Interior Design Curriculum

In Interior Design, students acquire the appropriate technical skills andonceptual knowledge to design functional, safe, and aesthetically appealing interior architectural spaces for their clients. Students work on small residential to large commercial projects and learn about soft and hard decorative finishes, illumination, and the interplay
between social and natural environments. Through research, problem solving, and applied practice, students understand the complexities of the built environment while developing creative solutions.

Curriculum Structure:

Courses Descriptions :

ART201 - Principles of Design

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

This is an introductory course that focuses on the basic visual concepts of two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. The aim of this course is to teach the student how to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of the visual language used in art and design, and how to use this vocabulary to effectively communicate and convey visual ideas.

ART205 - Art Foundations

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

This course introduces the student to the basic skills of drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, video and photography, which will act as a solid foundation for all future courses in CACE. Students will familiarize themselves with a variety of methods and processes in the use of diverse materials and technologies for art and design communication. The course will explore materials and equipment appropriate to each medium.

ARA 345 - Advanced Arabic Skills

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

The course aims to develop students’ writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) with a focus on the writing genres. The course’s primary focus is on developing students’ academic and professional writing skills with specific attention paid to argumentative writing, comparative writing, causal writing, functional and creative writing. Writing in this course will be preceded by extensive reading of texts from the modern literary, scientific and academic genres which will give students the knowledge needed to write.

ART251 - Basic Design

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

This is an introduction to the fundamental principles of graphic design. Students will gain hands-on experience with the most commonly used software packages in the field and will develop skills and concepts such as problem-solving, visual communication, research, typography, concept and design development. Students will also learn about the basics of media literacy and criticism.This course is designed to introduce the Adobe suite (Illustrator, Photoshop & Indesign) to students at a beginning level. The projects introduce software in the context of design concepts and principles - it is ideal for students to have ART 201 before they enter this course. Each project escalates in intensity and complexity, allowing the students to develop a working knowledge of the design process in relation to the technology.

AID279 - CAD I

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

This course is an introduction to the principles and techniques of digital drafting. Through a series of exercises students will be made familiar with the production of digital plans, sections, elevations, and details commonly used in Interior Design projects. Students will also be introduced to document management as well as to print procedures.

Co-requisite:AID287;AID311

AID287 - Interior Design Studio I

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

This beginning Studio introduces students to the field of Interior Design. Projects will include aesthetic issues and practical studies of small-scale interior environments such as residential spaces. The study will include an introduction to interior design styles, and an in-depth analysis of each room focusing on its aesthetic, space planning, lighting, color, and materiality. The studio will introduce thebasic surveying skills and representation tools in order to prepare design solutions.

Co-requisite:AID279 and AID311

AID311 - Drawing for Designers

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

This drawing course introduces the students to the principles of drawing applicable to Graphic and Interior Design. Emphasis is given to the development of drawing as design with a wide array of assignments that involve analytical translations of imagery, objects and spatial environments using a diverse set of drawing materials, techniques, and conventions. The content will concentrate on the design process from initial concept sketches through formal presentation drawings and visualizations.

Pre-requisite:ART201 or ART205

Co-requisite:AID287;AID279

ART220 - Introduction to Art History

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This course reviews the history of the development of art and architecture. It is designed as an introductory art history course with a thematic approach to understanding art and architecture, and a chronological examination of the sequence of art history.

AID336 - Interior Design Studio II

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

This studio continues the content and purpose of Interior Design Studio I, with increased emphasis on design development and physical and technical resolution. The studio will cover intermediate design issues including project and client analysis, programming, space planning, and design development to understand materials, finishes selection as well as lighting and color investigation. Digital media are integral to the studio, and students receive continued instruction and practice in software appropriate for design.

Pre-requisite:AID287 and AID279 and AID311

Co-requisite:AID337;AID379;AID391

AID337 - Color and Light Design

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

The aim of this course is a study of color and light, its effective use in design, and methods to employ these properties in different applications. The course would have a theoretical as well as studio component.

