Bachelor of art (BA) in Interior Design

Mission

Our mission is centered on preparing students to become successful innovators and designers, who improve the natural and social environment, advance environmental sustainability, and enhance the human experience through focused education and innovative learning and teaching methods. Staff in the Art and Design Department has a broad range of skills and expertise and their extensive experience, passion and commitment, supports and informs each of our courses.

Objectives

  • To compete as lead advances in Interior Design education in order to prepare innovative, critical, creative and responsible graduates that will improve through their careers the quality of the built environment.
  • To encourage students to find their own voice, seize opportunities, create a unique process that works for them and build a portfolio of work that puts them on the competitive edge of industry.
  • To prepare students to be experienced, competitive professionals to be able to conquer creative challenges and meet client needs with confidence and inventive, leading-edge expertise.
  • To provide students with opportunities to explore advanced design theories, problem-solving techniques, methodologies, and individual research and design applications.
  • To provide students with opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete a degree in Graphic Design will be able to: 

  • Incorporate a global perspective when making design decisions, based on sustainable, socio-economic and cultural contexts.
  • Apply theories of human behaviour to human-centred design solutions.
  • Generate creative solutions to complex problems optimizing the human experience within the interior environment.
  • Collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams respecting a variety of points of view and perspectives that enrich the process and product of the team.
  • Analyse interiors, architecture, the decorative arts, and art within a historical and cultural context to inform contemporary design solutions.
  • Apply theory, psychology and methodology of colour to designs of the interior environment.
  • Specify furniture, fixtures, and equipment and finish materials to meet the design criteria for a variety of interior spaces.
  • Apply principles of lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality as required to enhance the health, safety, welfare, and performance of building occupants.
  • Produce construction drawings and documents using industry standards for a variety of interior spaces.

 

Program Requirements 114 credits + Introduction to University Life Course:

21 cr. General University Requirements

12 cr. General Education Requirements,

09 cr. Elective Courses

93 cr. Mandatory requirements

18 cr. Core courses

60 cr. Major courses

15 cr. Major Elective Courses

 

Career Opportunities

The course provides excellent preparation for a career in design for domestic Interior Design, exhibitions and museums, retail, film, and television, and Interior Design spaces. Graduates should expect a rewarding career as Interior Design and Spatial designer, exhibition designer, production designer, furniture designer, product designer, textile designer.

 

Core Courses (18cr.)

Course code

Course name

Credits

DRA201

Drawing & Illustration 1 

3cr.

ART203

Color Theories

3cr.

ART206 

Photography

3cr.

GRA201 

Fundamentals of Design 1 

3cr.

GRA202 

Fundamentals of Design 2 

3cr.

ART204                                   

History of Art

3cr.

 

Major Courses (60cr.)

 

Course code

Course name

Credits

IND 210 

Technical Drawing 1 for Interior Design 

3cr.

IND 212 

Technical Drawing 2 for Interior Design 

3cr.

IND 213

 Interior Design Studio 1

4cr.

IND 214 

Textiles for interiors

3cr.

IND 216

Computer Application for Interior Design 1

3cr.

IND 218

Computer Application for  Interior Design 2

3cr.

IND 220

Environmental Control Systems in  Interior Design

3cr.

IND 310 

Materials and Specifications

3cr.

IND 311

Lighting Strategies for Interior Design

3cr.

IND 312

 Interior Design Studio 2

4cr.

IND 314

Furniture Design & Technology

3cr.

IND 316

Computer Application for Interior Design 3

3cr.

IND 317

History of  Interior Design

3cr.

IND 410

 Interior Design Studio 3

4cr.

IND 411

 Interior Design Studio 4

4cr.

IND 414

Professional Practice

3cr.

IND 415

Internship in Interior Design

2cr.

IND 420

Interior Design Final Project

6cr.

 

Major Elective Courses (15cr.)

Course code

Course name

Credits

IND 340

Landscape Design

3cr.

IND322

Critical Concepts for Visual Communication

3cr.

IND 321

Building Construction

3cr.

IND 225

Maquette

3cr.

ART201

Fine Arts

3cr.

IND 417

Quantity Survey for Interior Design

3cr.

GRA203

Intro to computer graphics

3cr.

IND 323

Scenography

3cr.

 

IND Course Description:

 

Core courses.

GRA 201 Fundamentals of Design 1 (Prerequisite None) 3cr.

