Interior Design 400

DSNI 400: Senior Studio I

Prerequisite: Senior Standing; DSNI 305, DSNI 325, DSNI 355, DSNI 375; 2.5 in-major GPA; Passing Professional Skills Review and Internship Review Assessments; and/or with permission of instructor

Credit Hours: (3-4) Six or eight hours studio

A comprehensive study of the design process as applied to residential and/or non-residential environments. Problem solving skills are employed in designing spaces to accommodate user needs.


Detailed Description of Content of Course

List topics or major units; include subtopics under major units, if appropriate.  
The purpose of this course is to develop student problem solving competencies in designing residential and/or non-residential interiors. Students apply all phases of the design process in developing interior design solutions that are functionally appropriate and aesthetically pleasing for the intended client. Students explore alternative solutions and develop concepts through various visualization techniques. Portfolio quality is required of final presentations. This class also provides:

1) Exposure to contemporary issues affecting interior design. (2d)
2) Opportunities to solve simple to complex design problems. (4f)
3) Exposure to a range of design research and problem solving methods. (4g)
4) Opportunities for innovation, creative thinking, and critical listening skills. (4h)
5) Exposure to various market sectors and client types. (7f)


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The primary mode of instruction will consist of in-class studio work on projects along with lecture, in-class discussion, and critique.


Goals and Objectives of the Course

As a result of this course, the student will be able…

1) To demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, principles, and theories of sustainability as they pertain to building methods, materials, systems, and occupants. (2a)
2) To understand that social and cultural norms may vary from their own, and are relevant to making appropriate design decisions. (3a)
3) To demonstrate an understanding and ability to appropriately apply theories of human behavior, to select, interpret, and apply appropriate ergonomic and anthropometric data, and to appropriately apply universal design concepts. (3b, 3c, 3d)
4) To identify and define relevant aspects of a design problem (goals, objectives, performance criteria), to gather appropriate and necessary information and research findings to solve the problem (evidence-based design), and to evaluate, select, and apply information and research findings to design, to synthesize information and generate multiple concepts and/or multiple design responses to programmatic requirements, and to demonstrate creative thinking and originality through presentation of a variety of ideas, approaches, and concepts. (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e)
5) To apply a variety of communication techniques and technologies appropriate to a range of purposes and audiences; to express ideas clearly in oral and written communication;  to  use sketches as a design and communication tool (ideation drawings); and to produce competent presentation drawings across a range of appropriate media. (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d)
6) To produce competent contract documents including coordinated drawings, schedules, and specifications appropriate to project size and scope and sufficiently extensive to show how design solutions and interior construction are related. (6e)
7) To integrate oral and visual material to present ideas clearly. (6f)
8) To effectively apply the elements, principles and theories of design to three-dimensional design solutions and to discuss spatial definition and organization. (9a, 9b, 9c)
9) To demonstrate an understanding of color principles, theories, and systems and the interaction of light and color and the impact they have on one another and interior environments.  (10a,10b)
10) To appropriately select and apply color with regard to its multiple purposes and to apply color effectively in all aspects of visual communication (presentations, models, etc.) (10c, 10d)
11) To have an awareness of a  broad range of materials and products, typical fabrication and installation methods, and maintenance requirements, appropriate materials and products on the basis of their properties and performance criteria, including environmental attributes and life cycle cost, and the ability to layout and specify furniture, fixtures, and equipment. (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d)
12) To understand the principles of natural and electrical lighting design and to competently select and apply luminaires and light sources. (12a, 12b)
13) To understand the principles of acoustical design and the appropriate strategies for acoustical control. (12c,12d)
14) To understand the principles of thermal design and how thermal systems impact interior design solutions. (12e, 12f)
15) To understand the principles of indoor air quality and how the selection and application of products and systems impact indoor air quality. (12g, 12h)
16) To  demonstrate an understanding that design solutions affect and are impacted by: structural and non-structural systems including ceilings, flooring, and interior walls, structural systems and methods, distribution systems including power, mechanical, HVAC, data/voice telecommunications, and plumbing, energy, security, and building controls systems and the interface of furniture with distribution and construction systems.  (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e)
17) To be able to read and interpret construction drawings and documents. (13g)
18) To have an awareness of sustainability guidelines and industry-specific regulations. (14a, 14b)
19) To demonstrate an understanding of laws, codes, standards, and guidelines that impact fire and life safety, including: compartmentalization: fire separation and smoke containment; movement: access to the means of egress including stairwells, corridors, exitways; detection: active devices that alert occupants including smoke/heat detectors and alarm systems; suppression: devices used to extinguish flames including sprinklers, standpipes, fire hose cabinets, extinguishers, etc. (14 g, 14h, 14i, 14c, 14d ,14e, 14f)
20) To select and apply appropriate federal, state/provincial, and local codes, standards, and accessibility guidelines. (14g, 14h, 14i)


Assessment Measures

Projects and assignments.


Other Course Information

None


Review and Approval

01/2011