Building Information Modeling (BIM) is defined as a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. Revit is one of the most comprehensive and widely used BIM programs in the world. The software closes the gap between 3D geometry and building component data. This course will introduce students to Revit utilizing a hands-on approach. The class will introduce the essential concepts of the software through weekly class lectures/tutorials. Weekly assignments will allow students to use their knowledge to complete real-life design tasks. Hands-on exercises will also focus on software interface, creation of parametric families and creation of construction document sets.
Participants must have laptop with Windows, w/Parallels recommended for Mac users. Free student download of Revit available
Major elective: BFA,MDes, MA
INTAR majors only

Choice of advanced design studios offered by the Department of Interior Architecture. Details & studio descriptions will be made available to pre-registered students on September 10th. Advanced Design (Lottery) Studio Presentations by teaching faculty will take place on Tuesday, September 11th.
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture Department, course not available via web registration
Fee: Some advanced studios have a fee for course supplies or field trips. The fee is announced during the registration lottery held in the department.

This course focuses on the drawing as it serves to convey different design intentions. As a continuation of the basic drawing coursework in the MDes Summer Program, this course will explore advanced techniques in hand drawing and digital representation.
Students successfully completing this course will be able to understand the construction of 3D drawings, develop sophisticated digital layouts with image processing software, create CAD based 2D architectural drawings and 3D models, and develop a 3D visualization of a design. The integration of 2D and 3D data, digital materials, as well as the basics of digital lighting and camera work will also be discussed.
Major Requirement: MDes
INTAR majors only

This course approaches the subject of adaptive reuse through environmental issues, economic analysis and design. These fundamental concepts are applied in real-world projects of reuse to reduce negative impacts to the built environment.
Course objectives include an understanding of energy and environmental context, the ability to develop schematic designs for energy efficient interventions in an existing building, the ability to perform basic analyses of the energy and economic performance of building measures and to apply course material to case studies of completed buildings.
Students should develop familiarity with energy and environmental impacts associated with the built environment and the rationale for responsible design, energy modeling and calculations, passive and active lighting systems (including daylighting techniques and fenestration) and the thermal performance of buildings including the thermal envelope and passive and active heating systems.
The course structure includes a midterm examination, case studies, an individual research paper and a final design project.
Major Requirement: MA
INTAR majors only

This class introduces the student to different interior building materials, their properties and characteristics. Through a series of full scale construction projects, the student will be asked to explore these materials and their potential in the design of interior structure.
Major requirement: BFA
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

While introducing students to the principal concepts of structural design and mechanical systems, the course will attempt to provide a direct link to the built environment with focus on the rehabilitation, preservation and adaptive reuse of existing structures, both historical and contemporary. The presentation of case studies, focus on the structural and mechanical aspects of students' individual studio projects and the excursion to at least one construction site will bridge the gap between class room and the world of building.
Major requirement: BFA
INTAR majors only

The Design Thesis in the department of Interior Architecture is conceived as a three part sequence beginning with "Investigating Interiority", now positioned in the Spring semester of the penultimate year of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Building on the theorectical understandings obtained during that prerequisite course, this semester is designed to assist students to identify a suitable thesis project. The discussions will refer to important precedents, many of which will have been identified during the earlier course. The students will be required to submit their proposals for their own self-choice design project. Through group discussion and individual interviews, outline proposals will be approved in principle, requiring each student to prepare a feasibility report for their proposed Design Thesis. The design phase will take place during the following Spring semester. The completed feasibility report will be submitted for evaluation at the end of the Fall semester.
Major requirement:MDes
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

Introdution to means of representation of ideas for Interior Architecture through various types of drawings: orthographics, axonometrics, perspectives, freehand sketching and mixed media. Work will be done on site from existing structures as well as in the studio concentrating on concept development through drawing.
Major requirement:BFA
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

This course will examine the major architectural personalities working in Europe (Italy, France, England, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands) and in North America in the period 1800 to 2010. Areas of study will include an examination of adaptive reuse related issues that will be studied in the context of their social, political, technological, and economic circumstances, as they pertain to the design culture of the period. Special emphasis will be given to interior renovations, additions, transformations and other interventions of adaptive reuse. Other areas of study will include the development of architectural drawing, and the way in which designs often evolved through committees, or ongoing consultations among patrons, designers, administrators, and scholars. Attention will also be given to design theory, and the doctrines relating to site, orientation, proportion, decorum, and the commercial design market.
This course will be conducted in seminar form with discourse and discussions at the graduate level.
Major Requirement: MDes
INTAR majors only

This course will examine the major architectural personalities working in Europe (Italy, France, England, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands) and in North America (the U.S.A., Canada and Mexico) in the period 1400 to 2009. Areas of study will include an examination of interior design related issues that will be studied in the context of their social, political, technological, and economic circumstances, as they pertain to the design culture of the period. Special emphasis will be given to interior additions and renovations and other interventions. Other areas of study will include the development of architectural drawing, and the way in which designs often evolved through committees, or ongoing consultations among patrons, designers, administrators, and scholars. Attention will also be given to design theory, and the doctrines relating to site, orientation, proportion, decorum, and the commercial design market.
A general background in the history of Art and Design is desirable but not mandatory.
Requirement for BFA, and MIA three-year program
Elective for MIA two-year program; INTAR majors only
Art History credit for Interior Architecture majors
Liberal Arts elective credit for nonmajors on a space available basis.

