DSNI 400: Senior Studio I
Prerequisite: Senior Standing; DSNI 305, DSNI 325, DSNI 355, DSNI 375; 2.5 in-major GPA; Passing Professional Skills Review and Internship Review Assessments; and/or with permission of instructor
Credit Hours: (3-4) Six or eight hours studio
A comprehensive study of the design process as applied to residential and/or non-residential environments. Problem solving skills are employed in designing spaces to accommodate user needs.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
List topics or major units; include subtopics under major units, if appropriate.  
The purpose of this course is to develop student problem solving competencies in designing
                                    residential and/or non-residential interiors. Students apply all phases of the design
                                    process in developing interior design solutions that are functionally appropriate
                                    and aesthetically pleasing for the intended client. Students explore alternative solutions
                                    and develop concepts through various visualization techniques. Portfolio quality is
                                    required of final presentations. This class also provides:
1) Exposure to contemporary issues affecting interior design. (2d)
2) Opportunities to solve simple to complex design problems. (4f)
3) Exposure to a range of design research and problem solving methods. (4g)
4) Opportunities for innovation, creative thinking, and critical listening skills.
                                    (4h)
5) Exposure to various market sectors and client types. (7f)
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The primary mode of instruction will consist of in-class studio work on projects along with lecture, in-class discussion, and critique.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
As a result of this course, the student will be able…
1) To demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, principles, and theories of sustainability
                                    as they pertain to building methods, materials, systems, and occupants. (2a)
2) To understand that social and cultural norms may vary from their own, and are relevant
                                    to making appropriate design decisions. (3a)
3) To demonstrate an understanding and ability to appropriately apply theories of
                                    human behavior, to select, interpret, and apply appropriate ergonomic and anthropometric
                                    data, and to appropriately apply universal design concepts. (3b, 3c, 3d)
4) To identify and define relevant aspects of a design problem (goals, objectives,
                                    performance criteria), to gather appropriate and necessary information and research
                                    findings to solve the problem (evidence-based design), and to evaluate, select, and
                                    apply information and research findings to design, to synthesize information and generate
                                    multiple concepts and/or multiple design responses to programmatic requirements, and
                                    to demonstrate creative thinking and originality through presentation of a variety
                                    of ideas, approaches, and concepts. (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e)
5) To apply a variety of communication techniques and technologies appropriate to
                                    a range of purposes and audiences; to express ideas clearly in oral and written communication;
                                     to  use sketches as a design and communication tool (ideation drawings); and to produce
                                    competent presentation drawings across a range of appropriate media. (6a, 6b, 6c,
                                    6d)
6) To produce competent contract documents including coordinated drawings, schedules,
                                    and specifications appropriate to project size and scope and sufficiently extensive
                                    to show how design solutions and interior construction are related. (6e)
7) To integrate oral and visual material to present ideas clearly. (6f)
8) To effectively apply the elements, principles and theories of design to three-dimensional
                                    design solutions and to discuss spatial definition and organization. (9a, 9b, 9c)
9) To demonstrate an understanding of color principles, theories, and systems and
                                    the interaction of light and color and the impact they have on one another and interior
                                    environments.  (10a,10b)
10) To appropriately select and apply color with regard to its multiple purposes and
                                    to apply color effectively in all aspects of visual communication (presentations,
                                    models, etc.) (10c, 10d)
11) To have an awareness of a  broad range of materials and products, typical fabrication
                                    and installation methods, and maintenance requirements, appropriate materials and
                                    products on the basis of their properties and performance criteria, including environmental
                                    attributes and life cycle cost, and the ability to layout and specify furniture, fixtures,
                                    and equipment. (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d)
12) To understand the principles of natural and electrical lighting design and to
                                    competently select and apply luminaires and light sources. (12a, 12b)
13) To understand the principles of acoustical design and the appropriate strategies
                                    for acoustical control. (12c,12d)
14) To understand the principles of thermal design and how thermal systems impact
                                    interior design solutions. (12e, 12f)
15) To understand the principles of indoor air quality and how the selection and application
                                    of products and systems impact indoor air quality. (12g, 12h)
16) To  demonstrate an understanding that design solutions affect and are impacted
                                    by: structural and non-structural systems including ceilings, flooring, and interior
                                    walls, structural systems and methods, distribution systems including power, mechanical,
                                    HVAC, data/voice telecommunications, and plumbing, energy, security, and building
                                    controls systems and the interface of furniture with distribution and construction
                                    systems.  (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e)
17) To be able to read and interpret construction drawings and documents. (13g)
18) To have an awareness of sustainability guidelines and industry-specific regulations.
                                    (14a, 14b)
19) To demonstrate an understanding of laws, codes, standards, and guidelines that
                                    impact fire and life safety, including: compartmentalization: fire separation and
                                    smoke containment; movement: access to the means of egress including stairwells, corridors,
                                    exitways; detection: active devices that alert occupants including smoke/heat detectors
                                    and alarm systems; suppression: devices used to extinguish flames including sprinklers,
                                    standpipes, fire hose cabinets, extinguishers, etc. (14 g, 14h, 14i, 14c, 14d ,14e,
                                    14f)
20) To select and apply appropriate federal, state/provincial, and local codes, standards,
                                    and accessibility guidelines. (14g, 14h, 14i)
Assessment Measures
Projects and assignments.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
01/2011