Course Overview
Building Spaces That Transcends the Conventional
In this programme, students gain, develop and demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and skills in Interior Architecture and Design. We focus on the creative improvement of existing as well as new buildings and spaces. Students will learn about how the objects and spaces that make up our everyday landscapes provide pleasure, give meaning to and can enhance the quality of people's lives. Students will develop an understanding of how people and activities interact with the material, environmental, sensual, emotional, functional and cultural qualities of a specific space and situation and how interior architects can design better places.
The University of Hertfordshire is a vibrant, inclusive, campus-based institution with a vision to be internationally renowned as the UK's leading business-facing university. It is innovative, enterprising and challenges individuals and organisations to excel.
Curriculum
Year One (Level 4)
Intensive introduction to the knowledge, skills and techniques of Interior Architecture and Design (IAD). Students learn how to observe, analyse, represent and communicate the qualities of existing spaces, besides exploring how designers improve such spaces. The emphasis is on understanding and developing proficiency in a wide range of design, representational as well as communication techniques. In addition, students are introduced to the basics of materiality, construction and detailing.
SEMESTER 1
Design Studio 1: Anatomy of Space 15 Credits
Analyse interrelationships between inhabitation and design studies of domestic interiors and activities.
Communication 1: Representing Space 15 Credits
Different ways of drawing, measuring and communicating the characteristics of material space and form.
Technology 1: Introducing Materiality 15 Credits
Introduces physical making, prototyping and testing as central component of developing knowledge and skills about materials and their characteristics.
Critical and Cultural Studies L4 15 Credits
Introduce the recent history of design and ways that shaped contemporary design practice and debate.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Hubungan Etnik Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi II Compulsory
SEMESTER 2
Design Studio 2: Serious Play 30 Credits
Introduces the basics of the design process as a dynamic process of investigation and analysis through designing spaces for both living and working.
Communication 2: Digital Skills 15 Credits
Using and developing CAD skills in the visual communication and presentation of design ideas.
Sustainability: Past, Present and Future 15 Credits
Introduce students to the underpinning concepts of sustainability and economic, ecological and cultural system.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Tamadun Islam & Tamadun Asia Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Malaysian Studies Compulsory
Year Two (Level 5)
Intensive introduction to the knowledge, skills and techniques of Interior Architecture and Design (IAD). Students learn how to observe, analyse, represent and communicate the qualities of existing spaces, besides exploring how designers improve such spaces. The emphasis is on understanding and developing proficiency in a wide range of design, representational as well as communication techniques. In addition, students are introduced to the basics of materiality, construction and detailing.
SEMESTER 1
Design Studio 1: Anatomy of Space 15 Credits
Analyse interrelationships between inhabitation and design studies of domestic interiors and activities.
Communication 1: Representing Space 15 Credits
Different ways of drawing, measuring and communicating the characteristics of material space and form.
Technology 1: Introducing Materiality 15 Credits
Introduces physical making, prototyping and testing as central component of developing knowledge and skills about materials and their characteristics.
Critical and Cultural Studies L4 15 Credits
Introduce the recent history of design and ways that shaped contemporary design practice and debate.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Hubungan Etnik Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi II Compulsory
SEMESTER 2
Design Studio 2: Serious Play 30 Credits
Introduces the basics of the design process as a dynamic process of investigation and analysis through designing spaces for both living and working.
Communication 2: Digital Skills 15 Credits
Using and developing CAD skills in the visual communication and presentation of design ideas.
Sustainability: Past, Present and Future 15 Credits
Introduce students to the underpinning concepts of sustainability and economic, ecological and cultural system.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Tamadun Islam & Tamadun Asia Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Malaysian Studies Compulsory
Overall aim of building upon the knowledge and skills developed in Level 4, to broaden as well as deepen their competency in Interior Architecture and Design. Students are encouraged to engage with some key contemporary issues, apart from learning ways to develop their design exploration and experimentation. This enables them to be more self-directed in their design processes, in order to produce coherent and complex design resolutions.
SEMESTER 1
Design Studio 3: Close-Up 15 Credits
Enabling students to develop inventive and appropriate approaches to the detailed reworking and transformation of existing built spaces on a 1:1 scale.
Communication 3: Digital Skills 2 15 Credits
Developing proficiency in 3D CAD modelling and Rendering/Digital Fabrication.
Technology 2: Detail 15 Credits
Explores design thinking in conjunction with 1:1 physical exploration.
Sustainability in Practice 15 Credits
Places the issue of sustainability in historical, current and future business and cultural context.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Business & Marketing | Bahasa Kebangsaan A Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Business & Marketing Compulsory
SEMESTER 2
Critical and Cultural Studies L5 15 Credits
Consider theoretical positions that inform recent and contemporary practice.
Design Studio 4: Inside Out 15 Credits
Considers the range of possibilities available to interior architects from contemporary installations and events-based work to permanent realisations.
Professional Development 1: Preparing for Industry 15 Credits
Includes several forms of peer appraisal in areas such as role play and reading through CW's and application letters.
