Concept Driven Design: Visual Seminar and Studio

About this course:

This is the first in a four-course sequence that presents a comprehensive exploration of an architectural problem. A core learning object for the Master of Interior Architecture Program is that every designer needs to demonstrate a firm grasp of how an underlying concept inspires and guides a design project. A critical preparation for all studio work and the culminating thesis project, this seminar and studio course explore ideas, imagination, and inspirations behind developing design concepts. These are comprised of cultural references, historic precedent, and prototypical models and paradigms. Students study creative areas influencing architecture and interior design, including cinema, animation, and video; photography, graphic design, and the fine arts; theatrical set and lighting design; fashion and fabric arts; science and nature; digital arts and technology; philosophy; and mythology. Additionally, the course includes weekly readings and viewing assignments. Students produce a design research project on a topic of their choice and one to two small conceptual projects.