Interior Design

Design Studio 1A (30 CU)
This module lays the foundation for the training and education of the interior designer. It comprises design projects that increase in duration and complexity, as you gradually acquire core discipline skills and knowledge through the course of the year.

In Design Studio 1A, a series of projects gives you the opportunity to explore and express abstract notions of space, and focuses primarily on developing your understanding of the design process as well as seek to emphasise the importance of conceptualisation, idea generation and experimentation; and how it should be informed by adequate research and analysis, and communicated through competent visualisation techniques and technical documentation.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Professional Studies 1A (15 CU)
This module is designed to impart all the necessary fundamental technical skills, knowledge and understanding for you to begin functioning and communicating as interior design professionals. In this module, you will cover the following core discipline skills and knowledge:
Manual Techniques – Explore 2D and visualisation skills such as sketching, observational drawing, manual reading and drafting of plans, sections and elevations, perspective drawing, isometric drawing and model-making.
Digital Techniques – Include 2D computer-aided skills like Photoshop, Autocad, or their latest equivalents.

The professional skills and knowledge attained in this module should be applied and honed in the ongoing projects within Design Studio, employing the appropriate type of medium and representation to communicate design proposals competently. You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 1A (15 CU)
This module will introduce you to a basic spectrum of design history and theory. It offers a focus on key principles and concepts related to architecture, interior and industrial design in a broad historical, geographical and cultural context. It identifies the predominant civilisations throughout history and the contributions they have made to architecture and design. It also seeks to provide you with basic design terminology, with some emphasis on specific designers, architects and their influence on the movements and historical trajectories.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Design Studio 1B (30 CU)
This module comprises projects that will progress from the abstract theories explored in Semester 1 and place them in more realistic contexts. Responding to set design briefs that challenge conventional expectations of spatial programmes and use, you are expected to carefully consider planning and ergonomic issues and display a more sophisticated grasp of 2 and 3 dimensional space manipulation with basic ergonomic, functional and aesthetic considerations.

Studio work focuses primarily on the development of your understanding of the design process and seeks to emphasise the importance of conceptualisation, idea generation, experimentation and contextualisation; and how it is informed by accurate research and analysis, and communicated through increasingly professional visualisation techniques and technical documentation. Within this module, you are also exposed to industry-based learning through external design workshops, talks and exhibitions. This will supplement the learning and exploration of design with basic industry-based knowledge and experience.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Professional Studies 1B (15 CU)
This module is designed to impart all the necessary fundamental technical skills, knowledge and understanding for you to begin functioning and communicating as interior design professionals. Through the course of the year, you will cover the following core discipline skills and knowledge:
Digital Techniques – Focus on 3D computer-aided skills like D Max and Google Earth Sketchup, or their latest equivalents.
Building Technology – Offer key knowledge on structural systems and construction technology, with the emphasis on the materials and elements which form interior building and furniture assemblies.

The professional skills and knowledge attained in this module should be applied and honed in the ongoing projects within Design Studio, employing the appropriate type of medium and representation to communicate design proposals competently. You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 1B (15 CU)
This module provides you with an understanding of design terminology, principles and movements, with some emphasis on specific designers, architects and their influence on the movements and historical trajectories of both Eastern and Western cultures. It continues the focus on key principles and concepts related to architecture, interior and industrial design in a broad historical, geographical and cultural context. This will seek to trace historical shifts that have occurred from the beginning of civilisation up to contemporary movements. Specific emphasis will be made to key theoretical and ideological developments, and consequences surrounding the era in which such developments occurred.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Design Studio 2A (30 CU)
This module continues the training and education of the interior designer and facilitates your development as a designer with an increased level of understanding of the design process and thinking strategies. You will study projects involving a diversity of spatial and functional typologies within a singular shell. This may include a range of residential, commercial and hospitality spatial types. You are required to explore the design and detailing of these diverse spaces, while maintaining an overall unity of concept.

Studio work revolves around your development of a critical understanding derived from evaluating and interpreting research and analysis, a vested interest in challenging conventional design thought and effective communication of ideas through established professional visualisation techniques and technical documentation.

Within this module, you are also exposed to industry-based learning through external design workshops, talks, exhibitions, competitions and live projects. This will supplement the learning and exploration of design with key industry-based knowledge and experience.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Professional Studies 2A (15 CU)
This module builds on the foundation of skills and knowledge covered in Professional Studies 1 and allies you with more progressive 2D and 3D visualisation techniques that are key to the communication of sophisticated design schemes, as well as emerging, specialised professional and technical knowledge on building technology.

Through the course of the year, Building Technology 2A will provide you with a deeper understanding of material production in the design process and the parameters determined by structural components, construction methods, building services and material properties. The focus would be on research, experimentation and application of contemporary construction methods and innovative material technologies to your designs. This knowledge base covers not only large-scale building technologies, but also small-scale productions including, but not limited to, rapid prototyping, 3D scanning, 3D printing, rapid manufacturing and laser cutting. 