The psychology of the client/user are crucial factors influencing the design of the environment and the practice of interior architecture. This course will explore issues of anthropometrics (the study of the characteristics of the human body), ergonomics (the application of anthropometric data to design), and proxemics (the study of the effect of cultural/psychological factors on design). During the semester the student will gather facts about the interaction of the environment and a user's culture, gender, stage of life cycle, and physical characteristics. These ideas will be implemented in the design and construction of an object.
Major requirement: BFA
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

This course will focus on factors influencing the design of the interior environment through exploring issues of anthropometrics (the study of the characteristics of the human body), ergonomics (the application of anthropometric data to design), and proxemics (the study of the effect of cultural/psychological factors on design).
It will be complemented by a study of acoustics as it relates to the relationship between the built environment and sound; predicting and designing for the acoustic performance of spaces, and executing acoustic measurements (impulse response, reverberations).
Major Requirement: MDes
INTAR majors only

This course builds on the foundations gained in previous studio and course work by specifically furthering design development abilities. The studio will require the integration of the student's emerging knowledge of site analysis, mapping & documentation, innovative tectonics and systems, applicable theoretical issues, relevant cultural precedents, and precise material investigation into a cohesive design agenda. Major Requirement: MDes
INTAR majors only

This course, the first in a sequence, explores design principles through design problems involving reuse of existing structures themes. Students will have the opportunity to explore design issues through both traditional and computer generated design.
Major requirement: BFA
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

Building on the skills and knowledge developed during the first year in the Department, undergraduate students will focus their attention on a project which requires the hypothetical remodeling of an existing building of some complexity for a proposed new use.
Major requirement: BFA
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department; course not available via web registration

This course approaches the subject of adaptive reuse through the understanding of the rules and regulations pertaining to existing structures. Building on the framework of the International Building Code for Existing Structures, this course examines in detail the feasibility of reuse as defined by construction regulations and practice.
Through the structure of IEBC, it develops an integral understanding of the design and construction of adaptive reuse projects and its related technologies. The semester will be based upon case studies of completed projects in adaptive reuse to demonstrate the principles of design and construction within the context of existing structures. Through this course, students develop an understanding for the design process necessary among engineering and design professionals in implementation of adaptive reuse in the design profession.
Assigned projects through the semester require the understanding and implementation of these regulations on projects of adaptive reuse.
Major Requirement: MA
INTAR majors only

This course explores the principles of construction and design detailing. The student will detail the construction of a previously designed studio project. Finish materials, window treatments, light fixtures, and furniture will be selected. Construction methods and materials will be examined as well as the performance and appearance retention of finishes. Individual presentations will be made on a variety of traditional and nontraditional materials.
Major requirement: BFA
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

This lecture course is designed to familiarize students with structural principles and systems as they relate to the study of interior architecture. The course will examine the performance and composition of various structural systems, including wood, lightweight metal, steel, masonry, and concrete structures. To gain an understanding of structures, their materials and components in adaptive reuse, we will visit local examples in the built environment.
Major requirement: MIA, MDes
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

"It is not good to cross the bridge before you get to it." Judi Dench
This course is for thinkers who aspire to strengthen the relationship between presentational techniques and spatial design concepts. Every design starts with creating a framework of ideas, which is called a ?Design Concept?. We share these ideas with other people through the use of presentational methods; however, conventional drawing norms overwhelm the visual language of our techniques. As a result, the possibilities of deeper, creative communications are blocked. Instead of conforming to conventions, we will cross the bridge between the Concept and Presentation in a more conscious manner and experiment with other possibilities of expression.
Students will focus on creating experimental presentation drawings in coherence with their spatial design concepts. The spaces they design will be small in scale and have little programmatic requirements allowing them to focus on the concept and presentation relationships. Students will start every project with developing conceptual backgrounds for their spaces. The projects will not simply be drawn in conventional two-dimensional techniques but will be exposed to the world through the orchestration of words, drawings, sculpture, sound, photography and both digital and manual manipulations (Students from different departments will be encouraged to bring their individual studio knowledge). At the end of this course, students will have three spatial design projects expressed with coherent presentations.
Prerequisite: Basic Photoshop knowledge

The int|AR Journal is an academic publication of the Department of Interior Architecture that focuses on design interventions and adaptive reuse. Students will be introduced to the process of design journalism both from the standpoint of an editor and from that of a contributor. The course will include the production of common contents such as a cover and the general layout as well as research for the upcoming issue. The course will be a combination of seminar style discussions and design crits/reviews. Writing and graphic design skills are a prerequisite to the course.

