Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)

In the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) you will learn about creative design and construction technology to solve interior spatial challenges, preparing you to work as an interior architect/interior designer.

The main focus of study is the interior architecture design studio on which you will spend at least half of your time. This focus on studio practice allows you to explore ideas. Interior architectural and construction studies teach you how to transform existing spaces to reflect your designs. You take your designs from 2D concept to 3D installation. Theory, technology, and communication units support this main area of study. A professional practice unit and an industry experience will introduce you to interior architecture business management and practices. The electives provide an opportunity to expand your experiences through interdisciplinary study.

Interior architecture professionals design commercial and domestic interiors, entertainment venues, festivals, exhibitions, and theatre sets. They design the spaces, lighting and furniture to create an environment that encourages people to interact. As an interior architecture graduate you will find yourself working alongside developers, builders and architects on a wide range of projects that may include commercial, cultural, institutional, hospitality and domestic spaces.

Specialisations

This is a single specialisation course in interior architecture.

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 you will be able to:

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

The course develops through theme studies in interior architecture, technology, history and theory, communication, and professional studies. These come together in a professional internship at the end of year 3, a research project supported by honours-level research training units during year 4, and a culminating graduand exhibition.

Part A. Interior architecture studios

The main area of study is the interior architecture design studio that you undertake in each semester. The studio provides the opportunity to experiment with creative ideas while gaining an advanced understanding of the principles of spatial design. Studio projects range from real client briefs involving cultural, commercial and community organisations to more speculative briefs that explore the opportunities and challenges of a continually transforming contemporary society.

Part B. Technology studies

Technology units equip you with essential knowledge covering aspects of materials, construction, structures and building services including HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), mechanical and electrical systems and sustainability. Particular emphasis is placed on lighting as well as on alternative applications of materials and fabrication processes. You will learn how to translate ideas into built form and how to generate construction details, specifications and sets of construction documentation.

Part C. History and theory studies

History and theory units equip you with the skills necessary to locate, research and analyse interior architecture issues. Through the prism of history, you will begin to situate the place of interior architecture in society by referencing pivotal art, design and architecture movements. Units address issues of culture, society and specific architecture and interior architecture themes. A culminating research unit engages with important contemporary questions and processes of interior architecture in preparation for a final research project.

D. Communication studies

You will undertake units that develop visual literacy and communication skills required to articulate ideas and concepts across 2D, 3D and time-based media. You will be introduced to key software applications and design media necessary for professional practice.

Part E. Professional studies

A combination of a professional practice unit and an industrial experience opportunity introduce you to interior architecture business management practices. You will also gain knowledge of business contexts, legal frameworks, and project management needed for project delivery in the interior architectural and building construction industries.

Part F. Occupational health and safety study

This will introduce you to occupational health, safety and environmental training particularly within the context of studying art, design and architecture.

Part G. Free elective study

This will enable you to further develop your knowledge of interior architectural design, or to select units from across the faculty or the University (in which you are eligible to enrol).

The course comprises 192 points, of which 174 points are focussed on the study of interior architecture and 18 points are free electives.

Elective units may be at any level, however, no more than 10 units (60 points) are to be completed at level 1 in the interior architecture course.

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-f3001.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are six credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Interior architecture studios (102 points)

Students complete:

• IAR1113 Interior architecture studio 1 (12 points)
• IAR1114 Interior architecture studio 2 (12 points)
• IAR2115 Interior architecture studio 3 (12 points)
• IAR2116 Interior architecture studio 4 (12 points)
• IAR3117 Interior architecture studio 5 (12 points
• IAR3118 Interior architecture studio 6 (12 points)
• IAR4119 Interior architecture studio 7 (12 points)
• IAR4120 Interior architecture design research project (18 points)

Part B. Technology studies (18 points)

Students complete:

• IAR1602 Constructions and environments 1
• IAR2601 Constructions and environments 2
• IAR2602 Constructions and environments 3

Part C. History and theory studies (30 points)

Students complete:

• AHT1101 Introduction to visual culture in art design and architecture
• IAR2411 Contemporary interior architecture
• IAR3401 Interior architecture history and theory
• IAR4500 Research: Questions and processes
• IAR4501 Interior architecture design research documentation

Part D. Communication studies (18 points)

Students complete:

• DWG1201 Drawing 1
• IAR1411 Communication and media
• IAR3303 Folio and reflection

Part E. Professional practice (6 points)

Students complete:

• PPR3102 Professional practice for interior architecture
• IAR4406 Industrial 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.

Part F. Occupational health and safety study (0 points)

Students complete:

• OHS1000 Introduction to art and design health and safety

Part G. Free elective study (18 points)

Elective units may be chosen from the faculty or across the University as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units.