Interior Design 300

DSNI 300: Junior Studio I

Prerequisite: DSN 173, DSN223; DSNI205; 2.5 in-major GPA; passing Portfolio Review Assessment

Credit Hours: (4) Eight hours studio

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



Detailed Description of Content of Course

This course develops student problem solving competencies in designing residential and/or non-residential interiors, including the social, private, work, storage and special purpose areas within the work environment. Students apply all phases of the design process [i.e., problem identification, information gathering, ideation and analysis/synthesis] in developing interior design solutions that are functionally appropriate and aesthetically pleasing for the intended client. Development of alternative solutions and concepts through various visualization techniques [i.e., study models, etc.] is emphasized. Portfolio quality is required of final presentations. All final resolutions must meet international building codes and barrier free guidelines.


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Reading material, graphic standards, lectures, demonstrations and field trips provide the knowledge base for the course. Studio exercises and projects require students to apply each stage of the design process in designing the various areas within a residential or non-residential space. Alternative solutions are generated through ideation exercises; spatial composition is evaluated and refined through sketching exercises and study model building. Students will receive an exposure to or opportunities for:

1. Contemporary issues affecting interior design relative to the residential sector. (2d)
2. Solving simple to complex design problems.(4f)
3. Innovation and creative thinking. (4h)
4. Developing critical listening skills. (4i)
5. Interaction with multiple disciplines representing a variety of points of view and perspectives. (5d)
6. The interior design program provides exposure to various market sectors and client types. (7f)
7. Exposure to a variety of business, organizational, and familial structures. (2e)


Goals and Objectives of the Course

Student Goals and Objectives of the Course.  As a result of this course, the student will demonstrate…

a. Students competently select and apply luminaires and light sources (12b)
b. 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)
c. Sustainability guidelines, including: concepts, principles and theories of sustainability as they pertain to building methods, materials, systems and occupants. (14a, 2a)
d. Globalization and the implications of conducting the practice of design within a world market. (2b)
e. Social and cultural norms that may vary from their own and are relevant to making appropriate design decisions. (3a)
f. Applying the principles of natural and electrical lighting design; acoustical design; thermal design, and of indoor air quality.   (12a, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g)
g. Contract documents competently including coordinated drawings, schedules, and specifications. (6e, 13g)
h. Federal, state/provincial, and local codes. (14g, 14h, 14i)
i. The ability to appropriately apply theories of human behavior to student work. (3b)
j. The ability 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)
k. The ability to apply a variety of communication techniques and technologies appropriate to a range of purposes and audiences; to use sketches as a design and communication tool (ideation drawings); and to produce competent presentation drawings across a range of appropriate media. (6a, 6c, 6d)
l. The ability 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)
m. The ability to use historical precedent to inform design solutions. (8e)
n. The ability to analyze and discuss spatial definition and organization, and effectively apply the elements, principles, and theories of design to three-dimensional design solutions. (9c, 9b)
o. Understanding of color principles, theories, and systems; the interaction of light and color and the impact they have on one another and interior environments. (10a, 10b)
p. The ability to appropriately select and apply color with regard to its multiple purposes; and to apply color effectively in visual communication (presentations, models, etc.). (10c, 10d)
q. 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 vertical circulation systems.  (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13f)
r. The ability to read and interpret construction drawings and documents. (13g)
s. Understanding of laws, codes, standards, and guidelines that impact fire and life safety, including detection: active devices that alert occupants including smoke/heat detectors and alarm systems. (14c)
t. The ability to select and apply appropriate federal, state/provincial, and local codes, standards, and accessibility guidelines. (14g, 14h, 14i)


Assessment Measures

Exams, quizzes, exercises, projects, written, oral and graphic presentations


Other Course Information

Guest speakers recommended


Review and Approval

05/2011