Proficiency with InDesign software recommended Graduate level INTAR and INTST majors only
Others with instructor permission

This course is primarily intended to provide some insight into the design objectives of the studio projects of the undergraduate and graduate degree programs of Interior Architecture at RISD. As a studio introduction to Interior Architecture for non-majors, the course will focus on the spatial design concerns of the department focusing on how one carves, creates and occupies built space. Projects will explore the realm of work that begins with an architectural volume and transforms it from the ill-used or obsolete, to new purpose and viability, presented in drawings and models.

The idea of using living material has taken on a major role in all aspects of design. Lines between where one design discipline ends and another begins have become blurred in today?s design environment. Biophilic design has become a leading study in this phenomenon. This course offers a better understanding of how living systems can take a role in creating new space and structure within the existing built environment . The course includes lectures, discussions, hands on activities, and design assignments to further develop the students understanding of conceptual thinkings and techinical requirements of living systems, biophilic design, spatial planning, and adaptive reuse.
Also offered as LDAR-2119
Estimated Cost of Materials: $25.00-$50.00

This class is primarily intended as a means for students in their year of graduation from the Department to prepare their portfolios for interviews with potential employers and for entry to the professional world of design. Using computer programs which will build upon knowledge already gained, the course will be helpful to all those who wish to gain some knowledge of techniques which will enhance the presentation of design work already completed. This is an essential aspect of the class, and should not be regarded as an opportunity to extend further design work on earlier studios, although some refinement of existing drawings will be necessary. InDesign, Illustrator & Photoshop software required.

Interior Architecture majors only

The class seeks to examine set design within a studio environment that is as close as possible to that of the profession, allowing students the opportunity to work on numerous productions in the design roles within theatre and opera. Relevance will be attached to the exploration of visual solutions that are viscerally grounded in the text. Script analysis will be thorough and ongoing. Group participation in this process is essential. Students will be expected to read and research one to two plays per week. All sets will be modeled, with fluctuating levels of completion.
Sketching, hand drafting, color rendering and research will be frequently employed as ways of communicating design visions. We will not be discussing or using AutoCAD in this class. All projects will be conceptual and theoretical in nature, though residing in actual theatrical spaces. These projects have the goal of supporting the student in the development of their individual design identities. All work will be deeply strident in the examination and application of the complete design process.
The final project will be the most fully realized, and will be a compilation of the techniques studied during the semester. Students will be expected to present this project with the full complement of models, renderings, drafts and research.
We will have class critiques of students? projects throughout the semester. An assortment of colleagues and professionals will be invited from time to time to participate in these critiques. Students will also be required to attend several plays, some rehearsals, and to visit and research local theatre venues during the semester. Arrangements will be made by the teaching faculty. Students will need basic modeling and drafting tools and supplies as needed.
Architecture & Design Majors Only

As the final studio in the year-long sequence of studios and seminars focusing on the practice of adaptive reuse, the student will have the opportunity to demonstrate these principles and theories in a complex design project of reuse.
With the city of Providence as the setting for the project, students have access to the site and are able to observe and experience firsthand the constraints of an existing structure. Students will also have the opportunity to use city resources such as the Providence Department of Planning and Development, Historic District Commission, RI State Council on the Arts, etc. This project will serve as a model for engaging other real-world adaptive reuse applications.
This studio will be taught in conjunction with the 3-credit Adaptive Reuse Seminar, INTAR 2363.
Major Requirement: MA
INTAR majors only

Choice of advanced design studios offered by the Department of Interior Architecture. Details & studio descriptions will be made available to pre-registered students on September 10th. Advanced Design (Lottery) Studio Presentations by teaching faculty will take place on Tuesday, September 11th.
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture Department, course not available via web registration
Fee: Some advanced studios have a fee for course supplies or field trips. The fee is announced during the registration lottery held in the department.

