Университет Данди, BDes (Hons), Interior and Environmental Design

In levels 1 and 2 students join in organised visits alternatively to London and a European destination; in Level 3 there is a 1 week overseas study trip; regular interior design exchange programmes are available in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands; students also have the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement. Level 1: Exploring creativity: appreciating visual values and design language; creativity: process and expression: looking at spatial and functional expression through a modest interior project; composition, space and movement: recognising the relationship between theory and practice; life drawing; computer-aided design (CAD): an introduction to computer-aided design, basic theory of computer-aided design and a broad appreciation of how computers are used in design; theory: an introduction to art, design, theory and practice; study trip. Level 2: the sensory space: exploring the relationship between the visual/expressive process and pragmatic processes associated with design; environmental expression: developing a strong conceptual approach and exploring the emotive and functional responses to sensed space and built environments; creative connections: encouraging intellectual rigour in both independent and group work; life drawing; computer-aided design (CAD); image and modelling: modelling and multi-media; design history, theory and practice; historical and contemporary review; study trip. Level 3: the creative potential: creating a studio climate which engenders self-determination and encourages peer learning and the confidence to take calculated risks; computer-aided design (CAD) studies; overseas study trip; optional European or international student exchange; design history, theory and practice: design futures and professional practice. Level 4: creative realisation: encouraging a high level of creative awareness, maturity and sophistication, encouraging intellectual endeavour and enterprise, and demonstration of professionalism in undertaking project work; thesis report undertaken to support interior design project; computer-aided design (CAD) studies; design history, theory and practice: design dissertation and research outcomes in history, theory and practice.

Interior and environmental design is a creative discipline involving the creation of interior spaces that enhance the quality of life of those using them; in designing shops, museums, courthouses, theatre sets or other interiors, designers need to use creative judgement and visual sensitivity as well as carefully resolving the practicalities; flexibility within the programme allows students to develop a personal creative language in undertaking their work; project work forms the backbone of the course which is augmented by creative studies in drawing and computer-aided design (CAD), as well as theoretical topics such as architectural and design history, business design and construction.