fall 2005
ARI 530K:
Design V. Altering the Interior
Altering the Interior
Interiors contain a range of layers that surround the body, such as the clothing one wears to the walls that surround the occupant. This studio will focus on the layers of interiority beginning with the closest layer - the clothes that one wears, and generate outward towards furniture and eventually interior surfaces and architecture. The final project for the semester will include the design of an interior, where issues of proximity, function and utility will be designed in relation to the body. The program of the final project will require additional design elements that include clothing, upholstery, furniture, equipment, vertical and horizontal surfaces, and thresholds of interior and exterior.
The processes of recognizing the layers that surround us allow us to define what interior means. We can ask: does the body act as a gauge to the layers surrounding it? If so, what is this gauge - or rather, measurement? As we study the movement of the body in space, we will also explore how the body can be measured in relationship to itself, to scales and to the objects it encounters on the interior. These studies will then be used to further investigate how one develops a design methodology. The objective and subjective observations in the first few projects of the semester will be translated into a design language, meaning the marks, notations and observations you make through drawings and models will inform you of your own design process. These projects will be given to open up new approaches to design in order to discover how to challenge what you already know.
Tentative Semester Calendar
- weeks 1-2: clothing and the body
- weeks 3-6: furniture and the body
- weeks 7-15: final project
Description from the Catalog
Further examination of the elements of interior space and scale, including specific human factors. Particular emphasis on the design, documentation, production and placement of objects in interiors.
Class Description
Students will be asked to investigate, elaborate and implement complex attitudes toward interior spaces, materials and objects, especially as they relate to one another in a given circumstance. Associated with previous study in construction, connections and details, this course builds upon design fundamentals and develops the ability to apply a broad level of knowledge, skills, processes and theories of interior design.
Objectives
- to understand design fundamentals of:
- lighting
- human factors and the relationship of human behavior and the built environment
- to follow design as a process and demonstrate skills in:
- application of 2-D and 3-D design elements in interior design projects
- selection and application of color in interior design projects
- problem identification, and problem solving
- beginning awareness of processes of information gathering research and analysis
- to apply schematic design process through:
- concept development, through variety of means, including sketching
- planning of adjacencies and circulation, and preliminary specification of interior finishes
- to apply design development through:
- developed space plans, elevations and study models
- developed layout and selection of furniture + lighting, and layout of fixtures/ equipment
- selection, design, and application of custom accessories and interior elements
- an understanding of preparation of contract documents as a system of communication
- develop the ability to read, analyze and document complex spatial, conceptual + perceptual conditions.
- evolve a personal working method of investigation, production and reflection.
- increase comprehension of construction/program parameters.
- expand the understanding of material properties, selections, and detailing.
- clearly communicate a vocabulary (literate, visual + physical) of the work.
- cultivate a rigorous and sensitive approach to material and craft in all that you do.
Methods
This course will demand an active and personal engagement in the learning process, to include developing an individual methodology of research and implementation.
Course Content
The studio will consist of an introductory project of clothing, furniture, body and movement studies. These projects will be used to understand the relationship between program and how a concept is used to shape a program. The studio moves into the main project of the semester for a salon. A series of explorations will take place to better engage the following: design, program and problem identification issues.
In addition, the salon project will involve the design, selection and application of furnishings, lighting, accessories, and custom interior elements, some of which will be constructed as full or half -scale prototypes.
Students will also be required to keep all of their process work and design sketches.
Sketch Book
To be used as a record of thoughts, drawings, ideas, notes and a personal collection of images of things (spaces, materials, details, drawings, furnishings, lighting, graphics, colors, patterns, art, fashion) that catch your eye and make you pause. These may or may not have anything to do with work going on for the studio. Organize this book with some sort of categorical structure that will allow the images to be accessible for your reference.
Grading
A : excellent work, extra effort.
Project must be complete on all levels -- i.e., concept, process, execution. Work reflects a deep and thorough understanding of the project and surpasses expectations for this Studio Level in terms of inventiveness, appropriateness, visual and conceptual ability, craft, and personal advancement. Student pursues concepts and techniques above and beyond what is discussed in class. Excellent.
B : good work, extra effort.
Project must be complete at all levels, and show some spark or potential for excellence. Each level is done thoroughly, is well researched and diligently pursued, and successfully completed. This is expected performance for this studio. Student pursues ideas and suggestions presented in class and puts in effort to resolve required projects. Good.