This class introduces the student to an overview of codes and it's implementation through construction details as related to the study of adaptive reuse. It will provide in depth focus on pertinent parts of local and national building codes that address issues affecting interior architecture such as egress, materials, planning, and accessibility. The student will be asked through quizzes as well as short design projects to implement these rules and regulations and to demonstrate a familiarity with the codes.
Major requirement:MDes
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

Required for all students in the MIA and MDes degree programs. Under the supervision of their degree project advisor, students are responsible for the preparation and completion of a fully articulated design proposal of their own choice, as described by their "Design Thesis Feasibility Report", submitted at the end of the Fall semester's Design Thesis Preparation class.
Major requirement: MIA, MDes
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department; course not available via web registration

This course provides students with an opportunity to study how distinct building systems are constructed to form a comprehensive whole. Through case studies, students will examine approaches to integrating a variety of systems, such as structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, acoustic, and communication systems. This course will focus on how interior architecture interfaces with existing buildings; the case studies will be of recent works that have altered existing building. Students will be required to use the shop and computers to execute their individual and group assignments.
Major requirement: MIA, MDes
Elective for undergraduate students; INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

This seminar will be taught in conjunction with a 6 credit Adaptive Reuse Studio, (INTAR 2362) in which the students explore design innovation and its relationship to the constraints of an existing site. The student will select a topic of research in conjunction with their design project, formulate propositions and develop them with a team of advisers.
Evidence of such research will culminate in both written form and as part of the design proposal.
Major Requirement: MA
INTAR majors only

This course will examine the major designers working in the period 1850 to the present. Areas of study will include an examination of design related issues that will be studied in the context of their social, political, technological, and economic circumstances, as they pertain to the design culture of the period. Special emphasis will be given to the history of interior interventions, additions and renovations.

Other areas of study will include the development of architectural drawing and other presentation media, and the way in which designs often evolved through committees, or ongoing consultations among the patrons, designers, administrators, and scholars. Attention will also be given to design theory, and the doctrines relating to site, orientation, proportion, decorum, and the commercial design market.

A general background in the history of Art and Design is desirable but is not mandatory.
Major requirement for BFA, and MIA three-year program; Elective for MIA two-year program
INTAR majors only
Liberal Arts elective credit for nonmajors on a space available basis.

The objective of this class is to learn basic digital techniques in spatial design. Students successfully completing this course should be able to develop sophisticated digital layouts with image processing software, create CAD based 2D architectural drawings and 3D models, and develop a 3D visualization of a design. In this course, we will also discuss the integration of 2D and 3D data, digital materials, as well as the basics of digital lighting and camera work.
Major requirement: BFA
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

Design principles and themes presented in the first semester are further developed through a series of projects.
Major requirement: BFA
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration

This seminar is intended as a reinforcement of the central theoretical aspects of Interior Architecture in preparation for the self-choice Degree Project the following Spring. The seminar will assist the student to become more aware of those factors which will determine a successful outcome in terms of site and program for a design intervention with an existing building.

The course will examine issues relating to the concept of interior architecture from the Early Modern era to the present day. Areas of focus will include an examination of design-related interventions regarding alterations, additions, restorations and conservation of interiors which will be studied in the context of their social, spiritual, philosophical, political, technological, and economic circumstances, as they pertain to the design culture of the period. Every week, select buildings will be presented as case studies that highlight the week's thematic issues regarding varied types of interior interventions.
Also offered as INTAR 2379; Requirement for BIA and MIA;INTAR majors only
Register into the course for which credit is desired

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of color and light as it applies to spatial and visual perceptions in the built environment. It is an opportunity to study color theory in conjunction with light, lighting systems and the effect of light on color.
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department; course not available via web registration

This course will address new trends, recent developments, avant-garde methodology, and technological innovations in adaptive reuse. The content will change from year to year.
Major Requirement: MA
INTAR majors only

Routinely defined as "transforming an unused or underused building into one that serves a new use," the practice of adaptive reuse is rich and varied.
This lecture course will examine the pluralism of this practice through weekly lectures that focus on these varying aspects. The course will also focus on the differences in the implementation of this practice from countries in Northern Europe with its longstanding regard for reuse to countries with emerging practices such as China and Korea.
The lectures will include case studies of buildings, unbuilt projects, and urban assemblages, which will be contextualized in through the common themes which are critical to understanding reuse.
Requirements: weekly lectures and discussions, readings, a mid-term examination and a final paper.
Major Requirement:MA, MDES
INTAR majors only

This seminar is intended as a reinforcement of the central theoretical aspects of Interior Architecture in preparation for the self-choice Design Thesis the following Spring. The seminar will assist the student to become more aware of those factors which will determine a successful outcome in terms of site and program for a design intervention with an existing building.

The course will examine issues relating to the concept of interior architecture from the Early Modern era to the present day. Areas of focus will include an examination of design-related interventions regarding alterations, additions, restorations and conservation of interiors which will be studied in the context of their social, spiritual, philosophical, political, technological, and economic circumstances, as they pertain to the design culture of the period. Every week, select buildings will be presented as case studies that highlight the week's thematic issues regarding varied types of interior interventions.
Major requirement: MDes
INTAR majors only
Registration by Interior Architecture department, course not available via web registration
Also offered as LAEL LE08 for Liberal Arts elective credit. Register into the course for which credit is desired.