Monash University: University handbooks: Undergraduate handbook: Units indexed by faculty
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Bachelor of Interior Architecture

Course code: 2126 + Course abbreviation: BIA + Total credit points required: 192 + 4 years full-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Caulfield)

Course description

The course offers a program of education in the discipline and professional practice of interior architecture. It is intended for students who wish to seek professional or executive employment in the field of interior design or related areas of design activity.

Interior architecture is concerned with the range of commercial and domestic interiors ranging from the hospitality, entertainment, retail, and health and transport industries to commercial offices and domestic interiors. The interior architecture studio units are supported by specialist units in structures and services, building construction and materials, communication methods and media, furniture design, computer-aided design and professional practice. The course is further supported by units in the theory, history and contemporary discourse in art, design and architecture, as well as by introductory units in drawing and digital imaging.

In semester one of the fourth year, the discipline and strategic issues are further elaborated in the research methods unit. A design studio unit and electives are also taken in semester one. During the second semester, students undertake a major studio project that will demonstrate their academic and professional attainment in the discipline and professional practice of interior architecture. This four-year professional degree course is awarded with a level of honours depending upon the grade averages achieved during the course.

Course structure

The course consists of the following areas of study.

(a) Design studios (72 points)

This is the major study of the course. There are design studios at each level of the course.

(b) Studio specialisation (12 points)

These include the following core units: ‘Communication methods’ and ‘Furniture 1’.

These include construction and materials, structures and services units which provide the core of the technical support studies. The theory covered in these units is also applied in the studio project work.

(d) Theory of art and design (18 points)

Students study a minimum of three theory, context and cultural units in art and design.

(e) Drawing and visual structures (6 points)

Students take one 6-point unit in the first year. This study is concerned with the development of perception, communication, and visual concepts, primarily using drawing media. Further drawing is available as an elective unit.

(f) Digital imaging (18 points)

Students take the faculty’s common unit, ‘Digital imaging’. Students later take two core units in interiors computing.

(g) Professional practice (6 points)

This study is focused on the business practice aspects of interior architecture and design.

(h) Industrial collaboration and experience (0 points)

At the commencement of fourth year, students take a period of approximately six weeks of work in an interior architecture studio or related practice or commercial organisation. In many instances, this will be related to the specialist practice area which they intend to enter as professional graduates. It is intended that in most instances students will establish an ongoing collaboration with an industry partner.

(i) Students select one of these strands in fourth year (12 points)

Either the preparation for higher degree strand:

Research methods in art and design, and
Research seminar in art and design

or the professional practice strand:

Design research methods and seminar, and
An approved elective

(j) Electives (up to 18 points)

Twelve to 18 points are available for elective studies, which are selected in consultation with the course coordinator. Units will generally be taken from those available within the Faculty of Art and Design, but units offered elsewhere in the university are also available.

(k) Occupational health and safety (0 points)

A compulsory health and safety unit which deals with issues relevant to art and design.

Course requirements

First year (48 points)

First semester

DGN1001 Design studio 1 (6 points)
DIS1103 Digital processes for art and design 1 (6 points)
DWG1301 Drawing 1C (6 points)
OHS1000 Introduction to art and design health and safety (0 points)
TAD1203 Introduction to design history and theory (6 points)

Second semester

DIS1912 Virtual space A (6 points)
IAR1112 Interior architecture studio 2 (6 points)
IAR1211 Building construction and materials A (6 points)
IAR1401 Communication methods (6 points)

Second year (48 points)

First semester

DIS2910 Virtual space B (6 points)
IAR2401 Interior architecture modelling (6 points)
IAR2113 Interior architecture studio 3 (6 points)
TAD2214 Critical issues in design (6 points)

Second semester

IAR2114 Interior architecture studio 4 (6 points)
IAR2204 Building construction and materials B (6 points)
IAR2303 Structures and services A (6 points)
IDE2810 Furniture 1 (6 points)

Third year (48 points)

First semester

IAR3115 Interior architecture studio 5 (6 points)
IAR3308 Structures and services B (6 points)
PPR3102 Professional practice for interior architecture (6 points)
TAD3214 Contemporary discourse in design (6 points)

Second semester

IAR3116 Interior architecture studio 6 (12 points)
IAR3205 Building construction and materials C (6 points)
Elective (6 points)

Fourth year (48 points)

First semester

IAR4117 Interior architecture studio 7 (12 points)
IAR4406 Industrial experience (0 points)
Either TAD4503 Research methods in art and design (6 points)
or TAD4523 Design research methods and seminar (6 points)
Elective (6 points)

Second semester

IAR4118 Interior architecture studio 8 (18 points)
Either TAD4504 Research seminar in art and design (6 points)
or Elective (6 points)

Contact details

Inquiries: telephone +61 3 9903 1517, email enquiries@artdes.monash.edu.au or visit www.artdes.monash.edu.au.

Course coordinator

Mr Michael Anderson

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