Courses
Interior Design Courses
DES240 Sketching
[1–2, 2 cr.]
This general course on sketching stresses freehand drawing techniques with pencil and charcoal as well as the basics of watercolor rendering.
DES241 Technical Graphics
[1–2, 2 cr.]
This course is an introduction to the basics of formal representation, with two-dimensional representation of objects through orthographic projections and auxiliary drawings, isometric and axonometric drawings, and the basics of shade and shadows. This studio will also introduce students to the various tools and techniques of technical drawing in pencil and ink.
DES331 Design Studio III
[3–6, 6 cr.]
This course builds upon and extends the theoretical knowledge gained in the foundation studios through a concrete application of conceptual and perceptual analysis to problems of small and medium scale in design, and the exploration of the limits and means of developing concepts into architectural form. The studio emphasizes the development of representational tools in translating ideas into architectural drawings and models, specifically stressing on the importance of drawing as a design tool.
Prerequisite: FND231 Design Studio 1-A, FND232 Studio 1-B, and FND236 Design Studio II
DES332 Design Studio IV
[3–6, 6 cr.]
This course further elaborates the process of theoretical investigation of space with emphasis on the communication of ideas through different representational models and tools. The course covers the study of small to medium scale projects, with emphasis on the basic principles of spatial design. References to and case studies of canonical works in modern design may serve as a theoretical background in the continuing development of a theoretical foundation. In addition to the models, the elaboration of a complete set of architectural drawings for the final design—encompassing plans, sections, and elevations in addition to the models—will also be expected at this stage.
DES341 Technical Graphics II
[2–2, 3 cr.]
This course covers the specific application of technical drawings to architectural plans, sections and elevations, with two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations, axonometric, perspective, shades and shadows, applied to two- and three-dimensional and perspective drawings.
Prerequisite: DES241 Technical Graphics
DES342 Technical Graphics III
[2–2, 3 cr.]
This course covers the translation of the technical drawings of canonical projects into three-dimensional architectural models with different materials and techniques, and the development of the full set of corresponding architectural drawings (plans, sections, and elevations) at appropriate scales.
Prerequisite: DES341 Technical Graphics II
DES351 Computer Graphics I
[1–2, 2 cr.]
This course specifically addresses architectural applications in computer graphics for the drafting of architectural plans, sections, elevations, and details.
Prerequisite: FND251 Digital Media
DES352 Computer Graphics II
[1–2, 2 cr.]
This course expands on the skills learned to cover new applications for surface and solid modeling, as well as rendering material libraryand applications of light, leading to the development of complete project renderings.
Prerequisite: DES351 Computer Graphics I
DES361 Theory I
[2–0, 2 cr.]
This course introduces the major aesthetic theories in the field of design with an investigation of the relationship between these theories and physical space in its aesthetic, social and cultural significance. The course also examines the ideological frameworks behind paradigmatic changes and movements in aesthetics and their effects on the field of design.
DES371 History of Architecture I
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course will trace the development of Western architecture from the Greek and Roman period, to the Byzantine, Gothic, and Italian Renaissance, Late Renaissance, and Baroque. Important icons and landmarks in art and architecture, as well as the principles, technical developments, and ideologies underlying these various movements will be analyzed. The course will also study the importance of cultural ideas and ideals and their relationship to the development of aesthetic forms, and more broadly, of civilization.
DES372 History of Architecture II
[2–0, 2 cr.]
This course will trace developments in architecture from Neo-Classicism in the 18th and 19th centuries, to the full development of modern architecture in the 20th century, by examining the seminal projects and buildings that characterized these developments and their subsequent transformations in Post-Modernism, deconstruction, and later trends.
Prerequisite: DES371 History of Architecture I
DES373 History of Landscape Design
[2–0, 2 cr.]
This course is an overview of the historical developments of landscape design with a survey of the ideas, principles and practical considerations behind the major landscape design cases under study, from the classical to the modern period.
