Mission, Goals and Objectives
I. Mission/Purpose:
In keeping with the mission of the university, the philosophy and purpose of the Interior Architecture Degree Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is based on the following areas that are valued for an interior design program and education. Maintaining these Interior Architecture Program Values directs decisions in curriculum development and influences faculty scholarship.
Liberal Arts Foundation with Professional Design Expertise. The program is built on the concept of professional education within a framework of liberal arts education.
Strong Understanding of Design Process. The program places the focus of interior design education on process. The sequence of courses builds on developing skills in the complex process of interior design. Design problems are solved by students using a thorough and systematic approach.
Holistic Approach to Solving Design Problems, across disciplines and at an international level. The program believes in a comprehensive, holistic approach to the design of interiors within the context of architecture. All factors that influence a design, including client/user needs are considered and a programming manual is developed for upper-level projects. Design concepts look at the total environment, and also raise awareness for the world environment and issues of sustainability.
Understanding of Function and Meaning of Interiors including the diversity of groups. The interior architecture program encourages the creation of interiors that promote quality of life for the occupants. The function and meaning of interiors as it relates to the client and user's performance and satisfaction is a priority in the design process.
Dynamic Team Approach to Design Process, among designers and with several areas of expertise represented in problem solving. The program recognizes that the design process involves the interaction of professionals from a variety of disciplines. Quality design is a result of integrating different points of view across disciplines. Formal teams, as well as informal “mentor” and “network” teams, are also valued.
The primary purpose and mission of the Interior Architecture Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is to provide a learning environment that encourages the development of competent interior design professionals at the baccalaureate level (liberal arts degree). Focus is on the ability to design quality interior environments that contribute to the well-being and safety of individuals and groups along with incorporating a concern for the environmental well-being of the earth, including “green” sustainable design. The visionary, conceptual, exploratory and analytical abilities of students in the Interior Architecture program are developed through studies in liberal arts and sciences and professional design preparation.
II. Goals:
The interior architecture program’s goals are to graduate professional interior designers who are able to synthesize knowledge and who are able to creatively solve problems for a wide range of physical interior environments, including residential and commercial, and for a diverse group of users. The interior architecture program’s goals also include expectations that the Interior Architecture graduates are competent in designing at different environmental scales from single rooms to integrated multi-story facilities. Separate preparation for residential or commercial interior design is not provided, but is combined in an integrated curriculum. The program philosophy supports the development of a general design process and methodology which can accommodate a wide range of design problems. At the senior level, students have the option to focus on an area of interest within an independent study thesis project (residential, commercial, institutional, etc.), if desired.
III. Objectives:
The interior architecture program objectives include providing problem-based learning and lecture/seminar instruction in the following areas: fundamental art and design concepts; history and theory of art, architecture and interior design; visual, verbal and written design communication; design program research, space analysis, planning and design; building construction methods; interior building systems; furniture and fixture specification; finishes and material specification; construction documentation; building design/occupancy evaluation; and a foundation of business, ethical and political principles of professional design practice. These objectives have a guiding influence on all aspects of the interior architecture curriculum, program activities, faculty development/scholarship and long-range planning. These goals are the basis for operational decisions, including expansion of the interior architecture program at the entry level, admission practices at the professional course sequence level, selection of faculty and staff, allocation of resources, and program evaluation.
To support a common conceptual framework for achieving the interior architecture program’s aspirations, statements for the mission, goals and objectives are published electronically on the UWSP Interior Architecture website – www.uwsp.edu/ia.