Programme Specification: BA (Hons) Interior Design Environment Architectures
Programme Specification: BA (Hons) Interior Design Environment Architectures
Internal
College Learning and Teaching Strategy
College Academic Plan
College Procedure for Course Development
Approval and Validation
Academic Regulations for the Awards of BA and
BSc
9. Date of Production June 2005
10. Overview
The course is unique in that it combines virtual design and interior design with design
in architecture and develops an understanding of the polycultural nature of
environment design and the contemporary socio-political flux which determines the
need for permanent, temporary, and virtual habitation. It integrates the study of
history, theory, construction and technology, the acquisition of multidisciplinary two
and three dimensional spatial skills, and interaction as it relates to the design and
notion of habitations in the form of physical and virtual environments and related
artefacts.
The three principal areas of study over the three levels will concern: the design of
and intervention in existing spaces, their rehabilitation and extension; the creation of
new built environments; and the design of virtual spaces for representation and
interaction.
In Level 1, the course deals with the design process and the underpinning skills and
theory. Curriculum areas introduced in this level may include; design skills and
methodologies, structures and materials, computer technologies and CAD,
computation in the design process, two and three dimensional communication and
representation, the history of architecture and interior design, context as a vehicle for
spatial development, precedent and theoretical studies and cultural studies.
In Level 2 of the course, the experience shifts towards interpretation and the
application of the skills acquired in Level 1 in the creative process. Students
experience a variety of increasingly challenging projects that introduce the
commercial aspects and the complex compound of polycultural factors which
influence the nature of environment design in a contemporary context. This is
integrated into the design process at this level. Curriculum areas may include; urban
environment design and its impact, the regulatory framework, production of detail in
the design process, advanced computation and market factors. In the first and
second level, some of projects will be conducted in collaboration with students from
other courses.
The course aims to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills appropriate to a
range of career outcomes in interior design. Students are encouraged to develop
their individual creative ability and support this with the development of a high level of
technical skills. In particular, the programme aims to enable students to develop:
• the ability to make creative use of and experiment with new and existing
technologies;
• a clear vision of where their creative strengths lie and how this can be utilised
in product development and potential career opportunities;
• skills in research, analysis, problem solving and critical reflection and the
visual, written and verbal communication skills required of a graduate entrant
to the interior design industry;
1. the design process in general and Learning and teaching in relation to these
specifically in interior design and learning outcomes tends to be primarily
architecture project based (see Practical and
2. three-dimensional form and the Professional Skills below). This is
processes that determine and govern the supported by varied learning and teaching
development and creation of form methods which may include as
3. the nature of representation within the appropriate: project briefings, studio
sphere of two and three-dimensional form based lectures, (staff and student led)
4. contemporary inbuilt form practice and group seminars, technical or practical
theory workshops, demonstrations, critiques,
5. the depth and breadth of the individual or group tutorials and self
technologies upon which the discipline of directed study by the student.
architecture, interior and environment
design is based Learning is facilitated by well qualified
6. the nature of human form and thought permanent teaching staff and by sessional
processes and the consequences for staff and visiting speakers who are
architectural form and designed artefacts practising professionals and bring an
7. computation in design and its application important industry perspective to the
8. the analysis of function and its role in course. Traditional modes of delivery may
constructed environments be supported where appropriate by e-
9. the creative potential of digital learning and/or resource based learning.
technologies
10. how creative professional practice in Contextual and theoretical learning are
general and interior and architectural design delivered both as an integral part of the
in particular is located within historical, practice based units and separately in a
social and cultural contexts progressive series of mandatory cross-
11. the nature of technological change and College units. This prevents a
the development of knowledge theory/practice dichotomy while ensuring
12. key professional skills necessary to that this aspect of learning is sufficiently
underpin graduate employment in the weighted in the curriculum.
creative industries
13. the integrative relationship of structure, Assessment Methods
materials and construction
14. the production of sustainable design Knowledge and understanding is primarily
assessed through essays, reports and
individual and group presentations, and
through its application in practical projects
in a manner appropriate to each unit of
delivery. Some units additionally require
the submission of rationales, background
research, development materials and/or
evidence of reflection on the project
process.
Assessment Methods
Applications are positively welcomed from those who may not possess formal entry
qualifications, mature students, those with work experience or with qualifications
other than those listed above.
Students will be expected to attend for interview and submit a portfolio of examples of
work.
Students will be selected according to the criteria set out in the College Procedure
for the Admission of Students and Guidance Notes for Selecting Candidates for
interview.
When appropriate the College’s Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure
will be used to assess applicants at interview. The key criterion for entry is evidence
of commitment and motivation to study in the subject area.
In common with all Ravensbourne honours degree courses, this course is subject to
the Academic Regulations for the Awards of BA and BSc.