DES375 Introduction to Islamic Art (650 -1650)
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course provides an introduction toes the arts of the Muslim world from the rise of Islam until the advent of the early modern period. This course will comprise a selective survey of artifacts drawn from a variety of media which represent the pinnacles of artistic accomplishment across the vast expanse of the Islamic world. Paintings, textiles, coins, ceramics, metal work, jewelry, and woodcarving will be investigated in the context of cultural history and examined in terms of their evolving forms, multiple meanings, and the development of a distinctively Islamic aesthetic. Particular emphasis will be placed on the spiritual content of Islamic art, the role of the artist in Islamic society, and the effect of religious pronouncements on the production of art.
DES376 Introduction to Islamic Architecture (650 - 1650)
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course is a survey of the architectural heritage of the Islamic world from the early caliphate to the era of the Muslim superpowers of the pre-modern times. It traces the most significant and influential edifices of the Muslim world from Spain in the west to India in the east. Monuments will be studied and analyzed in their political, religious, socio- economic, cultural, and aesthetic contexts. The course will also examine the evolution of such varied building types as mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, caravanserays, and palaces. Selected structures will be studied through a range of methodologies and the development of Islamic architecture will be analyzed from the standpoint of the manipulation of space, materials, and building technology.
DES401 Interior Design Workshop I
[0–2, 1 cr.]
This course is an intensive workshop that introduces new theoretical and/or technical themes in support of the design sequence.
Prerequisite: DES332 Design Studio IV
DES402 Interior Design Workshop II
[0–2, 1 cr.]
This course is an intensive workshop that introduces new theoretical and/or technical themes in support of the design sequence.
Prerequisite: DES332 Design Studio IV
DES403 Furniture Design Workshop
[0–2, 2 cr.]
This course focuses on furniture design with emphasis on construction techniques and the understanding of various materials used in the manufacturing of furniture. The course includes studio exercises supported by workshop training to culminate in design and realization of a project in the wood shop.
DES404 Landscape Design Workshop
[1–2, 2 cr.]
This course is a case study and application of an actual landscape design project or competition to be worked as an intensive workshop project.
DES421 Design Technology I
[2–0, 2 cr.]
This course gives an overview of the major components of a building – structural systems, envelopes, and foundation. It includes a basic survey of the various construction methods and techniques used in buildings, from wood construction to concrete, concrete block, brick, steel and glass, and their different properties.
DES422 Design Technology II
[2–0, 2 cr.]
This course focuses on interior design applications and explores the different finishing materials and techniques used in interiors with attention to the problems of jointing, relation between different materials, insulation, finishes, and application to specific design problems.
Prerequisite: DES421 Design Technology I
DES431 Design Studio V
[3–4, 5 cr.]
This course will build upon the theoretical background of the previous studios, addressing interior design applications of small-to-medium scale in greater detail. By emphasizing details, materials and finishes in realizing a spatial “idea” in form. References from contemporary design serve as background in the continuing development of a theoretical foundation for design.
Prerequisite: DES332 Design Studio IV – Co-requisite: DES401 Interior Design Workshop I
DES432 Design Studio VI
[3–4, 5 cr.]
This course will expose the interior design student to the field of historic preservation, with an introduction of the various methodologies and techniques of restoration, through the exploration of a concrete example of historic preservation and restoration of an interior and its adaptive reuse.
Prerequisite: DES431 Design Studio V – Co-requisite: DES402 Interior Design Workshop II
DES470 History of 20th Century Architecture in the Middle East
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course will trace architectural developments in the Middle East from the end of the 19thcentury to the present. The survey will cover the colonial period and the process of westernization in Middle Eastern countries, as well as the formation of national schools of architecture and the ensuing spread of Modernism. The problematic relationship between modernity and local traditions will be examined, in addition to the particular ‘postmodern’ reactions that followed. The impact of Modernism on urban development and the expansion of major cities such as Beirut, Cairo, Baghdad, Tehran, and Istanbul will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: DES372 History of Architecture II
DES480 Topics in Interior Architecture
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This series of courses deals with specific topics of current importance that are not covered in the regular Interior Architecture and Design curriculum. The topics and themes dealt with will vary depending on contemporary problematics with the purpose of enriching students’ exposure to these issues. Every course in this series will be assigned a subtitle once the theme has been defined and listed in the course offering.
