniques with a focus on interior environments. Emphasis is placed on accurate and realistic representation of interior spaces, forms, materials, furniture, color, and lighting effects, and the creation of virtual walkthroughs. These professional level skills enhance design representations and presentations. Students complete a series of exercises and projects covering a series of advanced digital techniques.
WRITING INTENSIVE: History 4: Modern/Contemporary Interiors, Architecture & Design (1930-Present) This course offers a global view of major historical movements and theoretical constructs from 1930 to the present through the lens of the interior design discipline. Discussion focuses on the societal, environmental, political, economic, technological, and psychological aspects that shape the greater context for interior design and the allied arts. This course will strengthen the students’ education by focusing on interior design history and theory which will support and deepen their knowledge, perspectives, and awareness of crucial disciplinary issues.
Following Visualization 1: Digital Modeling, the introductory computer-aided design course, CAD 2 for Interior Design further develops students' design communication and documentation skills utilizing AutoCAD and BIM software. Students will have the opportunity to produce interior design working drawings and advance their knowledge of professional interior design construction and specification documents.
Following Visualization 3: Digital Modeling, this computer-aided design course, further develops students' design communication and documentation skills utilizing AutoCAD and BIM software. Students will have the opportunity to produce interior design working drawings and advance their knowledge of professional interior design construction and specification documents.
This course introduces the role of textiles in the creation of commercial and residential interiors. Key topics include the selection, specification and application of textiles based on their properties and performance criteria; sources of textiles and fabrics; the concept of sustainable resources; appropriate installation methods and maintenance requirements of textiles in interior applications; codes; regulations and standards related to use of textiles in interiors; and estimating material requirements such as carpeting, wallpaper and ceiling finishes.
This elective focuses on developing the setting for the action of a play. The set designer develops many of the same skills exercised by architects/interior designers: mastery of design fundamentals, understanding of time and place, knowledge of construction techniques and awareness of how people use space. Steps to creating the stage set will include: careful reading and discussion of selected plays, surveying an existing stage, assisting in the construction of a stage set and attending assigned performances.
This beginning-level elective course is intended to provide students with a basic knowledge of the aspects involved in furniture design. The goal is to expose students to the various means through which one engages in product design. Emphasis is on the fabrication process in addition to proto- typing, testing and revision. The course consists of readings, brief lectures, class discussions and studio projects that cover the range of information that designers need to know to be able to specify, design and evaluate furniture-related products for the built environment. A significant amount of class time will be devoted to the development, design and revision of projects.
This advanced comprehensive studio emphasizes the resolution of design issues in a semester-long specialized project. It spans from schematic design through design development and construction documentation and builds upon the knowledge acquired in all previous design, history/theory, and technical courses. Students synthesize their research and design ideation and apply their knowledge of typology, program, function, form making, planning, human behavior, construction, materials, building systems, acoustics, lighting, FF&E, codes and standards in a comprehensive final presentation.
In this seminar, the interior design student will analyze the specialized services performed by the professional designer by studying the administrative, legal, ethical and financial aspects of professional practice. Contract documents, specifications, safety standards and building codes will be studied within the context of a non-residential (contract) design project.
This course gives students the opportunity to assess their inclinations in the field and to select a project that addresses their specific interest. Students are expected to generate individualized research and programming to be used for design and development in their Capstone Project the following semester. They will produce a Capstone Research & Programming Document, which will be the result of research, analysis, and the synthesis of information. It will articulate a clear definition of project parameters and programming. The process of generating this document will recapitulate and augment the research and programming process, which students have been exposed to in previous interior design studios.
The interior design Capstone semester provides students with an opportunity to focus on an area of concentration in a design project, which will be independently developed with a designated faculty member. The student must demonstrate aptitude and understanding of architectural and interior design theory, principles, and technology, as well as, overall design competence. The Capstone project includes research in the student?s selected problem area, development of the design concept, detailing and creative presentation of the design investigation.