The professional skills and knowledge attained in this module should be applied and honed in the on-going projects within Design Studio, employing the appropriate type of medium and representation to communicate design proposals competently and professionally.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 2A (15 CU)
This module builds on the knowledge attained in Level 1, and provides you with a more contemporary spectrum of design theories and issues and their specific cultural and social identities. It provides you with a keen understanding of issues and concepts related to architecture, interior and industrial design in the social and cultural contexts of the East and the West, and from critical understanding of both, it seeks to facilitate design thinking and strategies informed by the interaction of these diverse influences.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Design Studio 2B (30 CU)
This module continues the training and education of the interior designer and facilitates your development as a designer with an increased level of understanding of the design process and thinking strategies.

You will work with a project that requires a higher level of design thinking in the design of your environments and interior spaces. You will explore a partly self-driven programme brief that calls for detailed research, analysis and critical understanding of user research and site contexts. You will be challenged to not only integrate and balance functional and aesthetic aspects, but also the social interpretations and representations of the designed environments.

Studio work revolves around your development of a critical understanding derived from evaluating and interpreting research and analysis, a vested interest in challenging conventional design thought and effective communication of ideas through established professional visualisation techniques and technical documentation.

Within this module, you are also exposed to industry-based learning through external design workshops, talks, exhibitions, competitions and live projects. This will supplement the learning and exploration of design with key industry-based knowledge and experience. 

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Interdisciplinary Project
Interdisciplinarity is a key principle of a LASALLE arts education. Exploration of interdisciplinarity in your creative practice will provide you with the platform to work across disciplinary boundaries and explore new ways of developing ideas, concepts and practices.

In this module, you will be required to undertake an interdisciplinary project. You will have the opportunity to work with team members from different programmes and disciplines on a common project brief. As a team, you will learn to integrate knowledge and skills from various disciplines to produce new insights and/or outcomes.

Professional Studies 2B (15 CU)
This module builds on the foundation of skills and knowledge covered in Semester 1 and allies you with more progressive 2D and 3D visualisation techniques that are key to the communication of sophisticated design schemes, as well as emerging, specialised professional and technical knowledge on building technology.

You will explore 2D and 3D visualisation techniques of a higher complexity that include the use of conceptual models, developmental diagrams, isometric, exploded isometric and axonometric drawings. This includes, but is not limited to, digital 2D and 3D computer-aided design in emerging digital programmes such as Sketchup, Rhino as well as supporting visualisations techniques in animation and video editing.

The professional skills and knowledge attained in this module should be applied and honed in the on-going projects within Design Studio, employing the appropriate type of medium and representation to communicate design proposals competently and professionally.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 2B (15 CU)
This module builds on the knowledge attained in Semester 1 and identifies the predominant developments of design theories in culture and society, and their influences on architecture and design. It concentrates on further developing your knowledge of theoretical issues and developments within the contemporary global context of design through a rigorous study of design theories that have shaped the fields of contemporary architecture, interior and industrial design.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.

Student Exchange Elective (60 CU) 
This module gives you the opportunity to explore fresh perspectives and alternative approaches to your creative discipline, by undertaking a semester-long international learning exchange in another institution. The aim of the module is to provide interested students an opportunity to enrich their learning journey, enhance their creative practice, learn from a socio-culturally different educational setting, and be exposed to new cultural and creative industries.

Please note that this is an elective module. Students who undertake this module will not be required to take additional modules.

In this module, you will spend a semester studying in a cognate programme or a selection of relevant modules at one of LASALLE’s partner institutions. You will also be expected to be an independent learner to relate and integrate the experience, knowledge and skills acquired to the assessments required for this module. Through this international experience, you will be able to strengthen your ability to adapt and react to changing trends and environment. You will build your capacity to contribute effectively as an active and informed local and global citizen, while broadening your network and enhancing your career prospects in the arts and creative industries. 

You are responsible for applying to this elective option through the College’s Division of Quality and Planning (Email: [email protected]) before Week 7 of Semester 1 . 

Your application for this elective module must be supported by your Programme Leader. You are expected to adhere to the regulations, guidelines and planned curriculum issued by the host institution. At the same time, you are expected to regularly update your assigned lecturer on the progress of your learning at the partner institution, and also seek guidance on the completion of the units of assessment for this module.

Industry and Community Engagement (20 CU)
This module is designed to enable you to broaden your knowledge of the cultural and creative industries by placing you, as a learning professional, within a professional work environment. The aim of the module is to help you develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, prepare you to pursue opportunities in fields relating to your study, and expose you to a diverse set of professional trajectories. You will map your acquired skills, interests and aspirations against current (and future) opportunities in the cultural and creative industries, while putting to practice skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. You are required to attend various industry preparation workshops, such as resume-writing, interview skills, and etc., as part of this module.

