Undergraduate - CourseBachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture offers a program of education in the discipline of interior architecture. It is intended for students who wish to seek employment as an interior architect/interior designer.

The main area of study is interior architecture design studio. It is offered at every year/semester level. Theory, technology, communication units support this main area of study. A professional practice unit and an industry experience introduce students to interior architecture business management and practices. The electives provide an opportunity to expand their experiences through interdisciplinary study.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• situate and differentiate the role of the discipline of interior architecture, the ethical responsibilities of its practice, and personal positions with regard to these
• independently develop design strategies, form concepts, refine, detail and communicate design proposals
• interpret, represent and respond to the socio-economic, cultural and global contexts of interior architecture
• draw on an understanding of professional practices to contribute to interior architecture and associated fields
• identify and evaluate relevant research concepts, strategies and methods, and apply them in interior architecture and associated fields
• resolve and communicate technical and construction aspects of design and interior architecture projects using the conventions of the discipline
• contextualise, generate and apply aesthetic aspects of design and interior architecture
• engage reflectively with other professionals involved in the design, development and construction of the built environment
• recognise and contribute to project and business management practices relevant to interior architecture
• critically assess contemporary discourse, speculative design theory and research both locally and internationally
• develop and communicate design proposals incorporating innovation, drawing on advanced understanding in relevant areas
• apply relevant research concepts, strategies and methods with skills compatible with entry level of a higher research degree.

The course consists of the following components:

(a.) Interior architecture studios (102 points)

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

(b.) Technology (18 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.

(c.) Theory and history (18 points)

This includes the common first year introduction to art, design and architecture theory and history and two discipline-specific units, exploring the culture and context of architecture and interior architecture over time.

(d.) Communications (18 points)

In first year, students take a perceptual drawing unit as well as a digital communication unit. A portfolio unit is taken in third year.

(e.) Professional practice (6 points)

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

(f.) Industrial collaboration and experience (0 points)

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.

(g.) Research (12 points)

In the fourth year, the discipline and strategic issues are further elaborated in two research units.

(h.) Electives (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, Design and ArchitectureFaculty of Art, Design and Architecture (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/index-byfaculty-ada.html), but units offered elsewhere in the University are also available.

Suitable units can be identified using the browse units toolbrowse units tool (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/search) in the current edition of the Handbook. Note: Some units may require permission from the owning faculty. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3.

(i.) Occupational health and safety (0 points)

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

All units are 6 points unless otherwise indicated.

First year

Semester one

• AHT1101 Introduction to visual culture in art design and architecture
• DWG1201 Drawing 1
• IAR1113 Interior architecture studio 1 (12 points)
• OHS1000 Introduction to art and design health and safety (0 points)

Semester two

• IAR1114 Interior architecture studio 2 (12 points)
• IAR1411 Communication and media
• IAR1602 Constructions and environments 1

Second year

Semester one

• ARC2401 Contemporary architecture
• IAR2115 Interior architecture studio 3 (12 points)
• IAR2601 Constructions and environments 2

Semester two

• IAR2116 Interior architecture studio 4 (12 points)
• IAR2602 Constructions and environments 3
• elective

Third year

Semester one

• IAR3117 Interior architecture studio 5 (12 points)*
• IAR3401 Interior architecture history and theory
• PPR3102 Professional practice for interior architecture

Semester two

• IAR3118 Interior architecture studio 6 (12 points)*
• IAR3303 Folio and reflection
• elective

Fourth year

Semester one

• IAR4119 Interior architecture studio 7 (12 points)
• IAR4406 Industrial experience (0 points)
• IAR4500 Research: questions and processes
• elective

Semester two

• IAR4120 Interior architecture design research project (18 points)
• IAR4501 Interior architecture design research documentation

* For students who might be interested in pursuing further study in the Master of Architecture it is suggested that they undertake one architecture design studio to gain experience in the field. With permission of both the interior architecture and architecural design coordinators, IAR3117 may be substituted with ARC3001 (12 Points) or IAR3118 may be substituted with ARC3002 (12 Points).

Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)