Level 6 focuses on the integration of all skills and knowledge developed in previous years, as students bring together the different aspects of design creatively and coherently in response to specific design problems in order to illustrate an engagement with some aspect of contemporary Interior Architecture and Design practices. The year starts with great emphasis on strategies of working within existing fabrics and then, students decide on a major area of specialisation for the final project, through the development of a design research proposal.
SEMESTER 1
Design Studio 5: Generator 15 Credits
Investigate how Interior Architecture and Design can take on a truly transformational role.
Technology 3: Contemporary Technologies 15 Credits
Self-initiated exploration of thematic cutting-edge technologies relating to spatial practices.
Critical & Cultural Studies L6: Degree Essay / Report (Design) 30 Credits
Enable students to conduct an in-depth enquiry of design culture with analysis and theory.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Culture & Humanities Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Culture & Humanities Compulsory
SEMESTER 2
Design Studio 6: Augment 45 Credits
Develop focus on the development of a personal major project connected with design research and technological investigations.
Professional Development 2: Professional Practice & Employability 15 Credits
Develop understanding of professional approaches, practices and opportunities within the discipline's contemporary practice.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Community Service Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Community Service Compulsory
Year Three (Level 6)
Intensive introduction to the knowledge, skills and techniques of Interior Architecture and Design (IAD). Students learn how to observe, analyse, represent and communicate the qualities of existing spaces, besides exploring how designers improve such spaces. The emphasis is on understanding and developing proficiency in a wide range of design, representational as well as communication techniques. In addition, students are introduced to the basics of materiality, construction and detailing.
SEMESTER 1
Design Studio 1: Anatomy of Space 15 Credits
Analyse interrelationships between inhabitation and design studies of domestic interiors and activities.
Communication 1: Representing Space 15 Credits
Different ways of drawing, measuring and communicating the characteristics of material space and form.
Technology 1: Introducing Materiality 15 Credits
Introduces physical making, prototyping and testing as central component of developing knowledge and skills about materials and their characteristics.
Critical and Cultural Studies L4 15 Credits
Introduce the recent history of design and ways that shaped contemporary design practice and debate.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Hubungan Etnik Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi II Compulsory
SEMESTER 2
Design Studio 2: Serious Play 30 Credits
Introduces the basics of the design process as a dynamic process of investigation and analysis through designing spaces for both living and working.
Communication 2: Digital Skills 15 Credits
Using and developing CAD skills in the visual communication and presentation of design ideas.
Sustainability: Past, Present and Future 15 Credits
Introduce students to the underpinning concepts of sustainability and economic, ecological and cultural system.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Tamadun Islam & Tamadun Asia Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Malaysian Studies Compulsory
Overall aim of building upon the knowledge and skills developed in Level 4, to broaden as well as deepen their competency in Interior Architecture and Design. Students are encouraged to engage with some key contemporary issues, apart from learning ways to develop their design exploration and experimentation. This enables them to be more self-directed in their design processes, in order to produce coherent and complex design resolutions.
SEMESTER 1
Design Studio 3: Close-Up 15 Credits
Enabling students to develop inventive and appropriate approaches to the detailed reworking and transformation of existing built spaces on a 1:1 scale.
Communication 3: Digital Skills 2 15 Credits
Developing proficiency in 3D CAD modelling and Rendering/Digital Fabrication.
Technology 2: Detail 15 Credits
Explores design thinking in conjunction with 1:1 physical exploration.
Sustainability in Practice 15 Credits
Places the issue of sustainability in historical, current and future business and cultural context.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Business & Marketing | Bahasa Kebangsaan A Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Business & Marketing Compulsory
SEMESTER 2
Critical and Cultural Studies L5 15 Credits
Consider theoretical positions that inform recent and contemporary practice.
Design Studio 4: Inside Out 15 Credits
Considers the range of possibilities available to interior architects from contemporary installations and events-based work to permanent realisations.
Professional Development 1: Preparing for Industry 15 Credits
Includes several forms of peer appraisal in areas such as role play and reading through CW's and application letters.
Level 6 focuses on the integration of all skills and knowledge developed in previous years, as students bring together the different aspects of design creatively and coherently in response to specific design problems in order to illustrate an engagement with some aspect of contemporary Interior Architecture and Design practices. The year starts with great emphasis on strategies of working within existing fabrics and then, students decide on a major area of specialisation for the final project, through the development of a design research proposal.
SEMESTER 1
Design Studio 5: Generator 15 Credits
Investigate how Interior Architecture and Design can take on a truly transformational role.
Technology 3: Contemporary Technologies 15 Credits
Self-initiated exploration of thematic cutting-edge technologies relating to spatial practices.
Critical & Cultural Studies L6: Degree Essay / Report (Design) 30 Credits
Enable students to conduct an in-depth enquiry of design culture with analysis and theory.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Culture & Humanities Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Culture & Humanities Compulsory
SEMESTER 2
Design Studio 6: Augment 45 Credits
Develop focus on the development of a personal major project connected with design research and technological investigations.
Professional Development 2: Professional Practice & Employability 15 Credits
Develop understanding of professional approaches, practices and opportunities within the discipline's contemporary practice.
FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Community Service Compulsory
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Community Service Compulsory
