Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial)

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This subject investigates the evolution of built environment design. It explores major art and architectural movements throughout history and the development of contemporary design by investigating significant turning points and historic milestones.

This subject will focus on developing the students’ understanding of the complexities of designing an area within a spatial environment whilst identifying and activating an urban site, with consideration of the longevity and adaptability of the final design solution. Students will integrate their research and knowledge of environments, identifying design related and environmental imperatives in the realisation of design briefs.

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This subject examines the way design ideas are generated. Students will explore concepts of assimilation, synthesis and transformation and will develop an understanding of reflective design practice.

A foundation language of experimentation, risk-taking and problem solving is introduced, combined with theories of ideas generation and their transformation into a design outcome.

In addition, students will investigate a variety of methods and techniques to understand design innovation through individual and group exploration and analysis

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Design Studio 2 offers an introduction to the building blocks of creating and developing brands and is designed to give students a broad understanding of the stages and methodologies adopted in the brand development process. The subject draws on the theory and practice that sits behind brand creation. It covers the broad spectrum of brand development, values, trends and branding techniques, as well as fundamentals such as brand positioning and brand architecture. The subject also explores the relationship between branding and audiences, cross-cultural influences and shifts in consumer behaviour. Students must first understand and apply the fundamentals of branding and then go on to use that knowledge as the basis for developing and progressing a brand. This theoretical and practical subject will equip students with the knowledge and insight with which to build their own branding expertise.

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This subject explores the relationship between materials and storytelling. It introduces students to the attributes of materiality and encourages them to re-imagine the possibilities of creating through making. Students will explore the art of paper folding, developing skills and taking creative risks. These results will be captured digitally and altered using the appropriate software. Individual tasks allow students to develop an understanding and appreciation of materials, their many varied uses, properties, and the sustainable manufacturing processes related to them. Students will progress towards determining suitable materials in which to construct their final model with its form and function contextualised and supported by a documented process journal. Their final submission will be a model that reminds us that stories which fill our lives are not only spoken and written but sometimes are best told through craft.

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Design Context is a foundational subject that introduces students to the designed world and their place within it. Students are encouraged to explore the interconnected nature of design and its capacity to inspire change, drive progress and navigate complex challenges. Through observation, research and iterative approach students will develop a series of creative responses that demonstrate an awareness of the value of design and its ability to create meaningful interactions for people, communities and their environments.

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Systems and Documentation 1 introduces students to the different construction systems applicable to the design of nominated interiors, and how design solutions are communicated to stakeholders (contract managers, consultants and contractors) through contract documentation. Students will develop a series of documentation drawings for a small scale nominated environment.

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This subject examines perspectives on models of practice relevant to Interior Design. It examines design practice in response to changing needs and requirements of clients and design briefs. It also explores the strategies used for expressing ideas, and the design skills required to communicate them. The purpose of the subject is for students to gain knowledge in foundation level design practice relevant to Interior Design. The design process workflow from original idea to review of work in progress, revision, presentation and reflection is explored.

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The study of the history of major design and art movements and their practices enables the students to identify important and significant turning points and milestones influencing Interior Design, in addition it informs and augments their own design practice and outcomes. In this subject students will study and critically analyse milestones in art and design that have significantly influenced applied design as a profession and as a discipline. This study will help them develop their understanding that ideas, events and visual techniques are interrelated in the context of history and current practice.

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The myth of innovation is that brilliant ideas leap fully resolved from the minds of geniuses. The reality is that most innovation comes from a process of rigorous examination through which great ideas are identified and developed before being realised as new offerings and capabilities.

This subject introduces Problem Based Learning (PBL), mapped out as the 'Double Diamond’, the collaborative process by which the designer’s sensibilities and methods are employed to integrate the needs of people, the possibility of technology and the requirement for business success. In short, Double Diamond approach converts need into demand. It’s a human-centred approach to problem-solving that focuses thinking about meanings instead of features, searching for radical changes instead of improvements and proposing visions instead of satisfying existing needs.

Today, designers across many disciplines share some similar approaches to the creative process. Every design specialist has a different approach and way of working, but there are some commonalities in their creative process. Divided into four distinct phases – Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver – the Double Diamond is a simple visual map which illustrates the PBL approach.