This course introduces students to the basic principles and elements used in two dimensional design solutions with emphasis on the use of line, shape, pattern, and rhythm. Course work will offer students the opportunity to develop an aesthetic vocabulary, abstract problem solving skills and the ability to evaluate the design process independently and critically.

ART 206 Photography (Prerequisite none)3cr.

Stimulates an interest in and furthers the understanding of the techniques and principles of photography. Introduces students to camera lenses, types of black and white film, proper film exposure, black and white film processing, and basic printmaking.

ART 203 Color Theories (Prerequisite none) 3cr.

This course introduces students to the aesthetic, historical, perceptual, scientific, and psychological aspects of color and light and the implication of color principles and theories to interior design. Students will explore color through experimentation, observation, and evaluation. Contemporary design projects will be analyzed for their use of color theory.

GRA 202 Fundamentals of design 2 (Prerequisite none) 3cr.

It is a continuation of Fundamentals of Design 1 with an emphasis on applying three dimensional design principles on architectural settings. . Students develop concepts and express them volumetrically in three-dimensional projects and massing models. Design vocabulary and analytical skills learned in previous design courses will be applied and expanded.

DRA 201 Drawing & Illustration 1 (Prerequisite none) 3cr.

In this course, students work on developing observation and the discovery of form from real sources. The course introduces students to the visual language of drawing through observation and rendering a realistic image. In addition to traditional drawing techniques, this course will cover figure drawing. This course introduces drawing strategies, concepts, and specialized illustration techniques used by designers and illustrators Various materials and techniques are used to develop the technical means of expression. Most studio hours will be dedicated to learning and exercising. Each student develops observational skills rooted in traditional drawing media while striving to develop critical thinking and research skills. This course is designed to foster an awareness of drawing as a basic organizer of thought, feelings, and image making.

ART 204 History of Art (Prerequisite none) 3cr.

This course will help students to become familiar with core examples Western and non-western material culture, art, design, and architecture emerging out of Europe, the Americas, from 19th century with Romantic movement to the 21st century with post-modernism and contemporary Art and Artists. Students will consider the crucial role of these images and objects in the formation of their respective historical and cultural context. Through watching images, reading, class discussions and writing assignments, students will explore the following questions: What is Art? Is the appearance, or form of an art, object its most important element? What role does religion, biography, psychology, philosophy, society and politics play in the production of material culture, art making, design, and perception?

 

Major courses.

IND 210 Technical Drawing 1 for Interior Design (corequisite IND 201) 3 cr.

This course introduces the tools, techniques, skills and information necessary for architectural drafting. Emphasis is on lettering, line weight, dimensioning systems, graphic standards, architectural symbols and the methods used to produce accurate drawings of a building and its site, including Multiview drawings (plans ,sections, elevations) in addition to the different projection systems (orthographic  ,oblique ,perspective) and scale as well as measuring a space.

IND 212 Technical Drawing 2 for Interior Design (Prerequisite IND 210)3cr.

It is a continuation of Technical Drawing 1 with an emphasis on 3D views, one-point, two-point and three-point perspective in addition to sections perspectives study. This course gives information to the students about rapid and advanced visualization of interior sketching, which is useful for the designer as a tool in design development, as well as a mean of effectively communicating ideas to others in the right way with applied theories and perceptions.

IND 213 Interior Design Studio 1 (prerequisite IND 210)4cr.

This is the first studio in a sequential series of design courses in which students apply their skills, knowledge, and understanding of the design process to small-scale residential projects. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship of design elements and principles, spatial organization and sequencing, human anthropometrics and conceptual problem solving in three-dimensional space based on the right function and circulation.

This course is an introduction to the field of interior design. Topics of functional and aesthetic elements for residential interiors are covered, including the identification of client needs, programming, standards, space planning, drawings, and presentations. Concept design, development, and articulation are emphasized and represented through the use of sketches, mechanical drawings, and perspectives tools.

IND 214 Textiles for Interior Design (Prerequisite None) 3cr.

This course introduces students to different textiles shedding light on; their processes of making, historical context and trend, mixing and matching accordingly, application of different textiles in different upholstery fields. The look and feel textiles add to interiors is studied in parallel to the technical and practical aspect they convey. Thus conceptual studies and broad definitions on different textiles and their practicality (economical wise, health wise, heavy duty…) are given same importance in this course as the right textile fit in the right design, as well as the technical part associated to the final upholstery execution. The Study includes characteristics, care, codes and applications.

