RISD : Rhode Island School of Design : COURSES

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE: COURSE LISTINGS

The following information, provided by RISD’s Registrar’s Office, is indicative of courses offered at RISD and is not to be used for registering. Prospective students interested in browsing the most recent course updates should go to wa.risd.edu and click on “guest + prospective students.”

>> current RISD students: register for classes at wa.risd.edu
>> RISD faculty: contact registrar@risd.edu to update course data

RISD Graduate Courses in Interior Architecture

INTAR 2300	Patricia Susan Roka	INTRO TO INT ARCH FOR NON-MAJORS
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.
Semester: Winter

INTAR 2301	Daniel Merritt Hewett	INTRODUCTION TO INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
This course, the first in a two semester sequence, explores design principles through design problems involving specific themes. Students will have the opportunity to explore design issues through both traditional and computer generated design. INTAR majors only, requirement for BFA,BIA, and MIA-3yr program.<BR> Section 01 is restricted to Grad's only<BR> Section 02 is for undergrads<BR>
Semester: Spring

INTAR 2302	TBD	INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE STUDIO I
Design principles and themes presented in the first semester are further developed through a series of projects<BR> Restricted to INTAR majors only, requirement for BFA, BIA and MIA three-year program<BR> Section 01 Open to Graduate level students<BR> Section 02 Open to undergraduate students
Semester: Spring

INTAR 2312	TBD	FROM IMMATERIAL TO MATERIAL
This course provides students with the skill to fully transform their 2D drafting skills into effective 3D forms. Through the use of large stationary machines, power tools, and hand tools, individuals will develop the ability to communicate their design skills into highly involved, tangible forms. Numerous hardware, fasteners, surface treatments, and finishes will be thoroughly covered throughout the semester.<BR> <BR> Restricted to Senior and Grads
Semester: Winter

INTAR 2315	Mary-Ann Agresti	BUILDING MATERIALS EXPLORATION
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. INTAR majors only, requirement for BFA, BIA and MIA 3-year program; Elective for MIA two-year program
Semester: Spring

INTAR 2317	Kurt Edward Teichert	PASSIVE/INTELLIGENT SOLAR DESIGN
This course is intended to expand the students knowledge and understanding of contemporary environmental issues related to building along with basic principles of passive solar design and energy conscious architecture. We will examine the use of solar energy in design as not just an application of photo voltaic installations and other technologies, but rather as part of a conceptual whole - an integrated and "total" design approach. We will examine eco-design with a focus for existing buildings, our most important available material resource. It is here that we must learn how to adapt/retrofit concepts of solar design and understand primary concepts of resource conservation for fundamentally rethinking how we design and shape lifestyles for a sustainable future.
Semester: Spring

INTAR 2318	Wolfgang Max Rudorf	BUILDING STRUCTURES, SYSTEMS, ANDADAPTIVE REUSE
Using various case studies, this course explores topics relevant to the rehabilitation, preservation and adaptive reuse of existing structures, both historical and contemporary. The course provides insight into the analysis of existing structures, discusses the content of base documents and drawings as well as the integration of structural and existing building systems information. Beyond documentation, emphasis is given to the demolition of existing building components, structural interventions, excavation and foundation systems. The course will explore various structural systems, exterior and interior construction assemblies, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection concepts and the integration and coordination of systems within a given envelope. Construction site visits are planned to explore some of the topics in real life. INTAR major required
Semester: Fall

INTAR 2319	Liliane Wong	making of intAR journal
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. Through working in teams, the students will produce the common contents such as a cover and the general layout as well as individual articles for submission to the journal for publication in the next 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.<BR> <BR> Proficiency with InDesign software recommended
Semester: Winter

INTAR 2330	TBD	DIGITAL VISUALIZATION
In this course, students will explore advanced elements of computationally aided design. We will discuss digital application in design with a focus on architectural design stages including conceptual design, design documentation and visualization/presentation. We will also discuss design methodology through the use of explorative tools and lighting simulations.<BR> <BR> Students will be introduced to the world of digital modeling and animation, with a specific focus on interior architectural representation. Students will receive hands-on training with the technology and will be encouraged to investigate creative new uses for the software while improving their technical skills and developing creative methodology. The software will include Autodesk 3D Studio Max, an advanced parametric modeling and animation program and Rhinoceros, a Nurbs Modeling tool. Other software may also be presented. A basic level of 2D digital drafting skill is required.<BR> <BR> One of the primary reasons for this course is to learn advanced digital tools/techniques of spatial design. Students successfully completing this course should be able to create sophisticated 3D digital models and short animations demonstrating spatial quality and to effectively utilize these tools in their design process.
Semester: Winter

