Posts in Undergraduate Courses
332 Advanced Graphic Communications I

Studio Credits: 3, Prerequisites: 132, 212, 236 or 132, 210, 236 or 640

Advanced Graphic Communications I introduces students to a variety of 3D modeling software for visual communication and representation. Students learn digital modeling (Solid, Surface Mesh, NURBS), rendering, and master the creation of photo-realistic renderings using lighting and material assignments. Techniques for producing a 3D model from photographs are also introduced.

334 Residential Design III

Studio Credits: 4, Prerequisites: 112, 165, 234, 283, 286 or 111, 165, 234, 283, 286

This final studio in the residential design sequence focuses on a residential interior project of greater complexity and diversity. Emphasis is placed on the development of a comprehensive solution using innovative and appropriate conceptual approaches and the demonstration of proficiency in residential design. The goals of this course include refining the ability of students to express themselves both graphically and verbally, and developing proficiency in handling three-dimensional space using suitable materials and technology.

355 Master Class: Residential Design

Studio Credits: 1, Prerequisites: 334 or 618

A Master Class offers outstanding students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 the opportunity to study in a small group with a leading residential interior designer. Students are assigned a small-scale but challenging residential design project under the guidance of a master designer. In a special class format, students listen and observe as the expert works with each student individually, focusing on detailed design, offering guidance, and noting areas of excellence and those in which improvement is needed. The course will culminate in a formal presentation.

338 Set Design Seminar

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 506 or 286

This lecture course is an overview of the concepts, principles, and techniques of designing stage sets. Through lectures, discussion, and a small design project, students will learn how set designers creatively explore the intersection of spatial design, theatrical lighting, furnishings, and finishes, to interpret and dramatically express a concept.

339 Advanced Color

Studio Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 141 or 541 or 640

This advanced course will focus on applied color, by exploring 2D and 3D color relationships and systems, utilizing 2D painting, collage, and 3D model-making. It will focus on building concepts useful in other design studios, as well as exploring innate color palettes and style language. Through lectures and color manipulation exercises, students will explore traditional and avant-garde color theories; how light, different media, and the physical environment affect color; and the influence of culture and society on personal and emotional systems of color.

340 Architectural Woodwork Detailing

Studio Credits: 3, Prerequisites: 286 or 640

Wood detailing is explored as applied to architectural interiors. The focus of projects is the development of design and drawing skills related to built-in cabinets, moldings, staircases, and other specialties.

344 Exhibition Design

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 112, 160, 171 or 602, 608

This course begins with the consideration of the exhibition script, proceeds to exhibition concepts, and follows with examples of solutions. The technical and style differences of museum and gallery, trade show, and showroom will be analyzed in depth.

348 Introduction to Arts Management

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 112, 160, 171 or 618 or 640

Students will be introduced to the world of arts organizations, including galleries, museums, research institutions, and curated collections. Topics include issues relevant to the management of arts organizations, including organizational structures, operations, budgeting, community relations, grants, fundraising, marketing, and ethics.

355 Design Theory

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 102, 160

This seminar is an in-depth analysis of the relationship between theory, practice, and socio-historical considerations in architecture and interior design. Beginning with a discussion of the various approaches to and functions of "theory," both traditional and critical, the course focuses on a close reading of major primary texts by design theorists from Claude Perrault to Le Corbusier. These theories and the built works they inform will be analyzed in their appropriate historical and critical contexts. Through lecture and discussion of assigned readings, the course will stress the importance of theory for the achievement of a socially appropriate and responsible design.

357 Retail Design

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 286 or 640 or 608

This course introduces students to the factors important in the successful design of stores and boutiques in urban, suburban, and shopping mall settings. Students learn about space utilization, fixtures, and display as well as the role the interior designer plays in branding and the selling of a product.

358 Healthcare Facilities

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 286 or 640 or 608

Through lectures, field trips, and short-term graphic exercises, this course presents an overview of the special issues related to the design and construction of long and short-term health care facilities.

364 Mixed Media Rendering

Studio Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 141, 210 or 141, 212 or 640 or 629

Students produce renderings and drawings with various media to further develop their individual style in this studio course. Light, material, and surface representations are analyzed on objects, furniture, and spaces.

365 Conceptual Sketching I

Studio Credits: 1, Prerequisites: 212 or 210 or 640 or 538

This advanced freehand drawing course focuses on developing the use of sketching as a design development and communication tool. Using drawings made through observation, students will learn how to refine and develop an idea primarily by means of quick three-dimensional sketching.

366 Conceptual Sketching II

Studio Credits: 1, Prerequisites: 365 or 640 or 538 or 526

Students will advance their individual drawing skills and styles developed during Conceptual Sketching I by focusing on integrating object and spatial sketching, both at NYSID and at selected sites. Elaboration using advanced student projects and integration with digital techniques will be explored.

368 Watercolor Rendering Techniques

Studio Credits: 1, No prerequisites

For centuries watercolor was the medium of choice in capturing the essence of a design, and creating luminous architectural and interior design renderings. In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of watercolor rendering, and the effects of various brushes, papers, and paints.

370 Historic Preservation

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 111, 112 or 601, 602 or 640

The goal of this course is to familiarize designers with the individual character, workmanship, style, and integrity of historic or older building interiors, and to the standards and regulations which may bear upon work within these buildings. Course lectures, field trips, assignments, and projects will explore historic preservation as it relates to a variety of project types including period rooms, museum installations, historic sites, and adaptive re-use.

383 Lighting II

Studio Credits: 3, Prerequisites: 283 or 640

The goal of this course is to expand upon the skills and vocabulary of lighting knowledge gained in Lighting I by applying them to solve design problems in architectural lighting projects. Course lectures familiarize the student with lighting design strategies, graphics, and circuiting techniques, creation of specification booklets and basic dimming systems, as well as specialty topics such as decorative luminaires and energy efficiency. The influence of lighting on color and related psychological effects are explored.

386 Contract Design II

Studio Credits: 3, Prerequisites: 334

Building on the skills and information gained in Contract Design I, students design projects such as showrooms, corporate offices, or retail environments, and are introduced to principles of "branding" and its integration into the design of an interior. Practical issues such as compliance with building codes, sustainability, and use of modular furniture systems are addressed in relation to both high-rise building design and historic contexts.

387 Master Class: Contract Design

Studio Credits: 1, Prerequisites: 386 or 628

A Master Class offers outstanding students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 the opportunity to study in a small group with a leading contract or commercial interior designer. Students are assigned a small-scale but challenging contract design project under the guidance of a master designer. In a special class format, students listen and observe as the expert works with each student individually, focusing on detailed design, offering guidance, and noting areas of excellence and those in which improvement is needed. The course will culminate in a formal presentation.

392 Presentation Techniques III

Studio Credits: 3, Prerequisites: 292

Advanced presentation techniques are explored using various 3D modeling and workflow methods from AutoCAD and 3DS Max. Students learn digital modeling (Solid, Surface Mesh, NURBS), rendering, and presentation techniques, and master the creation of photo-realistic renderings using lighting and material assignments, creating compelling presentation images. Techniques for producing an advanced 2D/3D animation of an interior space are introduced.