About Interior Design (HETAC), BA (Hons) - at Griffith College
The post ordinary degree, one year BA honours Programme has been designed in response to an increasing industrial demand for degree level employees with design skills relating to interior architecture, especially with regard to space planning and facility fit-out.
The graduates, who complete this programme will be able to design interiors in terms of space, materials, detailing and atmosphere. They will be able to sketch, draught, produce Advanced CAD/3D Modelling (to industrial standard), apply advanced technology and manage design projects. The degree programme has two main orientations: professional and academic. The syllabus designed by the faculty staff in consultation with the leading interior architects and designers in Ireland reflects both orientations.
Course Content The programme consists of 6 modules:
Degree Projects While a range of small (mini) projects will be given to the degree group, the students, in consultation with faculty staff, will select their own major projects. Students will be required to submit their projects to the Faculty Board for approval, to ensure that the Faculty is satisfied that the depth and scope of the project will allow the student to demonstrate his/her talent, potential and competency. The degree project work is broken down into five independently assessed stages: Project Research, Project Development, Detail Design, Documentation and Presentation.
Advanced CAD Though independently assessed, the module is structured to assist students in their project work: by recognising the computer as an integral tool in the design process. The module is divided into three blocks: Advanced 3D Design (3D Solid Modelling, 3D Surface Modelling, Editing and Viewing 3D objects), Rendering, Lighting and Animation, and Incorporating Photorealistic Images. Students will be taught how to use the most advanced CAD packages and equipment to explore alternative design concepts and to develop further their own 3D visualisation skills.
Design Theory This module incorporates new elements of design methods applicable to the degree project work and the development of their skills in systematic approaches to space planning. The module will deal with such subjects as design strategies, modular planning systems, design for sustainable interior, applied ergonomics, psychological and physical factors in the commercial world, architectural graphics and branding.
Design Technology This module addresses the application of advanced and alternative technologies in the design of buildings and interiors. The module consists of lectures and seminars on the following topics; technical up-date, innovations and design applications (in the use of glass, timber, timber products and plastics), advanced masonry technology, sustainable materials, lightweight structures, demountable and prefabricated systems, temporary installations, smart technology and intelligent building systems.
Project Management The module is structured to enable students to apply the principles of project management to plan and control their design projects, to formulate project goals, structure and schedule project tasks and break them down into components defined by function, quality, time scale and cost. The module will deal with the methodology of project management (principles, project monitoring, quality assurance), structures of tasks, value analyses, estimating, risk management, the people side of project management (leadership and team work) and exposure.
Cultural Studies The module is divided into two blocks, both of which are composed of lectures and seminars. The block entitled Contemporary Interior Architecture assesses the developments of the last sixty years in terms of style and design of interiors. It reviews the socio-economic, technological, cultural and political factors shaping Interior Architecture. The second block entitled Culture and Nationality in Interior Architecture addresses the global implications of Interior Architecture by examining the affective quality of culture and nationality on the design of interiors. This influence is studied in terms of the use of material, form, colour and finishes.
Progression Holders of this qualification may wish to pursue a postgraduate diploma or masters programme in interior architecture.
Careers Graduates of this course will be able to work with architects and interior designers side by side. On entering the workplace they will be equipped to undertake interior architectural projects and independently carry them through to completion.
