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Program Codes:
BSIAD
Bachelor of Science
Introduction
Interior Architecture and Design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. Interior Architecture and Design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, to protect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of the public. Interior Design is a service profession concerned with the science and art of providing optimal living, working, learning, and playing environments for human beings throughout the life cycle. As such, it is an essential component of the architectural sciences. Knowledge and skills must be accompanied with confidence, empathy and compassion.
Mission Statement
The Interior Architecture and Design Department establishes its mission as the promotion of the intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual growth of the student as an effective citizen through liberal and professional education. Therefore, the programs prepare the student not only for a career, but also for life. Faculty and students are challenged to integrate social responsibility with career competence and a commitment to human values.
Philosophy
The faculty believes:
They further believe that learning in the professional environment, where students interact with clients and professionals and can apply theoretical principles, is very effective in developing professional proficiency as well as classroom/studio oriented education. The meaning of this philosophy for Interior Architecture and Design education is that the curriculum should provide a judicious balance of learning experience with essential knowledge and understanding to be gained in the physical, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, professional sciences and communicative sciences. As potential translators of architectural and interior science, the students need the science (knowledge) and the art (skill) inherent in the Interior Design profession. Only when they have cultivated moral values can they translate this science and art into action, in a wide variety of settings, with sensitivity, self-reliance, social concern and genuine compassion for others.
Writing across the Curriculum
The department supports the Mercyhurst Writing across the Curriculum Program by requiring writing as part of all courses in the Interior Architecture and Design curriculum.
Program graduates are envisioned to be competent Interior Designers, with a liberal education, who instill in their profession a vision of all the arts, and who see their own art with clearer perspective within the context of an increasingly complex and global world.
Mercyhurst Interior Architecture and Design students will be able to:
The Interior Architecture and Design Department offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design. Students must maintain a grade point average of 2.75 in the major. No required courses in the major may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis. Students who earn a grade less than C in a required major course must repeat the course.
All prerequisites must be met before continuing in the course curriculum sequence. Alteration of the course prerequisites will only be made with special permission of the Department Chair.
To graduate with a degree in Interior Architecture and Design from
Mercyhurst University, students are required to:
Portfolio Requirements
Portfolios are not required for incoming freshmen, however all applicants are required to write a response to an essay question. Students transferring into the program from a non-design program of study should meet with the program director to determine advanced standing. Students transferring from another design program are required to submit a portfolio of their college-level work to appropriately identify credit for transferred design courses. Students are encouraged to begin development of a college-level portfolio beginning in the freshman year to prepare for Sophomore Review and placement in Interior Design Internships. Development of such portfolios is a natural outgrowth of the design studio environment.
Sophomore Review
A review board evaluates students at the end of the sophomore year. The student’s continuation in the Interior Architecture and Design program is based on: (1) a minimum 2.75 GPA in major courses; (2) presentation of a resume and an Interior Design portfolio; (3) presentation of a career goal statement; (4) two letters of recommendation; and (5) successful completion of the interview with the review board.
Senior Capstone/Thesis Project
All students in the Interior Architecture and Design Program are required to complete a Senior Capstone Project (SCP) or a Senior Thesis Project (STP) prior to graduation. Senior projects involve individualized research that must be pre-approved by program leadership. Students apply for project approval and complete research and programming of the project by the end of the spring semester of their junior year. Project development begins in fall semester of the senior year and continues through the spring semester, culminating in the annual Senior Interior Architecture and Design Show.
The senior capstone/thesis project requires students to participate in multiple juried critiques and progress checkpoints throughout the process. If at any given point, student project progress is deemed unacceptable the student will not be allowed to register for the subsequent courses until satisfactory progress has been achieved. Only approved projects will receive the right to be displayed in the exhibition. The program director reserves the right to eliminate any unacceptable design project from final display. Due care must be taken to produce a project worthy of public display.
Service Learning
Service Learning Students are required to complete 10 hours of community service related to the built environment through involvement with Mercyhurst University Habitat for Humanity or other community service opportunities available through interior design coursework.
Students will explore the elements and principles of design in a studio format. Emphasis will be placed on the artistic creation and analysis of design composition that are grounded in design fundamentals. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional interpretations and expressions will be explored as they pertain to the elements of line, shape, form, mass, texture, space, light, color, and motion, the principles of emphasis, balance, scale, proportion, rhythm, unity, variety, harmony, and visual perception and design theory.
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of architectural drawing and drafting, and model making. Students will acquire skill in the use of drafting equipment and the application of architectural symbols.
