INTERIOR DESIGN
“Aesthetic experience of the environment (interior) is a matter of all our senses and there are even some situations where hearing, smell and tactility are more important than vision; they are experienced with extraordinary intensity.”
(Pierre von Meiss 1990)
INTRODUCTION
The Interior Designer deals with the spaces inside buildings. The role of the Interior Designer is to create interiors with spatial qualities that are habitable for people on all levels of experience: aesthetically, functionally, psychologically and economically. The aim is to achieve comfort and efficiency; spaces that answer the needs of the client. Therefore the Interior Designer is concerned with the layout, finishes, details, furnishings and lighting of such spaces in new buildings or as part of refurbishment projects.
An Interior Designer is much more that a decorator. He or she is a key contributor to the professional team and works in collaboration with architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, project managers, building contractors and suppliers of products, from the design stage - when ideas are considered and designs developed – to the final completion of the project.
Projects can include shopping centers, office spaces, cinemas, domestic interiors, retail outlets, restaurants or airport terminals - any space in which people have to live and function. The Interior Designer works with a wide range of products and surface finishes and must be able to combine creative design and flair with technical expertise. Details such as door handles, wall and floor coverings, lighting, ceiling details, furnishing and fabrics are part of the design overall conception, for the mood and the efficient arrangement of the environment. Thereafter technical documentation must be prepared and contracts negotiated and the installation or construction be administrated.
The importance of well-designed interiors is to create spaces that nurture the spirit, invigorate the senses and stimulate the mind. The emphasis falls on human well-being and is becoming more critical in our day and age.
PREREQUISITES
If you are:
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Creative and the sort of person who likes organizing the spaces you occupy;
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Good at visualizing three-dimensional space and have a good eye for interesting and appropriate textures, colours and surfaces;
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Tend to note whether a room is well designed and presented
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The type of person that is sensitive to spatial change and effect;
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Interested in both art and technology and enjoy facing a challenge with personal creative solutions;
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If you are interested in the design of and appearance of furniture, then a career in Interior Design may be just what you are looking for.
CAREERS
Employment opportunities exist with Interior Design firms, Architectural practices, Furniture manufactures and suppliers and property developers, or as self employed consultants.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
The admission requirement for this course is either a Senior Certificate or an N3 Certificate with two official languages. Mathematics and Art are recommended. Applicants must meet the Applicant Score AS requirements for the course as outlined under Admission Requirements. Selection is in addition to the above, based on an extended selection procedure which applicants must attend.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Year one to four of study require full time Nelson Mandela University attendance. Four weeks of practical experience must be obtained for each of the first three years of study, working for an Interior Design practice.
Studying Interior Design at the Department of Architecture & Interior Design at the Nelson Mandela University holds the following advantages:
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Small class groups (20 students) allowing individualized attention
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A unique, improved and updated course with an extended focus on computers (2D CAD, 3D CAD and Multimedia)
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Active student society and social infrastructure to ensure a balance lifestyle
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Qualifying from a department that is recognized for its high standards and for leading the field in architectural multimedia education
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An environment which is renowned for its natural and cultural attributes.
Application forms can be obtained from:
The University website or
Department of Academic Administration
Nelson Mandela University
PO Box 77000
Port Elizabeth
6031
South Africa
Tel: 041-5043472
Tel: 041-5043911