INTAR 2331	Gokce Kinayoglu	INTRO TO COMPUTING:INTAR
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 (PhotoShop), create CAD based 2D architectural drawings and 3D models (VectorWorks), and develop a 3D visualization of a design (Cinema 4D). In this course, we will also discuss the integration of 2D and 3D data (BIM), digital materials, as well as the basics of digital lighting and camera work Course Level: Required for BFA, BIA and MIA 3-year program; Elective for MIA two-year program
Semester: Fall

INTAR 2333	TBD	ITALY AND MODERN DESIGN

Semester: Spring

INTAR 2341	Victor Manuel Serrano	DRAWING FOR INTERIOR ARCH
Development of freehand perspective drawing skills appropriate for representation of Interior Architecture Design. Work will be done on site from existing structures as well as in the studio concentrating on concept development through perspective drawing. INTAR majors only, required for BFA, BIA and MIA 3-year program; Elective for MIA two-year program
Semester: Fall

INTAR 2353	Markus Richard Earley	INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTING
This course provides an opportunity to research and explore lighting systems and their technologies. INTAR majors only, required for BFA, BIA and MIA 3-year program;
Semester: Fall

INTAR 2367	Gokce Kinayoglu	ADVANCED COMPUTING
This course builds upon the knowledge of applications gained during the "Intro to Computing" class, and will introduce students to the capabilities of programs for the advanced user. In addition to expanding on VectorWorks knowledge, students will be introduced to Form-Z and Cinema4D while expanding their modeling skills, students will also gain advanced understanding of animation, lighting, materials, and rendering techniques which can be utilized in any of the 3-D computer modeling applications. Software purchase required (approx. $85.00) by students if not already owned. INTAR majors only, requirement for MIA two-year program Elective for BFA, BIA and MIA three-year program
Semester: Spring

INTAR 2372	MaryRose Theresa McGowan	SCHEME DETAILING
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. INTAR majors only, requirement for BFA, BIA and MIA three-year program; Elective for MIA two-year program
Semester: Spring

INTAR 2374	Faith Dale Baum	HUMAN FACTORS
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 you will gather facts about the interaction of the environment and a user's culture, gender, stage of life cycle, and physical characteristics. You will be asked to address questions about the relevance of this information to your definition of "good design." In order to explore your ideas about the integration of human factors issues and your design process, you will be asked to design a chair/an object for sitting. INTAR majors only, requirement for BFA, BIA and MIA three-year program; Elective for MIA two-year program
Semester: Fall

INTAR 2379	Heinrich Gregor Hermann	INVESTIGATING INTERIORITY
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. INTAR majors only, requirement for BIA and MIA Register for LAEL LE08 for Liberal Arts elective credit
Semester: Spring

INTAR 2382	MaryRose Theresa McGowan	CODES FOR INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
This class introduces the student to an overview of codes pertinent to the subject of Interior Architecture. It will also 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. INTAR majors only Requirement for BIA and MIA, in last year of program
Semester: Spring

INTAR 2395	TBD	PORTFOLIO PREP a PRODUCTION
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 a Photoshop software required.<BR> <BR> Interior Architecture majors only
Semester: Winter

INTAR 2397	Markus J Berger	DEGREE PROJECT PREPARATION
The Degree Project 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 degree 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 degree 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 Degree Project. 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. INTAR majors only, requirement for Fifth-year, Graduate in last year of program
Semester: Fall

INTAR 2398	TBD	INTERIOR ARCH DEGREE PROJECT
Required for all students in the fifth or final year of pursuing the curriculum for the Bachelor of Interior Architecture or the Master of Interior Architecture degree. 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 "Degree Project Feasibility Report", submitted at the end of the Fall semester's Degree Project Preparation class. INTAR majors only
Semester: Spring

INTAR 23JR	Janet Carol Stegman	INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIOS
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. INTAR majors only, Undergraduate requirement
Semester: Spring

INTAR 23ST	TBD	ADVANCED DESIGN STUDIOS
Choice of studios offered by the Department of Interior Architecture. 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. Intar Majors only
Semester: Spring

INTAR 4821	Faith Dale Baum	COLOR FOR INTERIORS
Students will be involved in exercises that will focus on color as a compositional element as well as a vehicle for personal expression. Research will familiarize the students with academic color theories and their applications. INTAR majors only, requirement for BFA, BIA and MIA three-year program; Elective for MIA two-year program
Semester: Spring