About Interior Architecture (bsc Honours) in Cork Institute of Technology

Course summary

Interior Architecture involves the design of interiors of buildings, their layout and space planning, fitting, technical and structural resolution, furnishing and decoration, and the preparation of all technical drawings and written documentation, necessary for the carrying out of the work.

The design work of Interior Architecture includes domestic, commercial, leisure, retail, educational and healthcare interior projects. Interior architectural design encompasses many types of interiors and utilises accompanying skills, innovation, creativity, communication and team work.

Interior Architecture is specific to a building’s interior. It stands at the intersection of Architecture, design of the built environment, sustainability, and conservation. Unlike interior design, it is architecture within the confines of an existing building. As such, the course requires a level of technical competence to compare with that of the architect, as the responsibilities to the client and community are similar.

This course examines contemporary practice in interior architecture and teaches you about our architectural heritage, how buildings work, and how to create high quality spatial experiences.

The work placement will familiarise the student with work practices and procedures and provide him/her with the opportunity to observe the practical application of theoretical knowledge gained on his/her programme. The placement is supported by a member of academic staff in CIT together with a workplace mentor. The aim of the industrial placement is to introduce the student to structured employment in a relevant work sector and to develop the student's understanding of the organisation, its procedures and technology.

Interior Architecture involves the design of interiors of buildings, their layout, fitting, furnishing and decoration and the preparation of all technical drawings and written documentation necessary for the carrying out of the work.

The design work of the Interior Architect includes domestic, commercial, leisure, retail, educational, and healthcare interior projects. Interior architectural design encompasses many types of interiors and utilises accompanying skills.

At CIT, Interior Architecture covers the spectrum of industry specialisms. It involves the initial design and plan for use to accommodate a changed purpose, or a significantly revised design for adaptive reuse of the building shell. It considers structural adaption, sustainable redevelopment strategies, use of light, air movement, ventilation, horizontal/vertical circulation, and servicing. The practice of Interior Architecture responds to multiple user needs and a wider social responsibility.

The core of this programme is the design studio where skills in design and representation are integrated with mastery of content from other modules. The emphasis is the development of strong commercial design and analytical skills in a studio-based environment.

Modules in the award stage of the Honours Degree will include a comprehensive Design Project, as well as research which will provide the student opportunity to focus and develop an expertise in an area or Buidling Typology.

Career

This course qualifies graduates to work in architectural practice, interior design firms, and allied disciplines in the capacity of an Architectural designer with a developed area of focus and expertise or in entry management positions.

The graduate will be proficient in the master-planning, spatial design and the materiality of complex interior schemes that involve multiple floors and mixed uses. The graduate is also oriented to commercial architectural practice with a strong understanding of sustainable design. The graduate will be able to develop designs and their attendant working drawings, and will deal with contractors, suppliers, and local authorities. The graduate may also select self-employment after a suitable period of practical experience.

Potential Areas of Employment

• Private Practice
• Commercial
• Government Organisation
• Local Authority

Academic qualification equivalents

• Class 12 passed students from a recognized board including CBSE, CISCE or a state board
• All India Senior School Certificate or Higher Secondary Certificate/Standard 12 or Indian School Certificate (Year 12) as recognized qualifications

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 for Business programmes)
• IELTS 5.5 in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing)
• PTE 60 (63 for integrated programmes)
• PTE 55 in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing)