AD3027 - Interior Design - Foundation

What will I learn on this module?

This module outlines the discipline and its position in the design professions and the built environment. There will be an introduction to the main discipline topics and the processes of producing an interior design solution in a professional environment. The module will use a series of processes that will explain the activities of the discipline and help develop knowledge of the professional practices of the discipline and how you can become employed following the programme. The context and background of the subject will be revealed and its effect on the processes of design and how user behaviour affects the design process. Key topics like organisation of space, materials, lighting and furniture will be used to help frame a series of connected design projects that build towards and integrated solution and portfolio work.
You will use the design process to formulate a summative proposal for the design and completion of a portfolio showcasing your curated work for the module and demonstrate your ability to think spatially and link creatively between the 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional activities within this discipline. This will help to create a bridge into level 4 and the degree of your choice. Working both individually and in a team, you will learn in a reflective and collaborative manner working with other’s design practices and creative interventions through experimentation, making, discussion and evaluation of the design disciplines.

How will I learn on this module?

The School of Design operates an extended studio approach (X-Studio) that embraces our physical studios and making workshops as well as our virtual spaces to create a flexible and rich environment that is responsive to our learners’ needs. You will learn through a blend of directed and self-directed studies around a range of practice-based challenges and briefs that encourage you to consider the way Interior design helps to build meaningful experiences for everyday life. Exposure to the work and experiences of academic staff from across the department will contribute to your understanding of design practices and relevant research activities, where the range and reach of these creative design disciplines will be introduced through a number of diverse design case studies. This research-rich and research-informed environment for learning will enable you to gain an appreciation for the wider contexts within which Interior design is practiced, furthering your knowledge and development in this dynamic field of study. Your learning will be enhanced through either onsite visits or virtual tours that will enable you to experience key Interior design topics, such as the design of space, scale, lighting, interior products, furniture and materials. You will be given frequent formative feedback on the progress of your work to support your development towards final outputs. This module consists of two, semester-long, components. Each component of the module will be assessed upon submission, giving you the opportunity to rapidly build upon prior learning and accelerate skills and knowledge development.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through a blend of onsite and remote teaching practices. The module handbook provides details of sessions, reading lists and assessment criteria. This information in addition to teaching and learning materials, are made available on the e-learning portal. Whether onsite or online, module tutors will be available to guide taught sessions, as well as to provide guidance and feedback during consultation hours to discuss any queries or concerns you may have about how to succeed on the module. Moreover, feedback on formative work and the first summative assessments you receive will serve as ‘feed forward’, giving you guidance on how to improve during the module.
In addition, you have a designated Personal Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Personal Guidance Tutor’s role includes:
• monitoring your ongoing academic progress
• helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development
• directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus)
You are advised to meet with your Personal Guidance Tutor at least three times each semester to review your academic progress.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding
1. Demonstrate your awareness of widely recognised theoretical, technical and professional practices in Interior Design and an understanding of how they both inform and give context to your work.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities
2. Demonstrate appropriate use of fundamental principles of design in your conceptualisation of interior spaces.
3. Demonstrate your ability to achieve particular aims by shaping interior spaces.

Personal Values Attributes
4. Show your awareness of the relevance of designing interiors and the part it plays in changing perceptions and social interactions.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment
Formative feedback is provided as an integral part of teaching and learning sessions, which may take the form of individual or small group critiques that include tutor and peer review.

Summative Assessment
Summative feedback in Semesters 1 and 2 is based on submissions of work (MLO1, 2, 3), as well as annotated research and development work evidencing foundation level knowledge and understanding (MLO1), commitments to learning and attendance to studies (MLO4).
Portfolio submission and evidence/documentation of studio/ workshop-based activities that are linked to the development of creative and technical skills (MLO 1, 2 3, and 4).

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

AD3023 40 YL Design Portfolio Skills
AD3024 20 Credits - Communication YL
AD3025 20 Credits – Product YL
AD3026 20 Credits – Fashion YL

Module abstract

The Interior discipline is revealed through a series of spatial projects that establish the design and integrated relationship with the built environment. The range and scope of the discipline is explained through a series of practical projects that highlights the importance of the human user and how the designed interior explains the meaning and experience of space. Drawing on research-rich learning and Technology Enhanced Learning techniques, specialist design staff will guide your learning, knowledge and understanding of the discipline and how it connects to other creative and design subjects. The module will explore the built environment using a series of integrated 2 dimensional and 3 Dimensional elements that highlight fundamental components of the discipline like the design of space, scale, lighting, interior products, furniture and materials which will be explored and experimented with in a range of module outcomes. These will form an integrated portfolio of entry level interior design work. The module will help you develop understanding of the discipline, how it relates to architecture and integrates into the culture and community of the Northumbria Design School.

Course info

UCAS Code W270

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year full-time followed by a further 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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