module specification

This module introduces you to the ‘spatial journey’, a critical term used throughout the subject field of Interior Design.

This module encourages students to explore and manipulate the spatial qualities of interiors by applying design principles relating to, for example, the rhythm, pattern and differentiation of architectural features in their contexts.

It considers human responses to commercial and community spaces/environments and the specific impact of these spaces on people. You will observe the physical and emotional values of space and learn how to relate space to its purpose. You will survey and document examples of real spatial environments, using industry standard recording and publishing techniques and tools.

Students will develop and present proposals relating to a spatial journey, exploring ways to manipulate spatial choices and realising ideas visually through drawings, models and digital visualisation techniques. You will be introduced to sector-specific traditional and digital design modelling techniques, and the visualisation and presentation skills necessary for the practising designer. The module will be delivered through the design studio, normally includes a range of exercises and will facilitate the realisation of concepts/ projects generated in other modules.

AMD-ASD Courses Only

The module seeks to enable you to:

• apply industry standard practices for the recording of spatial environments, using industry standard tools, individually and as part of a team

• conduct environmental analysis to observe and record the effect of designed spaces on the people that use them, and to consider the impact that you as a designer can make, having regard to anthropometric and ergonomic data

• begin to develop techniques and approaches for the generation and development of design proposals relating to a ‘spatial journey’

• develop and apply skills in modelling and presentation using industry specific tools and techniques, being alert to scale and size
 

Through the design studio and set projects, students will develop knowledge and experience of:

• Methods for the survey and recording of spatial environments practised in site-specific team work
• Techniques for the critical evaluation of human behaviour in relation to spatial characteristics of built environments
• Ergonomic, anthropometric and geometric principles of design
• Developing a ‘spatial journey’, as the basic principle of space manipulation
• Orthographic drawing
• Industry standard digital software packages
• Recording, formatting and manipulation of images and sketches, and 3D modelling in traditional and digital media

Studios and projects will seek to enable a range of learning opportunities such as:

• Techniques and skills introduced through a series of presentations, demonstrations, briefings, seminars, group and individual tutorials
• Site survey and environmental analysis skills, engaging students through team work and developing shared outcomes and encouraging student to student knowledge transfer
• Discussion of ideas, process and approach, developing a shared student resource through a blended learning facility
• Personal development portfolio with self and peer reflection
• Face to face and online study groups through the University E-learning environment

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding
Develop, realise and present basic proposals for spatial environments using 2D and 3D sketching, modeling, visualisation and presentation techniques, showing understanding of key principles of scale, proportion and geometry

Cognitive Intellectual Skills
Consider and balance the effect and impact designed spatial environments can have on users through consideration and application of ergonomic factors and ethical principles

Transferable Skills
Work effectively and efficiently as part of a team, jointly addressing a studio project brief

Subject Specific Practical Skills
Survey, analyse, record and present, accurately and in detail, a range of spatial environments, with reference to industry conventions
 

At end of project reviews, students are expected to produce a coherent visual presentation of their project development and proposals, together with individual critical evaluation of relative successes and failures, and communicate and debate this with others.

This module will formatively assess individual or team generated environmental diagnostic surveys and visual presentation of proposals in the initial phase of the module. The satisfactory completion of relevant technical workshop, studio or computer suite activities, and continuing independent practice (and associated health and safety procedures) will be monitored.

The final mark is determined at the end of the module, following summative assessment of a portfolio comprising (according the requirements of the brief), a comprehensive site and environmental report, sketchbooks, sketch models and a reflective report, project development work and its presentation. Precise requirements will be given in project documentation.

Work must be carefully organized and presented to indicate the development of work and the content clearly labeled. Students must attend timetabled studio and workshop sessions.

Ching, F (2007) Architecture: Form, Space and Order, John Wiley and Sons
Elms, K (2001) Geometry of Design: Studies of Proportion and Composition, Princeton Architectural Press
Littlefield, D (2011) The Metric Handbook, Architectural Press
Neufert, E, Neufert. P, Baiche, B, Walliman N, (2002)  Architects’ Data, Blackwell Science
Porter, T (2000) Architectural Supermodels: Physical Design Simulation, Architectural Press
Vranckx, B (Ed) (2006) Urban Landscape Architecture, Rockport

Online resources:
Adobe Photoshop tutorials: www.tutorialized.com  & www.lynda.com