Interior Design BA (Hons)

What you will study

All modules are designed to support the design module which is the heart of the course. You are taught about journeys through narrative spaces, using a variety of mixed mediums which may include workshops, outings, formal and informal lectures and guest lectures. Rich collaborative and interdisciplinary connections may happen at national/international level. Lecture content comprises a global to local perspective of interior design to ensure you understand what it means to be an interior designer of the 21st century. All analogue skills are taught through exercises and mini projects to ensure you develop confidence in each of these. Computer skills are taught using methods of blended learning. Technical aspects are introduced at a basic level in your first year and are built upon each year to ensure you have the proper foundation, skills and knowledge to make it out there in the ‘real’ world upon graduation.

Stage one

This marks the beginning of your journey into the world of Interior Design. Part of your induction is acquiring the language and codes consistent with the interior designer’s way of being. The studio will come to represent the forum for exploring and communicating interiors and spatial narratives. You will learn what constitutes spatial narratives in interior design and how to go about creating these using form, colours, light, texture and movement. You'll gain an insight into various materials and drawing techniques by which to communicate your design proposals using 2D and 3D communication techniques. This level encourages a culture of risk-taking and experimentation.

You'll study modules such as:

• Critical Context: Exploring Global Context and Spatial Typologies
• Visual and Professional Practice: Imagination to Visualisation
• Designing Spatial Narratives: Introduction and Exploration
• Toolkit: Structural Layers and Materials

Stage two

This stage continues to develop experimentation and deals with spatial narratives in public or commercial environments. Various spatial typologies are investigated and explored to offer you wider exposure to the field of interior design. The modules hone in to the practical solutions of interior spaces from initial conceptualisation to planning and zoning, 3D design development and the integrated technical and construction knowledge of all proposals. You are required to demonstrate an understanding of branding/corporate identity and develop functional, aesthetic and hazard-free interior spaces. In this year your projects may include retail, hospitality, exhibition stands and/or furniture design, as well as the repurposing of existing spaces to new functions.

You'll study modules such as:

• Critical Context: Context Specific Investigations
• Visual and Professional Practice: Development
• Designing Spatial Narratives: Contextualised Interventions
• Toolkit: Technical Services and Drawing Systems

Stage three

This level further develops your personal voice. You may engage in collaborative and competition projects along with international partnering institutions. The design module comprises of two projects, one focused towards sustainable design and the other your own self-negotiated brief. For your final project you will have the opportunity to select an historically significant building in a setting of your choice. An emphasis on Research Methodology requires you to submit a research document framing your selected building in terms of the macro and micro environmental contexts and develop a justifiable argument regarding the need for readaptation as well as to conceptualise the function needed to ensure financial viability. As a result, the level of performance at this level requires conceptual and technical relevance. You are encouraged to demonstrate social, sustainable and economical relevance by demonstrating the design implications in terms of the feasibility of the proposed design concept and its functioning.

You'll study modules such as:

• Critical Context: Probing and Interrogating Multi-Contexts
• Visual and Professional Practice: Networking Strategies
• Designing Spatial Narratives: Reimagining Existing Space
• Toolkit: Sustainable Strategies and Innovation