|
Limperts Academy of Design is currently working with a prominent UK University in the development of an MA in Interior Design. Validaton of degree programs is a lengthy process and we have already reached an advanced stage. However, full details of the accrediting university cannot be published until the formal validation process has been finalised. This program is currently scheduled to be available by 2008 and details of the syllabus and entry requirements are described below.
The MA in Interior Design will be a "Fast-Track" post-graduate program aimed at mature college graduates who may be seeking a change of professional direction, or professionals already working in the interior design industry who wish to demonstrate their advanced level of skill and knowledge through the acquisition of a formal academic qualification.
The MA in Interior Design encompasses a total of 9 modules, with a total value of 180 credits (UK / European Credit system). The individual module titles and credit values are shown below, followed by a brief description of each module:
Fundamentals & Theory of Interior Design
In this module students learn to evaluate the fundamental components of design and specifically how they work together to create successful interior designs. Understanding how the organisation of various components relate to the effectiveness of the completed interior, will enable graduates to apply this knowledge in the development of their own designs achieving balance and harmony, and to manipulate components to accomplish special effects.
Materials & Furnishings
On successful completion of this module students will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of materials & furnishings and the factors that influence final selections. Students are expected to demonstrate a balance of practicality and innovation in their designs and proposals, specifying and designing with materials in a way that demonstrates an extremely high level of design skill and ability.
Space Planning
This module provides a framework in which students explore how people interact with interior space and how the interior environment influences the emotional and physical health & well-being of human occupants. Students must determine the key factors when designing spatial layouts and apply them in context by creating interior designs that support and nurture the various needs of its human occupants. Students must also demonstrate specialist skill and knowledge in designing interiors that meet the needs of the physically impaired and disabled population.
History & Development of Style
In this module students examine the impact that style and design has made on society throughout the ages, and assess the key factors that determine the development of style(s). Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skill required to recreate historical and contemporary styles, and students will also be required to carry out investigative research and critical analysis of prominent figures throughout history, and present conclusions on past, present and future styles and trends.
Design Visualisation & Communication
This module provides a framework in which students will explore how the human brain interprets visual information, assessing the practical applications in residential & commercial interior design. Students will learn traditional and contemporary presentation techniques to visually communicate their design ideas at different levels of design development to various audiences, and on successful completion of this module, students will demonstrate the skill and ability to prepare informed, persuasive and highly professional design presentations.
Building Construction for Interior Designers
Throughout this module, students will demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of building design methods and principles and the ability to design and implement interior renovation projects that comply with building and safety regulations. Students will also explore the concept of “Whole Building Design” and evaluate how to apply these principles in their design approach.
Interior Lighting
In this module students explore how natural and artificial lighting impact interior design and investigate efficient ways to integrate both varieties in the development of lighting systems. Students examine the various components of lighting systems and are required to select and apply these components appropriately, demonstrating practicality and creativity when designing residential and commercial lighting schemes.
Professional Design Practice
In this module, students are required to demonstrate an analytical and methodical approach to the process of developing, programming and implementing design solutions. Students must research and comply with all legal and ethical restrictions relevant to them, and students are expected to demonstrate a high professional standard of organisational and time management skills, and the ability to price their services competitively.
Final Major Interior Design Project
It is a vital characteristic of professional Interior Designers that the various types of skills and knowledge are tightly integrated and applied holistically. In fact, interior design skills only have real meaning and value when they are applied in this way. In this final module of the MA program, students will conduct focused research in a specialised area of interior design and produce a report presenting their conclusions. Students will then be required to integrate their findings with core interior design skills and apply them in the development of this project, thereby demonstrating a holistic approach to designing interior environments that positively impact the quality of people’s lives. This is a self-generated project that enables students to pursue a specialist area of their own choice. In completing this project, students will be required to produce the necessary drawings, documentation and presentation aids to an extremely high professional standard and the entire design process and methodology must be meticulously documented. On successful completion of this module, students will demonstrate mastery in a specialised area of interior design and this will provide them with the skills and knowledge to position themselves competitively in a dynamic market place. |