IND 216 Computer Application for Interior Design 1 (Prerequisite IND 210)3cr.

This course is an introduction to computer-aided drafting using AutoCAD. Students will be taught to use CAD software effectively to create computer-generated floor plans, elevations and details that meet current industry standards. Also students will learn advanced software commands and the use of AutoCAD in preparing construction documents.

IND 218 Computer Application for Interior Design 2 (Prerequisite IND 216)3cr.

In this course, students will use and build on the computer skills learned in CAD 1 to create a complete set of construction documents including a site plan, a partition plan, various finish and equipment plans and schedules, a furniture plan, a reflected ceiling plan, and elevations, sections and details of partitions  3D visualization on CAD is introduced.

IND 220 Environmental Control Systems in Interior Design (Prerequisite IND 311)3cr.

This course is an introduction to the theories and practices that encourage thoughtful planning of interior spaces within the context of environmental consciousness. Major considerations that will be addressed are land use, indoor air and light quality, energy efficiency and sustainable materials and resources.

IND 310 Materials and Specifications (Prerequisite IND 213)3cr.

This course is an introduction to the materials and methods used in the construction industry. In this course students will examine different materials, available resources, and methods of production, construction and installation (Shop Drawings) such as wood work, false ceiling... Through a study of current product applications, they will learn how to select, specify and apply appropriate materials and finishes on the basis of aesthetics, material cost, environmental impact and performance.

IND 311 Lighting Strategies for Interior Design (Prerequisite IND 312)3cr.

This course is an introduction to basic lighting design theory and the technical requirements related to residential and commercial lighting systems. Students will be given the opportunity to develop skill and knowledge in lighting design and the ability to create functional, code compliant, and aesthetically pleasing lighting solutions for various design projects. 

IND 312 Interior Design Studio 2 (Prerequisite IND 213)4cr.

This is the second studio in a sequential series of design courses. As a continuation to Studio 1 course students will be introduced to bigger scale residential projects such as small apartments or studios after learning to deal with the different rooms functions. In the other half of the semester they will move to planning small commercial facilities. Emphasis is on the design process using space planning concepts and methods, problem solving, and application of design theory specific to commercial environments. Students are introduced to evidence-based design theory.

IND 314 Furniture Design & Technology (Prerequisite IND 312)3cr.

The content of this course aims at providing the students with an in depth knowledge of the field of furniture design and the important interplay between user, space and product in a contemporary and future context. Focus of the course is specifically on furniture design as a general product, and also as an item which forms part of a space, particularly seating, which is among the hardest to conceive successfully, mixing between functionality and aesthetics.

Being divided between theory (slight historical backgrounds, particularly the modern era and mass production, technical knowhow, etc.) and practice (design), the class will enhance the student’s understanding of furniture design history and furniture making skills, through time and up until today’s advanced techniques.

IND 316 Computer Application for Interior Design 3 (Prerequisite IND 218)3cr.

This course introduces students to 3DMAX and Adobe Photoshop as highly creative tools for organizing digital images for use in various graphic presentation formats. This course gives students all requirements needed to master computer rendering to their drawings.

IND 317 History of Interior Design  (Prerequisite ART 204)3cr.

This course continues the survey of the historical styles of architecture, furniture, and interiors from the 19th century to the 20th century incorporating the major social, economic, political, and cultural factors.

IND 410 Interior Design Studio 3 (Prerequisite IND 312)4cr.

This is the third studio in a sequential series of design courses. Students will elaborate their gained information and space analysis in bigger scale commercial projects, ones that may contain a mezzanine level to deal with. In addition, students shall work collaboratively to apply their knowledge and skills in the production of a comprehensive hospitality design project after being introduced to the new different functions and circulations essential for planning a well-structured project. Projects emphasize research, creative problem solving, effective communication and sustainability.

IND 411 Interior Design Studio 4 (Prerequisite IND 410)4cr.

