Course Syllabus

HFST 1750 Introduction to Interior Design

Course Description

This general education course acquaints students with the visual and technical language of Interior Design. Through education of the principles of design, this course will foster design sensibility as it is applied to residential space and structure. Emphasis will be placed on using space effectively, the selection and arrangement of furnishings and residential materials, and the application of relevant theory related to everyday living experiences. Students will create a comprehensive design portfolio and complete a client-based design project in order to demonstrate their competency in design and composition analysis, presentation/communication of design solutions, understanding of historical influences, creative thinking, and identification of effective design solutions. This course also introduces students to the professional aspects of a career in Interior Design.

Justification

This course provides theoretical study and application of the elements and principles of design as applied to interior residential structures. It is patterned after other required introductory courses for interior design majors and family and consumer science education majors. The course transfers as a general education requirement, major pathway requirement, or as an elective to USHE institutions.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. This course is designed to provide students an opportunity of investigation into the basic elements and principles of design related to everyday living experiences. Students will be exposed to numerous examples of both historical and contemporary, innovative and practical, decorative and structural, urban and quaint designs. Visual language is a recurring focus that allows students to discuss historic and contemporary, and often subjective design confidently and academically giving them the basic foundation for successful creative expression and problem solving. Attention in class discussion and assignments is given to design choices, sustainability, and quality, as this relates to individual and familial wellbeing and impact on social, psychological, and historical contexts. Knowledge will be assessed by the instructor though projects, activities, discussions, written assignments, presentations, and/or quizzes.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will research historical structures and furniture, as well as building materials and sustainable products and then report their findings. Knowledge will be assessed by the instructor though projects, activities, discussions, assignments, presentations, and/or quizzes.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. This course is designed to give students exposure to residential design examples and professional critiques in order to increase significant design sensibilities and awareness of subjective aesthetic as it applies to problem solving in residential interior design. Students gain confidence in discussing design by gaining increased awareness of the elements and principles, applying them to visual examples through class discussion, activities and written assignments. This knowledge is assessed by the instructor.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Critical and analytical evaluation of design is a very important skill for students to gain confidence in their own design preferences and choices as they apply to design solutions. Students practice the skills of critiquing in class discussions and written assignments. Students also acquire knowledge of residential building codes and systems, and ADA considerations and are quizzed on this content. Assessment of this knowledge is conducted by the instructor.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. The articulation of said principles will come as students investigate and understand the basic elements and principles of design related to everyday living experiences. Students will be exposed to numerous examples of both historical and contemporary, innovative and practical, decorative and structural, urban and quaint designs. Visual language is a recurring focus that allows students to articulate their creative processes and evaluate outcomes. Lecture-based materials and discussions are given regarding historic and contemporary, and often subjective design thus giving students the confidence to academically evaluate their creative expression and problem solving abilities. This understanding will be assessed by the instructor according to the grading rubrik at various phases of the capstone project. The articulation of said principles will come as students investigate and understand the basic elements and principles of design related to everyday living experiences. Students will be exposed to numerous examples of both historical and contemporary, innovative and practical, decorative and structural, urban and quaint designs. Visual language is a recurring focus that allows students to articulate their creative processes and evaluate outcomes. Lecture-based materials and discussions are given regarding historic and contemporary, and often subjective design thus giving students the confidence to academically evaluate their creative expression and problem solving abilities. This understanding will be assessed by the instructor according to the grading rubrik at various phases of the capstone project.
2. Provide an informed synopsis of the performing and/or visual arts in the contexts of culture and history through reading and interpreting pertinent information using a variety of traditional and electronic media. Students will demonstrate fluency in historical content and context of architecture and furniture by identifying relationships between past design movements and contemporary design solutions. This understanding will be assessed through research writings, presentations, and other various assignments and activities conducted by the instructor.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the conceptual and elemental principles fundamental to the creation of various forms of artistic expression. Students will demonstrate an understanding of conceptual principles regarding design by scholastically describing interior spaces in the context of the design principles and elements through a digital design journal/portfolio and unit exams/quizzes.Students will demonstrate proficiency in materials and techniques used in design application for residences by collecting and coordinating appropriate design samples and applying them to design solutions in the capstone design project. Understanding will be assessed by the instructor.
4. Exhibit an ability to critically analyze artistic works using appropriate techniques, vocabulary, and methodologies. Students will exhibit proficiency of the process of critical analysis design principles and characteristics in interior examples and of student projects. Students will articulate the critical analysis process by through writing assignments, activities, discussions and will relate concepts to the principles and elements of design in the digital design journal/portfolio and other assignments. Understanding will be assessed by the instructor.

Course Content

Introduction to Interior Design includes visual-based lectures, discussions, and formative assessment regarding the elements and principles of design, materials and uses, construction codes and systems, accessible and sustainable design, lighting, and spatial concepts. Hands-on technical and aesthetic exploration of floorplan design and space planning is examined. Concepts of historical periods, furniture construction, spatial psychology, as well as critical analysis of subjective aesthetic, are included as discussion and learning topics. Interior design is a process and skill that is practiced across cultures and peoples, and includes accessible design.