In summary, in order to complete a unit, a student must successfully complete all the
assessment specified for that unit. In order to progress from level one of the course
to level two or from level two to level three, a student must successfully complete all
the units in that level of the course. In order to achieve the award, a student (having
completed level one and two of the course) must successfully complete all the units
in level three. In certain circumstances, the Examination Board may at its discretion
choose to permit performance in one area to compensate for underachievement in
another subject to the provisions of the Academic Regulations for the Awards of BA
and BSc. However, there is no automatic right to such compensation.
The final degree is classified on the basis of the level three units only. Classification is
determined by the average of the final results achieved in each of the final year units
weighted by their credit size, according to the banding below:
Support for students with learning difficulties and study support needs are in place
through the College Student Support Services.
16. E Learning
In addition to the aspects of the curriculum delivered in the traditional manner through
lectures, workshops and other face to face delivery methods, learning will also be
supported by the developing ‘Moodle’ Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Course
Handbooks, project briefs and other course materials will be stored for retrieval and
access on or off campus. Similarly students are able to apply themselves to on-line
group forums and critiques and tasks at the time and place most suitable to their
personal schedules and commitments.
The course operates within a College quality assurance framework which ensures
that the standards set at validation are maintained and enhanced and the quality of
the student learning experience is good. As part of this framework the course is
subject to the following processes:
• Course Review;
• Mapping against FHEQ and Subject Benchmark Statement during development;
• College Internal Validation;
• External Validation by the University of Sussex;
• External Examiner Reports;
• Annual Course Monitoring;
• Student Feedback;
• Student Representation;
• Peer Observation of Staff;
• Staff Training Programme;
• Industry collaboration (for specific projects);
• An advisory committee which ensures that the programme is up to date and in
line with the thinking and direction of the industry and professional world;
• Student competition/show entry.
Like all courses, working on projects with students from other disciplines is central to
the aims of this programme. Many of the projects in the BA (Hons) Interior Design
Environment Architectures programme will involve students working as team
members with students on other courses at Ravensbourne College of Design and
Communication. These may include BA (Hons) Broadcasting, BA (Hons) Content
Creation and Broadcast, BA (Hons) Design for Moving Image, FdA Broadcast Post
Production, BA (Hons) Design for Interaction, BA (Hons) Fashion and BA (Hons)
Product Design.
In line with the College’s aim of ensuring the continued commercial relevance of our
academic provision, the course actively collaborates with industry. Past ‘live’ project
partners have included Vitram, Olsen, Inspired Broadcast, Nokia and Audi
Foundation.
Recent student industry visits/trips have included Vitra hq-Basle, Barcelona, Design
Museum, Goldfinger House and Rotterdam.
Recent talks by visiting industry specialists have included Paul Brennan, Colin Titlow,
Vince Wade and David Fern.
Placement is not a compulsory part of the course and is not assessed. However,
students are strongly encouraged to undertake placement and are supported in this
by the College Employability Unit. Students have in the past achieved voluntary
placements at Fitch, Proof Design, FOA, Sledge, Household, David Chipperfield and
Brinkworth.
Students have in the recent past exhibited and participated in the London
Architecture Biennale, Zollverein- Design element of HM the Queen‘s State visit to
Germany and Tokyo Design Week.
Level 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit
Value
IDEA101 Communication and Representation 1 10
IDEA102 Specialist Study 1 10
IDEA103 Communication and Representation 2: with 10
Computer Technologies
IDEA104 Specialist Study 2 15
IDEA105 Computation 1: Parametric Systems 10
C102/IDEA106 Contextual Studies Elective 1 10
IDEA107 Specialist Study 3: Dual Use Environment 15
PPD1/IDEA108 Personal and Professional Development 1 10
C101/IDEA109 Design and Communication Media, Theory and 20
Context
D101/IDEA110 The Design Elective 10
TOTAL 120
Level 2
IDEA201 Urban Environment Theory and Practice 20
IDEA202 Computation 2 10
IDEA203 Market Factors 20
IDEA204 Rehabilitation and Reuse 20
IDEA205 Artefact and Element in Environment Design 10
C201/IDEA206 Know Your Audience: Society, Culture and Politics 10
C203/IDEA207 Contextual Studies Elective 2 10
PPD2/IDEA208 Personal and Professional Development 2 10
C202/IDEA209 Dissertation Preparation 10
TOTAL 120
Level 3
CAVE301/IDEA301 Negotiated Brief 20
IDEA302 Portfolio Development 20
IDEA303 Major Project 40
IDEA304 Major Project Report 10
PPD3/IDEA305 Personal and Professional Development 3 10
C301/IDEA306 Dissertation 20
TOTAL 120
C101/IDEA109 Design and Communication Media, Theory and Context D101/IDEA110 The Design Elective
20 Credits 10 Credits
IDEA202 Computation 2
10 Credits
C C C C C C C C C C D D D D D D
Unit Code Unit D7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6
CAVE301/IDEA301 Negotiated Brief X X X X X X X X X X
IDEA302 Portfolio Development X X X X X X
IDEA303 Major Project X X X X X X X X X X
IDEA304 Major Project Report X X X X X X X
Personal and Professional
PPD3/IDEA305
Development 3 X X X X
C301/IDEA306 Dissertation
Urban Environment Theory and
IDEA201
Practice X X
IDEA202 Computation 2 X X X X X X X X X X