Pre-requisite:AID287

Co-requisite:AID336;AID379;AID391

AID379 - CAD II

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

This course is built upon the principles and techniques of digital drafting introduced in AID279. Students will further be made familiar with advanced concepts of CAD such as the generation of 3D content for axonometric and perspective drawings. presentation and layout techniques as well as innovative concepts such as digital model making and Building Information Modeling will be explored.

Pre-requisite:AID279

Co-requisite:AID336;AID337;AID391

AID391 - Interior Design Materials and Construction

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

The focus of this course is to introduce students to basic building materials, and the development and coordination of constructing interior spaces. The main topics of the course include floor systems, partitions, ceiling systems, wood cabinetry, stair and ramp design and construction. Lectures and presentations will introduce materials and detailing, technical assembly, specifications, and means of construction as an integral part of design development.

Pre-requisite:AID287 and AID279 and AID311

Co-requisite:AID336;AID337;AID379

ART221 - Research Methods for Artists and Designers

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This course reviews the variety of research methods commonly used by artists and designers, including information literacy with a focus on the subject specific conventional and electronic resources available through the university library, and the different processes artists and designers use for needs assessment, documentation, creative development, and presentation

ART223 - Arts of the Modern World

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

Introduces students to the historical development of the visual and spatial arts from the beginning of the modern period in approximately 1850 to the present age.

Pre-requisite:ART220

AID385 - Interior Design Studio III

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

This intermediate studio introduces students to the impact of color and light on the quality of spatial planning, quality in the context of color and light study. The design development and construction phases will focus on exploring the affect of light and color on human behavior and different responses with in diverse interior spaces. Students will be required to carry out a series of physical analog and digital modeling to establish outcomes and deliverables.

Pre-requisite:AID336

Co-requisite:AID387;AID388

AID387 - Furniture Design

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

The course will be exposing students to furniture design history and theory, furniture typologies, manufacturers and designers. Individual furniture pieces will be analyzed and a original furniture prototype developed and built. The design and production process of furniture will be are explored, emphasizing the sequential development of a furniture piece from early design sketching and concept development on thru to production delineation and the appropriate selection of materials, details and methods of construction. Course will encourage creative thinking and expose students to relevant design theory, human behavioral theory, ergonomics and anthropometrics, and global challenges such as sustainability, buildability, and global resources.

Pre-requisite:AID336 and AID391

Co-requisite:AID385;AID388

AID388 - Environmental Control Systems

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

Interior design shares an increasingly complex and crucial role for creating healthy, safe, and comfortable interior spaces for human habitation. This course introduces students to the basic principles needs and options for the selection and the design of sustainable environmental control systems. Additionally, students will become familiar with a broad range of environmental issues such as heating and air conditioning systems, water and waste, thermal comfort, HVAC systems, electricity, lighting, security and communications systems, fire safety, and transportation systems.

Pre-requisite:AID391;AID336

Co-requisite:AID385;AID387

ADR492 - Senior Research Seminar

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

Through group discussions, critique, research, writing and presentations, the Senior Research Seminar emphasizes an in-depth exploration of a self-designed topic in preparation for the development of a cohesive body of work in the subsequent semester ADR496 Senior Project course, which is the culmination of the students’ skills and knowledge gained in their chosen program. The seminar advisor(s) assists students in structuring their independent work and offers continual feedback. Visiting designers, artists and professionals will provide the students with valuable exposure to outside viewpoints. Students will develop their Senior Project work plan through the formation of a written research proposal and defend their project to both the ZU community and the community at large.

Pre-requisite:COM210 or ART221

AID486 - Interior Design Studio IV

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

This course follows and builds on Interior Design Studio III and is structured to provide students the opportunity to select a current topic to study in the interior design field, and to integrate all aspects of design including: technology, construction methodology, and representation through various scales of in depth investigations.

Pre-requisite:AID385

ADR405 - Professional Practice

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

The purpose of this course is to introduce and familiarize students with the professional practices of the art or design discipline related to their program. The process begins with the student identifying their particular goals, gaining an awareness of career path options and understanding the professional expectations within the business environment. Preparation includes developing a portfolio, honing professional writing capabilities and presentation skills, applying good research in the development of proposals, becoming familiar with basic business practices, practicing project and time management skills and preparing for interviews.