Students are provided with an introduction to the profession of interior design and acquire beginning studio experiences in a wide range of design practices and methodologies. Students explore the history of interior design, design process, design theory, the elements and principles of design, the relationship of interiors to the built structure, space planning, and the relationship of color, light and materials to interior environments. This course emphasizes aesthetic, functional, and sustainable qualities of the built environment and explores the profession's social responsibility and role in environmental concerns.
Students are provided with and introduction to the design process and will acquire studio experience in applying fundamental design elements and principles to two and three dimensional design solutions. This studio emphasizes the development of space planning and problem solving skills related to single and multi-family dwellings. Studio experiences will be taught in the theory of the design process and an understanding of design research involving physical, social, and psychological factors and reflect a concern for the aesthetic, functional and sustainable qualities of the built environment. Specific in-depth emphasis will be placed on the study of design for the private special populations.
IA 105
Professional methods of preparing visual presentations of interior design projects are examined. Students acquire specific skills in color and black and white expressive skills and rendering techniques, manually.
This course is an overview of basic Adobe Creative Suite Design and its functions-focusing on Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and design principles. It is the goal of this course to show the student the process of putting graphic layout pieces together using the correct software for the correct part of the process. Students learn the differences between vector and raster images, basic typography, font usage, layout principles, e-publishing processes and functions using Adobe Acrobat. This course culminates in producing monograms/logos, photo editing, color correction, cropping and other photo functions using Photoshop and producing layout boards, personal stationary and displays using InDesign. This course will show students how to render three-dimensional spaces using Photoshop, and Interior Architecture presentations boards.
This course surveys residential and commercial building systems. Technical information is presented regarding the building and its environment, structural systems, mechanical systems (electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation, fire safety systems, etc.) and acoustical systems. The role of government regulation, energy efficiency and handicap accessibility is examined.
This course builds on basic technical graphic skills through the introduction of computer-aided drafting, primarily by use of AutoCAD. The class will be taught through a combination of lecture instruction and lab activities to introduce the student to computer-based design. This will include a basic understanding of the software tools and applications to further develop the student's design skills and presentation methods.
IA 105, IA 132
This studio will emphasize the development of space planning and problem solving skills related to corporate offices and facilities. Studio experiences will be taught in the theory of the design process and an understanding of design research involving physical, social, and psychological factors and reflect a concern for the aesthetic qualities of the built environment.Emphasis will be placed on the study of design for corporate and other various office spaces.
IA 111
This course provides a study of the history of furniture, interior design and architectural design traced from antiquity to modern times. Socio-cultural, political and economic factors are considered in relation to their influence on design motifs, styles and trends.
This course provides a study contemporary interior design surveyed from the end of the 19th century to the present day. Specific designers and movements are studied and socio-cultural influences on motifs, styles and trends are considered.
This course provides a study of the materials, systems, assemblies and products used in interior environments. Product performance, regulations, standards, and performance testing are explored. Special emphasis is placed on product and material specification, sustainability, and LEED certification of buildings and processes.
This course emphasizes how human performance, health, safety and behaviors are influenced by the design of work, play and living environments. Students will gain an understanding of how the work of interior design is informed by knowledge of the sciences with emphasis on the behavioral sciences and human factors. Students will further explore and understand the design of the built environment in an ecological, socio-economic, and cultural context with emphasis on evidence-based research and design. Students will be provided with analytical tools with which to assess and recommend for change the elements of an interior environment that do not support the health, safety and performance of the users of the space.
This course builds on basic technical graphic skills through the introduction of computer-aided drafting, primarily by use of Revit, SketchUp and Lumion. The class will be taught through a combination of lecture instruction and lab activities to introduce the student to computer-based design, 3-D modeling, and rendering software. This will include a basic understanding of the software tools and applications to further develop the student’s design skills and presentation methods.
IA 205
This studio will emphasize the development of space planning and problem-solving skills related to health care, sports and fitness facilities. Studio experiences will be taught in the theory of the design process and an understanding of design research involving physical, social, and psychological factors and reflect a concern for the aesthetic qualities of the built environment. Specific in-depth emphasis will be placed on the study of design for a health care or recreational facility. Areas of health care and recreation that may be addressed in the course of study include hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, doctor's offices, and emergency centers. This will include a basic understanding of the software tools and applications to further develop the student's design skills and presentation methods.
IA 211
This course focuses on the specification of materials in the built environment. Students select and apply materials on the basis of their properties and performance criteria, include building codes, ergonomics, environmental attributes, life safety, and life cycle cost. 'Students engage in code compliance and specifications writing.
IA 230
This studio will emphasize the development of space planning and problem-solving related to retail stores, restaurants and lodging facilities. Studio experiences will be taught in the theory of the design process and an understanding of design research involving physical, social, and psychological factors will reflect a concern for the aesthetic qualities of the built environment. Specific in-depth emphasis will be placed on the study of design for hotel rooms, restaurants and retail locations/ stores. Other areas of study may include malls, showrooms, galleries, eateries, resorts, clubs, and theaters, etc.