This is an advanced studio course that consists of two parts, first part is based on the design of a large-scale residential living/working environment such as a two-leveled villa. Students will be expected to analyze site and building conditions and the client's needs and project budget to determine a rationale for appropriating space function, furniture and circulation. In the second part of the course, students are expected to be ready and qualified to move through steps towards their final interior design project. A close research about their chosen concept, site, and technical information is the base that will move in parallel to their project throughout the two final semesters to help enlighten their path, this must end up in a well-structured report covering all the project’s technical, historical, and conceptual aspects. In parallel, students have to choose their senior project’s architectural drawings followed by a detailed research about site, concept, similar projects, problematic and objectives. They can then move to the design and functions diagram in addition to some further details revealing their basic concept design through plans, sections and sketches, the course is expected to end with a pin up evaluating all the above submitted data and technical drawings.

IND 414 Professional Practice (Prerequisite IND 410) 3 cr.

To become more self- reliant and enterprising in the job search, students investigates career opportunities, job responsibilities, and qualifications necessary to be competitive and promotable. Students build research tools that enable them to develop a plan of action, conduct informational interviews, practice interviewing skills, and produce a digitized professional resume.

IND 415 Internship in Interior Design (Prerequisite IND 312)2cr.

This course is an introduction to the interior design profession through directed course work and practical work experience at participating design and architectural firms. Students will spend 6 weeks (120 hours) of practical work experience under the supervision of the Program Director and the host organization.

IND 420 Interior Design Final Project (Prerequisite IND 411)6 cr.

Students are expected to move forward in their senior projects from the conceptual and function diagram phase to the detailed drawings that include: furniture plans, ceiling plans, tiling plans, sections, elevations, 3d perspectives and models in addition to detailed execution drawings zones. They must work in parallel on the technical drawings that include the architectural, electrical, mechanical and HVAC functions in their projects, in addition to following up with their project report they started on the previous semester. Emphasis is placed on the student's ability to create a project that successfully demonstrates all aspects of the design process, as well as the skills and knowledge they have learned to this point in their studies. An aspect of the project solution is the use of appropriate methods and effective presentation techniques used to express the proposed design concept in detailed accuracy.

 

Major elective courses.

IND 340 Landscape Design (Prerequisite IND220)3cr.

This course will provide students with the basic skills for graphical representation of the landscape, including the development of site plan, section, elevation and perspective views. The course will encourage the exploration of sustainable landscape solutions to minimize the negative impact on the environment.

IND 322 Critical Concepts for Visual Communication (Prerequisite None) 3cr.

This course is an introduction to the elements and methods of critical thinking and its application through discussion and writing. This course strengthens student’s capacity to reason clearly, critically and creatively, including the ability to analyze the arguments of others, to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and solve problems skillfully.

IND 321 Building Construction (Prerequisite IND 310)3cr.

 Develop an understanding of basic construction systems and how they relate to interior planning. Building codes, historic preservation, and handicapped restrictions are examined as well as environmental concerns and adaptive reuse. Technical knowledge of building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.) and structure are analyzed also.

IND 228 Maquette (prerequisite IND 210) 3cr.

3D model making is an essential part of visualizing ideas in spatial and interior design and architecture. Students will be introduced to a variety of model-making techniques, materials, hand held tools and power tools. Participants will learn to create professional looking models that best communicate their design idea.

ART 201 Fine Arts (Prerequisite None) 3cr.

This is an artistic course. It enables student’s self-expression, empowers creativity and improves manual skills. Moreover it aims to encourage the expression of feelings through color, modeling and art forms. Beyond the concepts and skills essential to good design practice, the course will open a window towards self-expression and general design awareness and strength as a tool of communication.

IND 417 Quantity Survey for Interior Design (Prerequisite IND 310)3cr.

 This course offers students an opportunity to learn the basics of Building Information Modelling (BIM) using Revit Architecture; a leading computer program capable of creating and managing information about a building using 3-D, "real-time", modelling software. Using Revit Architecture, students will produce Building Information Models, which define the geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and the quantities and properties of all the systems components that go into constructing the building.

GRA 203 Intro to Computer graphics 3cr. (Prerequisite None)

This class is for students to get well versed in the use of art and design computer applications.

The components of digital design tools, vector and raster, are covered, culminating in the completion of a final project. The student will learn the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to explore the painting and drawing capabilities of each in an effort to learn about bitmapped and vector graphics, the foundation of all computer-related graphics.

IND 323 Scenography (prerequisite IND 312) 3cr.

It is an introduction to the methods, concepts and materials of designing for theatre sceneries and the ways in which space, time, light, sound, object, color and form may be woven together on theatre stage to impress and communicate with spectator. Also the methods of developing a design from script analysis to presentation of the completed design are studied throughout this course.