ADR496 - Senior Project

3 credits

Schedule Type: Studio

The Senior Project is an advanced course, which enables the student to show both the depth and breadth of their conceptual and technical abilities to conceive, develop and present an original project in their area of study. Guided by the research and insights accomplished in their prior semester’s Senior Research Seminar course, the student visually translates that understanding and information into final visual form within the professional parameters of the student’s program. The senior project should evidence independence, inventiveness, and a level of maturity, awareness, competence and confidence consistent with an emerging professional artist or designer.

Pre-requisite:ADR492;

ART490 - Internship

3 credits

Schedule Type: Internship

This course is an opportunity for students to gain practical experience of the workplace relevant to their program with employers in the public or privates sector. Internships are intended to match the academic background and strengths of students, their interests and future career ambitions.

Pre-requisite:COM210 or ADR405

ART History Electives

AAH322 - History Islamic Art and Architecture

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This class provides an overview of the main characteristics of Islamic art and architecture. It looks at what influenced the earliest forms of Islamic art and architecture, and examines how these forms have changed from place to place, and from time to time throughout history.

AAH324 - Contemporary Islamic Art and Architecture

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This class provides an overview of contemporary Islamic art and architecture. Attention is paid to continuity and change in nineteenth and twentieth century form and function, and the role of the arts in promoting national and religious identity throughout the Islamic world.

Pre-requisite:ART223

AAH325 - History of Design

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This course reviews the evolution of design into the contemporary period. It provides students with information about societal issues related to designers. This course encourages students to reflect on and be aware of the design decisions they make.

AAH326 - Representation: Exhibition, Display and Interpretation I

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This class provides an overview of the history of exhibitions, display and interpretation of objects from 1850 to 1980. Particular attention is paid to the role of 19th- and early 20th-century imperialism in the development of museums designed to house art and ethnographic artifacts the acquisition and display of objects, and the debates around the interpretation of these for public consumption.

AAH327 - Representation: Exhibition, Display and Interpretation II

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This course discusses the debates surrounding exhibitions, display, and interpretation of art and artifacts from 1980 to the present. Particular attention is paid to relationship of theories of contemporary art and culture to the display and interpretation of objects in museum settings.

Pre-requisite:AAH326 or ART223

AAH420 - Communities, Curatorial Practices, and Collections

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This course explores the purpose and functions of museums, with particular emphasis on the roles which globalization and the development of new forms of museums play in how knowledge is created and preserved through collections and research. Topics include the history and organization of museums and collections, curatorship, research, documentation, and care.

AAH422 - Contemporary Art Theory

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This seminar focuses on contemporary sociological theory and the arts in the twentieth century. Students are asked to consider their own artwork within a larger social context.

Pre-requisite:ART223

AAH425 - History of Graphic Design

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This course reviews the history of Graphic Design to the contemporary era through an examination of professional practices, technical applications, and theoretical issues. Students explore the relationship of new media and processes to the practice of print and digital design.

AAH426 - History of Interior Design

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This course reviews the history of Interior Design from the Industrial Revolution through the contemporary periods in an exploration of professional practice and the role of interior designers today. This course provides the conceptual and philosophical foundation for the development of each student’s particular design interest.

AAH427 - History of Animation

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This course reviews the history of the field of Animation. It combines knowledge of historical and theoretical developments, the exploration of contemporary issues, and technical applications for professionals. Students explore the development of animation as a separate discipline within the context of film history and theory as well as the integration of motion in graphic design media.

AAH430 - Curatorial Practices

3 credits

Schedule Type: UG Lecture

This is an advanced course that introduces students to the historical and contemporary role of the curator and various curatorial practices through lectures, trips, and specific workshops. The course continues and furthers the student’s examination of theoretical issues related to artistic practices and prepares students to work in a number of professional fields.

Program Electives