Interior Spaces

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Interior Spaces course introduces design students to the complexities of the development of the interior spaces, as well as putting them in touch with the local architecture and design culture.

The course structure is designed to provide a general framework for the development of a range of projects, from small scale briefs to a larger scale proposal for a residential interior. The program provides the student with knowledge and skills in all areas of space planning, theory and concept, model-making and freehand drawing as well as communication. Priority is given to learning strategies that foster critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making capabilities. As a result, students will increase their creative skills and get a substantial vision in all areas related to interior space design.

With an active participation of the students, several practical exercises integrated within the course promote a conceptual and experimental approach to design through a handson learning method. It usually begins with a presentation to provide the theoretical foundation that aims to deepen the comprehension of a specific subject. During class, students will develop a quick draft resolution, PowerPoint presentations, and/or a physical model.

MODULES
– Introduction to interior space: principles and elements of space making, their spatial roles and applications.

– Research on architectural space solutions and analysis of space concepts.

– Design Process: first stages for the preliminary design. Analysis of a brief, idea generation, program diagram, design presentation, mood board/sample board.

– Relation between light, space and atmosphere.

– Materials and color: types and application.

– Final Design Project: development of a living concept in a real context.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
At the end of the course the student will be able to:

– Generate powerful ideas and strong proposals trough a free-thinking attitude.

– Produce work with a high degree of innovation where empathy and emotions are reflected in the results.

– Develop a preliminary design project that considers all aspects of an interior design brief, from conception to presentation.

– Gain expertise in applying the essential elements of interior design such as form, color, lighting, finishes and furnishings.

– Apply the learned skills including free hand-drawing, drawing with scale, model-making and methods of analysis and research studies.

– Critically interpret design based on cultural aspects and social behavior.

– Foster interactive learning by working in small groups.

REQUIREMENTS
– In order to accomplish successfully the course students are required to produce precise and articulated drawings and models en 2D and 3D. Therefore, basic knowledge of the following tools and their application is a necessary prerequisite for the course: AutoCAD, Sketch-Up or similar, V-Ray or similar, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator or similar.

– Students are expected to do additional work outside the classroom (exploring for research, studying/reading, practical work on their projects, etc.) in order to reach the desired level of experience and results.

TEACHING METHOD
Focused on learning-by-doing, the classes reflect on different topics introduced in previous lectures by practical work. Research and analysis are proposed as interactive ways of learning that engage with other dimensions of design (material, spatial, social and ecological) and other disciplines (art and architecture). Field trips and visits to design studios and furniture shops complete the course with the aim of stimulating students’ sensitivity and observation skills to the built environment and everyday objects.

GRADING
20% commitment and participation in class discussion

30% design process

50% design outcomes

Students will have to complete all the parts included in the grade weights and earn at least a 5/10 in each part.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
– PILE, John F.: A history of interior design, 3rd ed. London: Laurence King, 2009.

– OPEL, Daniel (ed.): Adolf Loos: On architecture, Riverside, Cal.: Ariadne, 2002.

– LOOS, Adolf : Ornament and crime , Mexico DF: Gato negro, 2014.

– ZUMTHOR, Peter: Atmospheres: architectural environments, surrounding objects, Basel: Birkhäuser, 2006.