IA 311
This course provides students a thorough study of business practices and professionalism within the interior design industry. Emphasis is placed on business and professional practices including professional ethics, project management, project communication, financial management, industry relationships, and project assessment. Interior design organizations, legal recognition of the profession, and related professions and disciplines are examined in the context of current design practices.
This course includes lectures and studio experience in the study of the technical and creative concepts of light and color for interior spaces. Human factors, space planning, materials specification and the behavior of light and color are explored. Energy efficiency and maintenance issues are also studied. Projects focus on development of interior lighting, color plans and specifications.
IA 305
Students will engage in multi-faceted and interdisciplinary research to select a topic for development of a Senior Capstone Project (SCP) or a Senior Thesis Project (STP). Areas of inquiry of the student's choice will serve to formulate design research questions that pertain to a particular setting and user group. Research and analysis will form the basis of class and small group discussions. A final document, the Senior Capstone/Thesis Project Research and Program Document, will serve the student as a tool for subsequent courses that further develop their Senior Capstone/ Thesis Project. Majors only
Students will prepare the design development phases of their Senior Capstone (SCP) or Senior Thesis Project (STP). Based on research and programming developed in IA 410 Senior Seminar I. Presentation pieces of the solved design problem will be prepared and completed in IA 490 Senior Seminar III and displayed in a public venue. The senior show takes place in the spring semester and includes juried design critiques.
IA 410
As an endeavor into advanced graphics, this course will explore various design software and media to create a well-rounded approach to design conception, planning, implementation, and documentation. This course will be a guideline on how to present a design project. Graphic visualization is the main scope of this course. Students prepare their final graphic presentation of their Senior Capstone (SCP) or Senior Thesis Project (STP), a 3-D physical model and their final portfolio.
IA 455
Two (2) additional Major Electives (6 credits)
An introductory 3-dimensional design course. Emphasis is on elements and principles of design. The components of production, art history, aesthetics, and criticism will be introduced relevant to 3-dimensional art. Taken in freshman year.
ART-100
A survey of the legal principles found in transactions typified in today's business world. Emphasis is placed on the case study method along with real-world examples. Topics covered include: alternative dispute resolution, structure of the court system, contracts, sales, property law, insurance law, and corporate ethics.
This course addresses the complex agenda of issues such as the role of business in society, the nature of corporate responsibility, the ethical environment of business, the relationship between government and business, and the impact of business on the natural environment. Attention will be given to the impact of these issues on a business and its stakeholders (managers, consumers, employees, and community members). Case studies will be used to highlight each area of concern.
The course will allow students to explore more deeply the western application of the ancient art and science of Feng Shui in today's global market. Designers and non-designers are often fascinated with Feng Shui but have a misunderstanding of its origins, transmission through ancient Chinese literature and the archeological evidence that drives its practice today on an international level. Students will actively engage in applying Feng Shui principles and practices to both residential and commercial interior environments, including analysis of existing spaces on and off campus.
A study of the history, theory, materials and construction techniques of furniture design. Wood detailing for architectural interiors is also explored. Field studies are conducted at several furniture manufacturers and millwork shops. Projects focus on materials selection, design development and drawing skills.
In this course, we will examine how the elements of culture affect psychological processes including values, traditions, socialization, education, language and politics. We will explore which psychological theories and findings apply across cultures and which do not, and why. This course will also explore the psychological effects of moving between cultures and will address the immigrant and refugee experience. Finally, this course also aims to develop cross-cultural communication skills.
Public health is both a discipline and a perspective on human health, with an emphasis on the health of populations and groups rather than on individual patients. This focus on serving the needs of populations and emphasis on prevention over traditional medicine approaches presents economic, political and ethical challenges to public health workers and researchers. Public health requires a unique skill set that pulls from statistics, demography and biology to the social sciences and public policy. This course will focus on the core areas of public health practice including chronic disease prevention, transmission of infectious diseases, health promotion, disease-related research and environmental health.
This course will familarize students with concepts and principles of development pertaining to physical, cognitive, emotional and social development across the lifespan. The course discusses how the multiple domains of development interact with contextual factors to influence developmental outcomes and individual differences from birth to late adulthood.
This course explores socio-cultural factors that connect human needs to global issues. Using a sustainable development paradigm, students will develop an understanding of the linkage between global problems such as overpopulation, food production/distribution disparities and environmental disasters with human/societal needs such as poverty, race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, aging, education, health and medicine, drug use, and war and terrorism. This course will introduce the perspectives and competencies required to prepare for citizenship in the global community of the 21st century.
