Interior Design

Content

BA (Hons) Interior Design is focused around design for public and commercial interior space, with projects drawn from the arts, workplace, leisure, and retail environments.

Our course is based on the belief that well designed environments play a significant role in contributing to the successful and profitable occupation and use of interior space.

The degree is structured around a series of design projects, which develop in physical and intellectual complexity, examining, researching and developing creative solutions to changing issues of occupation and use. Through the three years these projects are set within the context of a regard for existing buildings and their re-evaluation and refurbishment for contemporary use.

The demands and requirements for well-designed interior spaces, continues to change and develop, in response to public and commercial practice, new technologies and social and cultural practice. The course aims to reflect these changes in the encouragement to students to explore and develop innovative, spatial and architectural interior design responses to these demands.

Structure

Year 1

You will be introduced to the critical intellectual tools of creativity and enquiry and the two and three-dimensional skills to use them. Initial studies in Year 1 establish a critical context of spatial exploration and an appreciation of form and design theory, to establish a framework of reference to investigate buildings and their interiors. Studies draw on both contemporary and historic references to develop a continuing engagement with theory and debate throughout the year and the course. There is a strong emphasis on drawing and modelmaking as key exploratory tools. You will be encouraged to experiment and explore a personal approach to ideas and design, and develop a reflective approach to the subject.

Year 2

Year 2 applies the theory, principles and practice from Year 1 in a commercial and public context. Projects engage with private and public space; and allow you to develop your creative skills within the context of design problems and appropriate legislation to develop design solutions. An engagement with the design industry is an important part of the year, and the Work-Based Learning unit is a focus for development of a professional engagement with design, ready for the third year. Sustainability in design, conservation and regeneration are key themes throughout the course, and inform the potential design of projects.

The course has a core unit of visual culture and theory, which encourages an ability to analyse, evaluate and promote an understanding of design issues. Year 1 provides a chronological overview of design history. Year 2 adopts a thematic approach to design, focusing on issues in relation to museums, representation and display, and branding and the city. In Year 3 you will write a dissertation, drawing from themes introduced in the course. Throughout the course you are encouraged to apply theories and ideas developed into your studio practice. This culminates in a written dissertation in Year 3.

Year 3

Year 3 applies studies from Years 1 & 2, in an extended personal design project, its theme and reference drawn from theoretical debates in visual culture. It enables you to develop ideas, theories and practice relevant to interests developed in the course. You will create a project which asks questions about the values of interior design, exploring how to make a meaningful contribution to a developing society with its particular issues and identity.

Assessment

Coursework, practical design projects, essays, presentation and dissertation.