Interior Architecture Construction and Building Systems

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• understand that human and environmental conditions vary according to geographic location and impact design and construction decisions.

• are aware of the impact of illumination strategies and decisions.

• understand the principles of natural and artificial lighting design.

• understand strategies for using and modulating natural light.

• understand typical fabrication processes, installation methods, and maintenance requirements for products and materials.

• understand that design decisions relating to acoustics, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality impact human wellbeing and the environment.

• understand principles and strategies of acoustical design and acoustical control; thermal design and systems; plumbing; waste management; and indoor air quality.

• have awareness of the environmental impact of construction.

• have understanding that design solutions affect and are impacted by base-building structural systems and construction method; interior systems, construction, and installation methods; detailing and specification of interior construction materials, products, and finishes; the integration of building systems including electrical (such as power, data, lighting, telecommunications, security, and audio visual) and mechanical (such as HVAC, plumbing, and sprinklers); building controls systems; and vertical and horizontal systems of transport and circulation such as stairs, ramps, elevators, or escalators.

• understand the formats, components, and accepted standards for an integrated and comprehensive set of interior construction documents.

• apply federal, state/provincial, and local codes including movement, travel distance, and means of egress.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Assignments	50%
Quizzes + Exams	50%

Grading Scale:

Percentage	Letter Grade
93.0 – 100	A
90.0 – 92.99	A-
87.0 – 89.99	B+
83.0 – 86.99	B
80.0 – 82.99	B-
77.0 – 79.99	C+
73.0 – 76.99	C
70.0 – 72.99	C-
60.0 – 69.99	D
< 60.0	F

Attendance/Participation:

Most courses in the Department of Interior Architecture are not based on a textbook but rely on information and techniques taught in class and classroom interaction with faculty and peers. Because semesters are only 15-16 weeks long, each absence constitutes missing a significant part of the class experience. Additionally, students are expected to recognize the importance of professional behavior and to show respect for faculty and their fellow students by arriving on time to class each week. Therefore, the following absence policies are in place.

• Each student has two “free” absences to use for any purpose.

• Each additional absence will drop a student’s grade one increment for the semester (e.g., from a B- to a C+).

• Four total absences (excused or unexcused) will automatically lead to a failing grade

• Tardiness: If you arrive within 15 minutes of the start of class, you are considered tardy. Three instances of tardiness constitute one absence. If you are late by more than 15 minutes, you are considered absent.

• Any regular medical appointments (check-ups, dental, eye doctor, etc.) should be scheduled to not conflict with class time and will not count as an excused absence.

• Students who have extenuating circumstances (family tragedy, serious continuing illness) should work with OARS to receive accommodations for extended absences

Sometimes, students may have multiple absences beyond their control (for instance, for a medical condition). Students in those situations should discuss those with their instructors. Students with extraordinary conditions may want to request a grade of “incomplete” in order to have more time to make up the work. Alternatively, students may need to file a leave of absence.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

• Bingeli, Corky. Building Systems for Interior Designers, New Jersey, Wiley.

• Plunkett, Drew. Construction and Detailing for Interior Design, London, Lawrence King.

• Students shall have a laptop that meets departmental guidelines with AutoDesk’s REVIT educational version software installed in order to generate assignments for the course. Students shall bring their laptops to each class.