In fulfilment of this module, you can choose one of the following options: 

Option A: Industry-based Internship(s)
You will independently source and apply for internship opportunities. You are required to identify your interest and career-trajectory. These opportunities should be in an organisation where the job functions are related to your discipline. 

The internship may be with a single organisation or an accumulation of short-term work with different companies, to accumulate the minimum 200 hours of on-the-job training. The internship may be spread across a number of days/weeks and need not be a full-time position. Where possible, you are encouraged to go beyond the minimum hours in order to showcase your talent and abilities, which will aid your quest for permanent employment and/or gain more opportunities to learn about the job and industry. 

All internships must be approved by the Programme Leader, prior to commencement, to align with learning aims and outcomes. 

Option B: Negotiated Projects
You will take a proactive and entrepreneurial approach to identify and create a niche for yourself, within the cultural and creative industries. You may undertake a combination of the following types of projects:

• Industry Live Project: You can source for an industry project, or this can be facilitated through the programme.
• Entrepreneurial Project: You may devise a business proposal and execute it. 
• Community Engagement Project: You can engage with a community of your preference, and develop and execute an initiative for them. 
• Short-term internship (about 100 hours)

To ensure that you fulfil the learning outcomes of this module, all proposals and short-term internship opportunities must be discussed and approved by the Programme Leader.

Dissertation (40 CU)
This module is the culmination of the research and contextual knowledge that you have acquired during the course of your study. You will be required to undertake in-depth critical research, and present a coherent argument based on investigation and analysis. The chosen topic will be relevant to your main course of study, and will be used to support and inform your specialist practice. It will demonstrate your deep appreciation of your field, and competency of key approaches and methodologies to contextualise it.

You will demonstrate an ability to identify a research topic that is close to your practice or field of study through a clear literature review, and present relevant arguments and hypotheses in the written form of between 6,000 to 8,000 words.

Before commencing your dissertation, you will be required to develop a research proposal outline to demonstrate your research question and approach to completing the dissertation. In consultation with your supervisor, you may form your dissertation around an exegesis that foregrounds your major creative studio practice. Programmes where you are eligible to develop a piece of creative practice as part of your dissertation may be negotiated with your supervisor. In this instance, the word count for the written element may be negotiated, but a minimum word count of 4,000 words is required.

You are expected to undertake a significant amount of independent and self-motivated research. You will be assigned a supervisor who will provide guidance in your research work. You will also be required to attend all dissertation-related classes.

Graduation Project (60 CU)
This module brings together all the skills and professional knowledge you have acquired so far, allowing you to focus on an area of personal and particular interest. Depending on your preferences, you will be able to work in a team and collaborate with BA(Hons) degree students from other design programmes.

In this module, you will work on a project that requires a higher level of social sensitivity in the design of environments and interior spaces. You will negotiate a design proposal, detailed research, analysis and critical understanding of user surveys and site contexts, where you will be tasked to not only integrate and balance functional and aesthetic aspects, but also the social interpretations and representations of design.

This module encourages you to reconsider the utopian role of the designer when faced with practical concerns in design construction, and to continue challenging conventional design thought while employing critical thinking to spatial programmes, design processes and interior environments.

Your study will be self-directed and conducted in relation to theoretical frameworks explored in your Dissertation. Through writing your own brief, you will learn to identify and articulate clearly your research trajectories and anticipated design challenges. Backed by substantiated research, you are to experiment and develop these trajectories as part of a comprehensive design proposal. Informed by industry standard practice, you are to produce innovative, conceptual and even discursive design solutions that are presented as progressive yet realistic outcomes.

Design processes and conceptual thinking methodologies as the primary focus are explored in a practice-based studio environment. This is where you explore and apply technical knowledge and skills with a critical understanding of design history and contemporary theory gained from core modules. Each studio session is facilitated by staff/assigned supervisor and invited industry practitioners.

You will learn to manage the design process, as well as define project development stages and benchmarks. You will conduct interim evaluations, tests and experiments that influence and inform the final design outcomes. You will be expected to exhibit part or all of your design process and outcomes on one or several occasions. Exhibitions provide you with a platform to test your ideas, interact with a range of audiences and engage in critical dialogue.

To support the design practice at this level, you are expected to produce a Creative Process Journal (CPJ) in which you will document written, visual and aural materials in support of your practical work. You will critically assess these along with your research findings. Your CPJ needs to document verbally and visually the development of your ideas and concepts, and the application thereof. You are strongly encouraged to include and critically analyse your failed attempts. Your choices and progress in relation to the design development will need to be articulated professionally and convincingly. Your CPJ needs to be designed and produced to meet design industry standards.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.