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DSNI 305

DSNI 305: Junior Studio II

Prerequisite: DSN340, DSNI300, DSNI320, DSNI350, DSNI322; 2.5 in-major GPA

Credit Hours: (4) Eight hours studio

A comprehensive study of the design process as applied to residential and/or non-residential spaces. Problem solving skills are emphasized in designing spaces that accommodate user needs.


Detailed Description of Content of Course

List topics or major units; include subtopics under major units, if appropriate.

This course develops student problem solving competencies in designing residential and/or non-residential interiors, including the social, private, work, storage and special purpose areas within the environment. Students apply all phases of the design process [i.e., problem identification, information gathering, ideation and analysis/synthesis] in developing interior design solutions that are functionally appropriate and aesthetically pleasing for the intended client. Development of alternative solutions and concepts through various visualization techniques [i.e., study models, etc.] is emphasized. Portfolio quality is required of final presentations. All final resolutions must meet international building codes and barrier free guidelines.


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Reading material, graphic standards, lectures, guest speakers and jurors, demonstrations and field trips provide the knowledge base for the course. Studio exercises and projects require students to apply each stage of the design process in designing the various areas within a non-residential space. Alternative solutions are generated through ideation exercises; spatial composition is evaluated and refined through sketching exercises, prototypical layouts and design development. Students will receive an exposure to or opportunities for:

1. Contemporary issues affecting interior design relative to the commercial sector. (2d)
2. Solving simple to complex design problems. (4f)
3. Innovation and creative thinking. (4h)
4. Developing critical listening skills. (4i)
5. Collaboration, consensus building, leadership, and team work. (5c)
6. Interaction with multiple disciplines representing a variety of points of view and perspectives. (5d)
7. The interior design program provides exposure to various market sectors and client types. (7f)
8. A range of design research and problem solving methods. (4g)


Goals and Objectives of the Course

As a result of this course, the student will demonstrate…

a. Sustainability guidelines, including: concepts, principles and theories of sustainability as they pertain to building methods, materials, systems and occupants. (14a, 2a)
b. How design needs may vary for different socio-economic populations. (2c)
c. To understand that social and cultural norms may vary from their own, and are relevant to making appropriate design decisions. (3a)
d. To demonstrate an understanding and ability to appropriately apply theories of human behavior, to select, interpret, and apply appropriate ergonomic and anthropometric data, and to appropriately apply universal design concepts. (3b, 3c, 3d)
e. The ability to identify and define relevant aspects of a design problem (goals, objectives, performance criteria), to gather appropriate and necessary information and research findings to solve the problem (evidence-based design), and to evaluate, select, and apply information and research findings to design, to synthesize information and generate multiple concepts and/or multiple design responses to programmatic requirements, and to demonstrate creative thinking and originality through presentation of a variety of ideas, approaches, and concepts. (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e)
f. Team work structures and dynamics. (5a)
g. The ability to apply a variety of communication techniques and technologies appropriate to a range of purposes and audiences; to express ideas clearly in oral and written communication; to use sketches as a design and communication tool (ideation drawings); and to produce competent presentation drawings across a range of appropriate media and integrate presentation materials to assist in presenting ideas clearly. (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6f )
h. The ability to produce competent contract documents including coordinated drawings, schedules, and specifications appropriate to project size and scope and sufficiently extensive to show how design solutions and interior construction are related. (6e)
i. The ability to analyze and discuss spatial definition and organization, and effectively apply the elements, principles, and theories of design to three-dimensional design solutions. (9c, 9b) Understanding of color principles, theories, and systems; the interaction of light and color and the impact they have on one another and interior environments. (10a, 10b)
j. The ability to appropriately select and apply color with regard to its multiple purposes; and to apply color effectively in visual communication (presentations, models, etc.). (10c, 10d)
k. An awareness of a  broad range of materials and products, typical fabrication and installation methods, and maintenance requirements, appropriate materials and products on the basis of their properties and performance criteria, including environmental attributes and life cycle cost, and the ability to layout and specify furniture, fixtures, and equipment. (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d)
l. An understanding of the principles of natural and electrical lighting design and to competently select and apply luminaires and light sources. (12a, 12b)
m. An understanding of the principles of acoustical design and the appropriate strategies for acoustical control. (12c,12d)
n. An understanding of the principles of thermal design and how thermal systems impact interior design solutions. (12e, 12f)
o. An understanding of the principles of indoor air quality and how the selection and application of products and systems impact indoor air quality. (12g, 12h)
p. Understanding that design solutions affect and are impacted by: structural and non-structural systems including ceilings, flooring, and interior walls, structural systems and methods, distribution systems including power, mechanical, HVAC, data/voice telecommunications, and plumbing, energy, security, and building controls systems and vertical circulation systems.  (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13f)
q. The ability to read and interpret construction drawings and documents. (13g)
r. An understanding of laws, codes, standards, and guidelines that impact fire and life safety, including: compartmentalization: fire separation and smoke containment; movement: access to the means of egress including stairwells, corridors, exitways; detection: active devices that alert occupants including smoke/heat detectors and alarm systems; suppression: devices used to extinguish flames including sprinklers, standpipes, fire hose cabinets, extinguishers, etc. (14 g, 14h, 14i, 14c, 14d ,14e, 14f)
s. The ability to select and apply appropriate federal, state/provincial, and local codes, standards, and accessibility guidelines. (14g, 14h, 14i)


Assessment Measures

Exams, exercises, projects, written, oral and graphic presentations


Other Course Information
None


Review and Approval


05/2011