IDEA203 Market Factors X X X X
IDEA204 Rehabilitation and Reuse X X X X X
Artefact and Element in Environment
IDEA205
Design X X X X
Know Your Audience: Society, Culture
C201/IDEA206
and Politics X X X X X X X
C203/IDEA207 Contextual Studies Elective 2 X X X
Personal and Professional
PPD2/IDEA208
Development 2 X X
C202/IDEA209 Dissertation Preparation X X X X
IDEA101 Communication and Representation 1 X X
IDEA102 Specialist Study 1 X X X X
Communication and Representation 2:
IDEA103
with Computer Technologies X X
IDEA104 Specialist Study 2 X X X X
IDEA105 Computation 1: Parametric Systems
C102/IDEA106 Contextual Studies Elective 1 X
Specialist Study 3: Dual Use
IDEA107
Environment X
Personal and Professional
PPD1/IDEA108
Development 1 X
Design and Communication Media,
C101/IDEA109
Theory and Context X X
D101/IDEA110 The Design Elective X X X
1. the design process in general and specifically in interior design and 1. demonstrate an understanding of the skills used by the various branches
architecture of architecture, interior and environment design
2. three-dimensional form and the processes that determine and govern the 2. create architectural designs that integrate social aesthetic and technical
development and creation of form requirements
3. the nature of representation within the sphere of two and three- 3. use digital technology creatively as part of the design process and as a
dimensional form tool for presentation and communication
4. contemporary inbuilt form practice and theory 4. generate individual solutions in response to a brief or an identified need
5. the depth and breadth of the technologies upon which the discipline of 5. articulate design thoughts and concepts clearly, concisely and with
architecture, interior and environment design is based accuracy by a variety of media
6. the nature of human form and thought processes and the consequences 6. respond to a broad constituency of interests and to the social and ethical
for architectural form and designed artefacts concerns of the subject
7. computation in design and its application 7. work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment
8. the analysis of function and its role in constructed environments 8. be flexible and adaptable in the approach to and the development of a
9. the creative potential of digital technologies solution to a problem or in responding to an opportunity
10. how creative professional practice in general and interior and 9. plan architectural design project development exercising personal
architectural design in particular is located within historical, social and responsibility within the physical and time constraints of the brief
cultural contexts 10. practically engage with the world of work, and analyse an existing work
11. the nature of technological change and the development of knowledge related construct
12. key professional skills necessary to underpin graduate employment in the 11. apply the conventions of architectural representation
creative industries
13. the integrative relationship of structure, materials and construction
14. the production of sustainable design
1. be intellectually curious, analytical and reflective, capable of carrying out 1. work independently, setting own aims, objectives and deadlines to
sustained independent enquiry and develop the skills that underpin manage learning, workload and projects, including time, personnel and
professional development and life-long learning resources
2. analyse problems and respond reflectively, using innovation and lateral 2. work effectively and collaboratively with others in a team from a variety of
thinking in their solution backgrounds and disciplines
3. understand that the acquisition of knowledge is continuous and ongoing 3. manage information in a range of media, selecting and using a variety of
professional and personal development is essential sources and technologies to evaluate and record/present information
4. work within a design process and to contribute to this 4. articulate ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms, and
5. be entrepreneurial, imaginative, have divergent thinking skills and think communicate ideas and work clearly and appropriately to a variety of
creatively whilst still satisfying the needs of the project/client audiences, including technical and non-technical audiences
6. delineate the similarities and differences between the interrelated 5. produce work that is literate, numerate and coherent, deploying
disciplines of design, and form an understanding of their interaction established techniques of analysis and enquiry
7. creatively solve problems and issues that are revealed during the 6. identify, define and creatively solve problems, using appropriate
generation of their work knowledge, tools and methods, often in complex and unpredictable
situations
8. place their own work critically in relation to existing and emerging 7. demonstrate critical awareness and reflection through evaluating own
professional and/or academic debates and to form a personal creative strengths and weaknesses, and adapting proposals and plans accordingly
critique
9. interrogate critically a brief and its cultural and contextual assumptions
and identify the key opportunities, factors and issues associated with it
10. analyse and interpret the nature of forms and space and their depiction
and construction in two and three-dimensional media and digital form
Please note, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and
the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate
if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information
on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each unit can be
found in the Course Handbook, Unit Descriptors and Project Briefs. The accuracy of the information
contained in this document is reviewed by the College and may be checked by the Quality Assurance
Agency for Higher Education.