Interior Architecture

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2010 academic year unless otherwise specified.

On this page

• Overview
• Undergraduate Information
• Postgraduate Information
• How to find out more
• Related Subjects and Careers

This subject is taught by the School of Architecture.

Interior Architecture encompasses the space defined by architecture and the built environment by addressing design fundamentals related to the re-use and transformation of existing structures through innovative and dynamic design approaches.

Our Interior Architecture programme at Victoria prepares graduates to apply architectural principles in the design of structural interiors including residential, hospitality, commercial, cultural and institutional spaces. Students have the flexibility from skills gained in this programme to pursue careers in furniture design, performance, installation work and exhibition design in addition to a professional career as an interior architect.

You will learn how to balance function and appeal in the use of any given space. Not only does designed space need to look good, it also needs to be functional. Through a series of practical projects, you will learn about colours, materials, lighting, media, shapes and forms. You will use these and other tools to shape a specific space while considering the requirements of the project. Our programme will develop your ability to communicate ideas through a wide range of media, and will provide you with the skills required to work with a variety of clients all with varying needs and demands.

Interior Architecture is a new specialisation within the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS), which will replace the four-year Bachelor of Design in Interior Architecture in 2010. The BAS in Interior Architecture is a three-year undergraduate programme that leads into a two-year Master of Interior Architecture qualification for students who are wishing to become professionally recognised interior architects.

Entry requirements

To study Interior Architecture at Victoria you will need a university entrance qualification. A background in mathematics with calculus, statistics and modelling, physics, English, technology, art, design or graphics can be useful.

If you do not have a minimum of 14 NCEA credits at Level 3 credits in each of two of the following subjects: Mathematics with calculus, statistics and modelling and/or physics – you will need to include SARC 122 Introduction to Applied Physics, Numerical Methods and Statistics for Designers in you first year programme.

Interior Architecture Specialisation Requirements

The BAS in Interior Architecture is a three-year undergraduate programme consisting of 360 points. It is structured into two main parts. Part one is the first year of the Architectural Studies programme where you will study toward a total of 120 points. In your first year, you’ll study the same courses as students enrolled in Architecture, Building Science, Landscape Architecture and Architecture History and Theory.

You will complete of total of eight 100 level courses. Of these eight courses, seven are mandatory. SARC 122 may be replaced by a chosen elective course providing you have achieved the necessary NCEA credits. More information can be found below.

In your first year you will take the following courses:

• SARC 111 Introduction to Design Processes
• SARC 112 Design Processes
• SARC 121 Introduction to Built Environment Technology
• SARC 131 Introduction to Sustainability in the Designed Environment
• SARC 151 Introduction to Design History and Theory
• SARC 161 Introduction to Design Communication
• SARC 162 Design Communication and
• SARC 122 Introduction to Applied Physics, Numerical Methods and Statistics for Designers*.

SARC 122 may be replaced by an elective course by students who have at least 14 NCEA credits at level 3 in each of two of the following: mathematics with calculus, physics, or statistics and modelling.

Students applying for the second year Interior Architecture programme may substitute DSDN 111 and DSDN 101 for SARC 111 and SARC 161.

Part two consists of the second and third year of the Interior Architecture programme. This is where you will begin to specialise in the Interior Architecture discipline. Entry into part two is based on your academic performance in the first year courses listed above. Part two requires a total of 240 points, 120 points each from both second and third year.

The second and third year programme is discipline focused, comprising a series of studio-based courses together with courses in Architectural History and Theory, Building Technology and Professional Studies.

• INTA 211 Interior Architecture Design
• INTA 212 Interior Architecture Design Integration
• INTA 251 History of Interior Architecture
• INTA 261 Drawing and Modelling for Interior Architecture
• SARC 221 Building Materials and Construction
• SARC 223 Human Environmental Science and
• one 15 point elective course.

In your third year you will take the following courses:

• INTA 311 Interior Architecture Design
• INTA 312 Interior Architecture Design Integration
• INTA 321 Interior Fit-out Technologies
• SARC 323 Colour, Pattern, Light
• SARC 352 Pacific Designed Environments
• SARC 362 Introduction to Practice and Management and
• one 15 point elective course.

Pathways

Professional Recognition

The Designers Institute of New Zealand (DINZ) welcomes student membership. Professional membership is available to Interior Architecture graduates who have accumulated a minimum of two-years experience gained as a practicing designer and who, in the opinion of the Institute’s Examination Committee, have attained a high level of professional competence.

Students who are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Design in Interior Architecture (BDes) or have graduates prior to 2010

For those students who completed the Bachelor of Design in Interior Architecture (BDes) prior to 2010 or are currently enrolled, and who would like to enrol in the Master of Interior Architecture, information regarding the transitional arrangements will be available from here within the upcoming weeks.

Postgraduate Qualifications in Interior Architecture

• Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments
• Master of Interior Architecture
• PhD

The BAS leads into two-year Master’s programmes. There is the unique opportunity in the School to work across disciplines at postgraduate level providing the necessary courses have been completed at undergraduate level.

The School of Architecture Student Administration Office offers additional information on:

• admission
• qualifications and courses
• course advice and selection criteria
• exemptions and prerequisites and
• your Application to study.

Interior Architecture courses are taught within the School of Architecture, Te Aro campus, 139 Vivian Street, Wellington.

For further Assistance please contact us:
Phone: 0-4-463 6200
Email: architecture@vuw.ac.nz

If you would like to receive posted information on this subject, you can use our Request for Study Material form. (Note: use the Graduate and Undergraduate links to get the form. The form enables you to join Victoria University’s database. Once you have joined, you will automatically receive information about the subjects you are interested in as soon as that information becomes available).

Also, Victoria’s Student Recruitment and Course Advice Office offers a range of advice on courses and help with planning your degree.

For all course information please contact the Faculty office.

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