Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Course

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.

This professional degree course may be awarded with honours depending upon the grade averages achieved during the course.

To educate graduates who have:

• knowledge and understanding of the disciplines of design and interior architecture
• the skills for design strategy, concept forming, problem solving, detailing and communication
• understanding of the socio-economic and cultural contexts of interior architecture and the ethical responsibilities of the professional designer
• the capability to practice as a professional designer in the field of interior architecture
• understanding of research concepts, strategies and methods and the skills to apply them in the fields of design and the built environment
• knowledge, understanding and skills in resolving and communicating technical and constructional aspects of interior architecture projects to a professional standard
• knowledge and understanding of the aesthetic aspects of design and interior architecture and a high capability at aesthetic resolutions
• knowledge and understanding of the other professions involved in the design, development and construction of the built environment and the capability to work in coordination with them
• knowledge, understanding and skills in project and business management relevant to the practice of interior architecture
• the capability to critically assess and contribute to contemporary discourse and speculative theory on design.

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'.

(c.) Technology (36 points)

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)

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.

At the commencement of fourth year, students also 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 the following strands in fourth year (12 points)

Preparation for higher degree strand:

• Research methods in art and design
• Research seminar in art and design

Professional practice strand:

• Design research methods and seminar
• an approved elective.

(j.) Electives (12 to 18 points)

Elective studies 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.

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 for interior architecture (6 points)

Second year (48 points)

First semester

• DIS2910 Virtual space B (6 points)
• IAR2113 Interior architecture studio 3 (6 points)
• IAR2303 Structures and services A (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)
• IAR2205 The production of space and place (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)
• TAD4503 Advanced art theory (6 points) or TAD4523 Design research methods and seminar (6 points)
• elective (6 points)

Second semester

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

Bachelor of Interior Architecture

Bachelor of Interior Architecture (with honours)

Where more than one award is listed the actual award conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved, or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.