C : required work, required effort
Student has solved the problem, but the solution lacks depth of understanding, or not all levels are developed equally (concept, process, product, cohesion, research). For example, an interesting concept, but a casual product, or a weak idea/indifferent development but a beautiful presentation will result in an C level evaluation. Adequate.
D : poor work, less than required effort
Work has major deficiencies -- important aspects of the project remain unresolved, or some of the requested components or presentation are missing. Care and/or attention are missing, or basic skills like graphics, verbal clarity or logic of presentation are not developed enough for this Studio Level. The required design skill and knowledge has not been demonstrated. Unsatisfactory.
F : little work, little effort
Extremely poor work, little effort or pursuit of an idea and/or a very poor product. Note that this grade will also be assigned when you have missed an extended period of time (over one week) without notifying the School of Architecture. (512) 471-1922, and reviewing the nature of your situation. Fail.
X : (excused incomplete)
Can be given only for legitimate reasons of illness or family emergency. Simply not completing work on time is not an adequate cause for assigning this evaluation. It may only be used after consultation with the Assistant Dean and with an agreement as to a new completion date. Studio work must be completed before the second week of the next design semester in which you are enrolling, according to School of Architecture policy.
Deductions for absences and late arrivals for studio times, class meetings and reviews may also be taken from final grades, in addition to penalties for late work-- see evaluation and attendance policies.
Completion of Work
Final work must satisfy, in some way, all requirements as outlined in the problem and exercise statements.
The complete project models and drawings must be durable and able to withstand handling and movement.
An incomplete will be given only in rare cases, and for non-academic reasons that will require prior approval.
Readings
Instructor will provide students with readings throughout the semester or will have the readings on reserve in the Architecture Library.
Studio Policies
Class Conduct:
Please consider the studio space as a shared environment. Keep common areas clean of debris and respect the areas and property of others as you would like them to respect yours.
Please turn off all cell phones or pagers during class time. Personal phone calls are not permitted during scheduled studio hours. No smoking at any time during class. Alcohol and Drugs are not permitted in class at any time and possession or use warrants immediate expulsion from the course (see general catalog for further University policies).
Please keep music off during class time for consideration of instructor/student discussions. Some studios try to establish a considerate open-air music policy, if possible, for times when there is no class discussion going on. If noise problems and/or disagreements arise, studios may implement a headphones-only policy.
Show consideration for University Property, and the property, health and safety of others. Do not use toxic materials inside the building. If in doubt, ask me. Students are required to leave common spaces clean and clear of materials when work is finished. Please obtain consent from others in the studio if the work being conducted in a common space must be left in place beyond class time.
Attendance
Be on time. The first 10 minutes of a studio are when some of the most important information is discussed. THREE LATE ARRIVALS will constitute an absence (class times and additional meetings or reviews).
Arrivals 30 minutes after roll is taken will be counted as an absence.
Sometimes an illness or other circumstances may cause you to miss class. You are allowed THREE absences for the semester. Missing extensive days in studio results in a significant impact to your work, and to your participation in the studio. EACH ABSENCE, FOR ANY REASON (except in rare extenuating circumstances requiring department approval) BEYOND THREE WILL RESULT IN A REDUCTION OF YOUR FINAL EARNED GRADE BY A LETTER GRADE POINT. It is best to save your three excused absences for times when they are actually needed. A letter from a doctor will be required.
The instructor will always provide the courtesy of informing you if they will not be able to attend a class meeting; as such, your are expected to inform your instructor of any impending absence, if possible, either in advance in class, by emailing prior to studio, or by calling the department office.
STUDENTS WITH TWO CONSECUTIVE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE COURSE.
Students are required to either be participating in class discussions or working on projects in the studio during the entire class time. You are expected to obtain materials, resources and references outside of class time.
A student who is absent from a class or examination for the observance of a religious holy day may complete the work missed within a reasonable time after the absence, if proper notice has been given. Please refer to the university web-site for academic policies and procedures.
Students with Disabilities
Please notify your instructor of any adaptation you may require to accommodate a specific physical need. You will be requested to provide documentation to the Dean of Students' Office, in order that the most appropriate accommodations can be determined. Specialized services are available on campus through the Services for Students with Disabilities, also found via the web at www.utexas.edu.