DSNI 330

DSNI 330: Materiality

Credit Hours: (3) Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory

An exploration of the physical properties and applications of materials, finishes, and textiles used in interior environments.

 

Detailed Description of Content of Course

An exploration of the physical properties of materials, finishes, and textiles used in interior environments. Students develop knowledge and skills necessary to identify, research, and evaluate the functional application in terms of aesthetic, environmental, sustainable, and economic considerations. Students are introduced to conventions and systems for categorizing and organization, estimating quantities, specifying product, codes, standards, and testing, along with appropriate and creative applications. 

Major topics will include: 

1. 1. Materials, Finishes & Textiles: Types, Use, and Application
   1. Flooring (Natural Stone, Tile, Wood, Engineered hardwood, Laminate, Bamboo, Cork, LVT, VCT, Carpet, etc.)  
      1. Subfloors, Preparation, Application, Estimation, Wet areas & Water Proofing  
   2. Walls: (Plaster, Gypsum Board, Paneling, Wall Tile, Stone, Paint, Wallpaper, glass and plastic panels and partitions, acoustical panels, etc.)  
      1. Substrates, Preparation, Application, Estimation, vertical components, acoustical control  
   3. Surfaces: (Natural Stone, Agglomerates, Glass, Laminate, Solid Surfacing, Plastics, Concrete, Epoxy, glass, etc.)
      1. Substrates, Preparation, Application, Estimation   
   4. Ceilings: (Plaster, Gypsum Board, Paneling, Coffers, Beams, acoustical tiles, etc.)  
      1. Substrates, Preparation, Application, Estimation, ceiling components, acoustical control  
   5. Millwork (molding and trim, cabinetry, built-in, case goods, etc.; Solid wood, Veneers, MDF, HDF, etc.)  
      1. Drawings, Standards, Finishes, Hardware, Fabrication and application methods, Finishes and Schedules
   6. Textiles: Natural and Man-made Fibers
      1. Woven construction, Terminology, Fabrication and application methods, Estimation  
   7. Hazardous existing materials: Asbestos, Lead, and Mold 
2. 2. Materials, Finishes & Textiles: Physical Characteristics
   1. Properties  
   2. Performance characteristics  
   3. Codes, Standards, & Testing   
   4. Technologies and Innovations  
   5. Environmental Considerations  
   6. Sustainable practices  
   7. Certifications and Associations  
   8. Resources: Dealers, Reps, To the Trade, Fabricators, Trade Shows 

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Instructional Strategies to include: 

• lectures
• use of audio-visual materials
• hands-on interaction with materials, finishes, and textiles
• case studies
• independent research
• field trips and/or guest speakers

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to: 

1. Identify the physical characteristics of materials, finishes, and textiles used in interior environments
2. Analyze materials for use in interior design projects based on strengths and weaknesses, availability, sustainability, fabrication, and maintenance concerns
3. Specify with rationale materials, finishes, and textiles appropriate to the interior typology and purpose
4. Specify materials, finishes, and textiles appropriate to meet codes, testing, and safety standards for appropriate installation
5. Identify installation methods and requirements
6. Apply conventions and systems for categorizing and organizing data
7. Prepare quantity estimates and specifications for selected materials
8. Evaluate case study models to explore material functionality and aesthetic relationships to the built environment
9. Apply material functionality and aesthetic relationships to the built environment

In addition to the student learning outcomes listed above, learning outcomes pertinent to the program's Council on Interior Design Acceditation (CIDA) standards related to "Global Context," "Collaboration," "Business Practice and Professionalism," "Human-Centered Design," "Products and Materials," "Environmental Systems and Human Wellbeing," and "Regulations and Guidelines" will be applied to this course. A listing of those standards will be provided upon request.

 

Assessment Measures

Assessment measures will include: 

• a minimum of one exam  
• a minimum of one evaluation of a case study model to explore material functionality and aesthetic relationships in the built environment 
• a minimum of one design scenarios for selecting and employing materials to address specific needs i.e. code requirements, durability 
• a minimum of one design scenarios for selecting and employing materials to address functionality and aesthetic relationships to the built environment 
• a minimum of one material, finishes and textiles identification research assignment 
• a minimum of one specification sheet 
• a minimum of one product quantity estimate 
• a minimum of one conventions and systems for categorizing and organizing data i.e. schedules, diagrams, mapping 

 

Other Course Information

None

 

Review and Approval

February 21, 2024