In this subject, students examine a range of possible ideas – divergent thinking; before refining and narrowing down to the best idea – convergent thinking. To discover which ideas are best, the creative process is iterative. Ideas are developed, tested and refined many times, with weak ideas dropped in the process. This cycle is an essential part of a good design strategy.

Students are introduced to practical design methods – like user journeys, empathy mapping, character profiles – and how they can be used to move a project through the four phases of the Double Diamond.

Discover – The first quarter of the Double Diamond model covers the start of the project. Students look at the world from a fresh perspective; notice new things and gather insights.

Define – The second quarter represents the definition stage, in which students analyse and synthesise all of the possibilities identified in the Discover phase. Which matters most? Which should we act upon first? What is feasible? The goal here is to develop a clear creative brief that frames the fundamental design challenge.

Develop – The third quarter marks a period of development where solutions or concepts are created, prototyped, tested and iterated. This process of trial and error helps students to improve and refine their ideas.

Delivery – The final quarter of the Double Diamond model is the delivery stage, where the resulting project (a product, service or environment, for example) is finalised, produced and launched.

Thinking like a designer can transform the way you develop products, services, processes – and even strategy.

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Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach that enables students to learn while engaging actively with meaningful problems. Students are given the opportunities to problem-solve in a collaborative setting, create mental models for learning, and form self-directed learning habits through practice and reflection. The underpinning philosophy of PBL is that learning can be considered a “constructive, self-directed, collaborative and contextual” activity. The principle of construct positions students as active knowledge seekers and co-creators who organise new relevant experiences into personal mental representations with the help of prior knowledge. This is further reinforced by social theories of learning that advance the merits of social interaction in cognitive development. The aim of this subject is to trigger student learning with a problem which needs resolution. Students make connections to the challenge by activating their individual and collective prior knowledge and finding resources to make sense of the phenomenon; they also engage in peer learning through small-group discussions and consolidate their learning through reflective writing. Beyond enabling students to make sense of the concepts and subject matter, this learning experience will also help students develop an understanding of themselves and their contexts, and the ways and situations in which they learn effectively.

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Contemporary design practice has evolved a culture that applies a range of research methodologies to investigate design processes that are appropriate and relevant to creative problem solving. This subject explores the notion of designer as a generator of need and purpose and how research practice underpins these roles. The purpose of this subject is to expand the student's knowledge of the research processes that inform emerging design practice and how this affects the designer/client/project relationship. Students will expand their skills in identifying research methods and the application of analysis to a design project. Students will also be introduced to legal and ethical issues in design research.

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Systems and Documentation 2: Commercial extends the student’s learning and communication of different construction systems for a nominated commercial design proposal. In the case of physical environments, the students are required to complete a full documentation package for their nominated design proposal. In the case of digital environment proposal students are required to extend the communication of their design proposals through additional digital representation techniques: e.g. fly-through, animation, interactive components.

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The theoretical base of this subject will focus on developing the students’ understanding of the complexities of designing a retail environment whilst appreciating the growing demand for the application of sustainable design practices – not only in materials and technologies but also in the longevity and adaptability of the final design solution. Students will integrate their knowledge of a retail space, identity design and environmental imperatives into the creative realisation of a project brief. Students will further develop their research skills and apply these to the design of an ‘eco- friendly’ retail project.

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The theoretical base of this subject will focus on developing the students’ ability to work with 2D and 3D spatial organisation. It introduces students to the processes of interpreting functionality and planning within a 3D space. The subject is designed and delivered from an interior designer’s perspective and draws on the students’ experience of such spaces and their understanding of visual communication in spatial environments.