Prerequisite: DES332 Interior Design Studio IV
DES481 Construction Documents
[2–4, 4 cr.]
This course focuses on the preparation of a detailed set of working drawings for the execution of an interior design project, beginning with an architectural plan with details at appropriate scale, to the electrical and mechanical plans, furniture plans, finishing and construction details, in addition to a basic overview of the regional and international design codes.
Prerequisite: DES432 Design Studio VI, DES421 Design Technology I and DES422 Design Technology II
DES484 Furniture Design
[2–0, 2 cr.]
This course is a survey of the major changes in the design of furniture, from the period of late Renaissance and Rococo, to the Styles Period of the 18th and 19th centuries, Arts and Crafts, and modern and contemporary furniture design. The survey also covers the different technologies and transformations in design processes.
Prerequisite: DES332 Design Studio IV
DES523 Environmental Systems I
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course covers the study and design of plumbing systems in addition to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, with a survey of the different systems and their properties, cost analysis, and environmental factors including a survey of environmentally sound alternatives such as solar energy and heating, insulated walls, and alternative materials.
DES524 Environmental Systems II
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course deals with two subjects: lighting and electrical circuits, and acoustics. The first part addresses the analysis of basic electric circuits, with emphasis on energy management, electric ratings and capacity, wiring and lighting systems and different lighting equipment, and the methods for building electrical systems. The second part is a survey of basic acoustical systems, theories, the acoustic properties of different materials used in buildings and their consequences on noise reduction, as well as a study of the properties of acoustical spaces, such as theaters or concert halls.
DES531 Design Studio VII
[3–4, 5 cr.]
This course will further address the application of technology in design, through creative detailing of spatial design components, interior furniture and other fixtures of design as part of the design process. This studio will focus on detail as an extension of the theoretical tools of ideation and conceptualization. These investigations, through detailing, will normally involve particular attention to construction techniques and further development of the knowledge of materials and finishes, down to the design of furniture components.
Prerequisite: DES432 Design Studio VI and DES481 Construction Documents
DES532 Design Studio VIII
[3–4, 5 cr.]
Synthesizing previously explored aspects of design, this studio will focus on the investigation of important contemporary themes in design. Particular attention is paid, in this case, to the simultaneous development of design through contemporary representational media, while also providing an opportunity for students to propose a personal project based on a critical problem that simultaneously addresses the various theoretical and technical aspects of the design within the parameters set for the final project.
Prerequisite: DES531 Design Studio VII
DES583 Internship
[0–1, 1 cr.]
This course is an introduction to the professional practice, with introductory lectures that outline the basics of the job search, applications, and practical training, to be followed by a documented practical experience in a professional firm, approved by the department.
Prerequisite: DES432 Design Studio VI
DES585 Professional Practice
[2–0, 2 cr.]
This course will introduce the business aspects of the design practice, through an exploration of the financial, legal, and managerial aspects, contract negotiations, marketing design services, and management of client and contractor relationships, with an introduction to the economic and management principles of design projects, financing, cost-estimation and budgeting.
DES591 International Studio
[1–4, 3 cr.]
This course involves a study abroad, covering the specific works of classical or modern architecture, supported by a preparatory series of lectures/presentations on the subject of study. Students are required to study, analyze and document specific works including their relationships to the urban history and culture of the area, which will be presented in a portfolio.
Prerequisite: DES432 Design Studio VI
DES592 International Workshop
[1–2, 2 cr.]
This course is a workshop abroad at a host school revolving around specific and intensive architectural and urban design projects.
Prerequisite: DES432 Design Studio VI