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This subject is designed to provide students with professional experience in an area related to their field of study or the career they are working towards. The aim of providing industry-specific opportunities is to enable students to develop skills that will enhance their prospects of gaining meaningful employment and building their career for the future. Much of the benefit of work integrated learning comes from observation, practicing under supervision and reflection. Work Integrated Learning is an excellent way to broaden the students learning environment while they are studying. It allows them to see first-hand how what they are learning in their degree translates into practice, as well as how ‘real world’ practice relates to what they are learning at University. This subject will develop work ready skills and boost students’ employability while they are studying. There are two work integrated learning options available to students:

Option 1: Internship
Students are offered the opportunity to work within a professional design environment for an extended period of time. It encourages students to build long-term relationships with the design industry and exposes them to the rigour of applied design practice while building their confidence in adapting to new environments. It also provides a context in which to enhance their communication skills and work collaboratively in a professional arena. Students will undertake a series of research tasks, conducting interviews and gathering data in order to understand the key concepts in managing a professional design practice with emphasis placed on the operation of the professional design environment.

Option 2: Industry Live Brief
This subject requires students to respond to criteria set within the context of an Industry Live Project. An understanding of research methodologies appropriate to professional practice and the documentation of personal creative investigation will be explored. Students will also further investigate and examine entrepreneurial and commercial opportunities through collaborative work practice. The subject is delivered from a cross discipline perspective and draws on both discipline specific and common design practices. Students are required to work both independently or as part of a collaborative team in order to conduct research, analyse and define project parameters and deliver innovative solutions that expand the notion of an industry live brief.

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Social Enterprise is an exciting theoretically-based subject that is driven by the desire to create positive change through entrepreneurial activities. These activities harness design thinking and problem-solving processes in the realisation of pragmatic, viable project proposals from initiation to client presentation. By providing students with a framework to understand business model generation and the skills to source, evaluate, and measure opportunities through systematic research and competitor analysis, Social Enterprise empowers students to conceptualise, develop and propose new ventures and products that focus primarily upon social change for good. In addition, this subject will help students understand and address the practical challenges of working within this environment; to analyse different entrepreneurial business strategies, to explore diverse funding strategies, as well as incorporate theoretical discussions on major trends and issues in the social economy. Social Enterprise enables students to appreciate the power of creativity in problem-solving and the importance of the designer’s role in making a difference and precipitating change.

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This subject aims to cultivate a broader understanding of portfolios and presentations for the design industry within a professional context. It explores contemporary styles and methods of presentation. The identification and analysis of employment target markets is introduced to students. This is enhanced through self-directed research that aims to help students gain an understanding of the specific needs and preferences of the Interior Design industry. Students build relationships with Interior Design industry through possible internship or design studio project or on campus live brief. This industry engagement exposes students to rigors of the real world design practice whilst adding valuable experience to student CV.

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Systems and Documentation 3 -Nominated extends the student's learning and communication of different construction systems for environments into larger more complex commercial environments. Students develop their understanding of building systems to include those appropriate for nominated commercial spaces. Students are expected to use their understanding of the documentation process to communicate t heir design solution to builders, contract managers, consultants and contractors.

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Scheduling Interiors 2: Commercial introduces the student to the practical knowledge required to construct nominated commercial environments. It recognises the importance of nominating appropriate and sustainable finishes, furniture and fit tings for nominated commercial environments. Students learn the following: types, styles and suitability of materiality and finishes; application of lighting types and styles; fixtures and fittings and selection of joinery items. This subject will also educates students in specification writing, preparation of schedules and what role they play in contract administration, as well as the principles of quality assurance in the design and documentation process. The principles of Building Management Systems are also introduced.

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The theoretical base of this subject will focus on developing the students' understanding of the complexities of designing nominated commercial environments whilst appreciating the growing demand for the application of sustainable design practices- not only in materials and technologies but also in the longevity and adaptability of the final design solution. Students will integrate their knowledge of identity design and environmental imperatives into the creative realisation of a nominated commercial project brief. Students will be required to work with real sites for their environment, carry out complete site analyses, develop concept proposals and carry this through to completed design proposals. Students will also be required to understand Australian standards, liquor licensing laws, building code requirements/regulations, and approval process for nominated commercial environments.

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This subject provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of relevant design history and theories and their application to change and innovation within contemporary practice. Central to this subject will be the application of contemporary design thinking in the critical reflection of their own, and their peers, creative output. Students will also gain insight into evaluating design outcomes in response to user feedback. The subject is designed and delivered from an interior designer perspective and draws on the student’s knowledge of design history and innovation. This subject also draws on the student’s own experience as a design consumer.