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2.9. Interior Architecture and Space Design (INT)

Interior Architecture and Space Design addresses the design of habitable interior spaces, integrating spatial planning, materials, lighting, acoustics, furniture, and ergonomics. It covers the specific requirements of residential, commercial, healthcare, and institutional interiors, with an emphasis on human experience and well-being. Students learn to design interiors that are functional, beautiful, healthy, and responsive to user needs.

Knowledge Area (KA)	Core Tier1	Core Tier2
2.9.1 Interior Space Planning and Programming	1	1
2.9.2 Materials, Finishes, and Specifications	1	1
2.9.3 Furniture, Equipment, and Ergonomics	1	1
2.9.4 Lighting Design	1	1
2.9.5 Acoustics in Interior Spaces	1	1
2.9.6 Universal Design and Accessibility	1	1
2.9.7 Healthcare and Specialized Interiors	Elective
2.9.8 Sustainable Interior Design	Elective

2.9.1. INT/Interior Space Planning and Programming  (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top

Covers the process of programming and planning interior spaces: user requirements, adjacency diagrams, circulation, zoning, and the translation of program into spatial layouts.
Topics:
Core

• Interior programming: user interviews, activity analysis, space adjacency requirements (bubble diagrams), space-by-space criteria (area, finishes, lighting, power, data),
• Circulation and zoning in interiors: public vs. private, quiet vs. active zones, service vs. served spaces, circulation paths (primary, secondary, service),
• Universal interior layout: ADA clear floor space, turning radius, reach ranges, maneuvering clearances at doors, and accessible routes through furniture arrangements
• Space standards by typology: residential (room dimensions, clearance around beds, kitchen work triangle, bathroom fixture spacing), office (workstation size, aisle widths)
• Adaptable and flexible interiors: movable partitions, demountable walls, modular furniture systems, and the design of interior spaces for evolving uses (home-office

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Identify the steps of interior programming and describe how adjacency diagrams, zoning, and circulation analysis inform spatial layouts [Familiarity]
2. Develop an interior space plan for a given program (residential, office, retail) that meets accessibility clearances, circulation needs, and adjacency requirements [Usage]
3. Evaluate an interior layout for efficiency, accessibility, and user satisfaction, identifying pinch points, poor adjacencies, and non-compliant clearances [Assessment]

2.9.2. INT/Materials, Finishes, and Specifications  (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top

Covers the selection and specification of interior finishes and materials: floor, wall, ceiling, countertop, and upholstery materials; performance criteria (durability, cleanability, flammability, VOC); and sustainable material selection.
Topics:
Core

• Flooring materials: carpet (broadloom, tile), resilient (vinyl, linoleum, rubber), wood (solid, engineered, laminate), stone, ceramic tile, concrete, and polished concrete
• Wall and ceiling finishes: paint (sheen types, VOC limits), wallpaper, fabric panels, wood paneling, acoustic panels (fabric-wrapped, perforated wood), and gypsum board
• Countertop and solid surface materials: laminate, solid surface (Corian), quartz, granite, marble, stainless steel, concrete, wood block
• Sustainable interior materials: low-VOC paints and adhesives, rapidly renewable materials (bamboo, cork, linoleum), recycled content (terrazzo, recycled glass, recycled plastic)
• Finish specifications: manufacturer, product name, color, pattern, installation method, and maintenance requirements

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Describe the principal interior finish materials for floors, walls, ceilings, and countertops, and explain their performance characteristics (durability, cleanability [Familiarity]
2. Select and specify interior finishes for a commercial or residential interior, considering use category (office, restaurant, healthcare, residence), maintenance requirements, [Usage]
3. Evaluate a finish schedule for material suitability, code compliance (flammability, slip resistance), and alignment with sustainability goals, proposing substitutions where needed [Assessment]

2.9.3. INT/Furniture, Equipment, and Ergonomics  (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top

Covers the selection, specification, and spatial arrangement of furniture and equipment: ergonomic dimensions, clearance zones, furniture typologies, and casework design.
Topics:
Core

• Human dimensions and ergonomics: anthropometric data (percentiles for seated reach, standing height, clearance), sight lines, reach zones for controls and storage,
• Furniture typologies: seating (task chair, lounge, dining), tables (desk, conference, dining), storage (cabinets, shelving, wardrobe), casework (kitchen
• Furniture space clearances: turning clearances for wheelchairs (1.5 m diameter), clearance under tables for knee and foot space, clear floor space at appliances,
• Millwork and casework design: cabinet construction (framed vs. frameless), door and drawer types, hardware selection, countertop integration,
• Furniture specifications: manufacturer, model number, dimensions, materials, finish, and ergonomic certifications (BIFMA, GREENGUARD); specifying for durability (commercial vs.

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Describe the ergonomic and anthropometric principles that determine furniture dimensions and clearances, including reach zones, sight lines, and wheelchair accessibility [Familiarity]
2. Produce a furniture layout for an interior space (office, residence, waiting room) that meets circulation clearances, ergonomic reach standards, and accessibility requirements [Usage]
3. Evaluate a furniture plan for ergonomic suitability, accessibility, and functional efficiency, identifying conflicts (pinch points, blocked pathways) and recommending adjustments [Assessment]

2.9.4. INT/Lighting Design  (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top

Covers the design of lighting for interior spaces: daylight integration, electric lighting systems (ambient, task, accent), color temperature, color rendering, lighting controls, and energy-efficient design.
Topics:
Core

• Lighting metrics: illuminance (lux, foot-candle), luminance, color temperature (CCT in Kelvin), color rendering index (CRI), TM-30 (color fidelity and gamut),
• Lighting layers: ambient (general illumination), task (specific work-plane lighting), accent (highlighting art or features), and decorative (focal or mood lighting)
• Types of electric lighting: incandescent, halogen, fluorescent (linear, compact), LED (boards, strips, downlights, track)
• Integration of daylight with electric lighting: daylight harvesting sensors, dimming systems, and control strategies to maintain constant illuminance while reducing energy
• Lighting control systems: occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, timers, programmable scenes, and integration with building automation systems (BAS)

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Describe the metrics of lighting quality (illuminance, CCT, CRI, glare) and the roles of ambient, task, accent, and decorative lighting in interior design [Familiarity]
2. Design a lighting scheme for an interior space, selecting fixture types, positions, and controls to meet illuminance targets for each task zone while achieving energy efficiency [Usage]
3. Evaluate a lighting design for visual comfort, energy use, and task suitability, identifying potential glare issues or insufficient illumination for specific activities [Assessment]

2.9.5. INT/Acoustics in Interior Spaces  (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top

Covers the acoustic design of interior spaces: sound absorption, sound isolation, reverberation control, privacy, and acoustic finishes for offices, classrooms, healthcare, and performance spaces.
Topics:
Core

• Reverberation control: calculating RT60 from room volume and total absorption; selecting absorptive materials (fiberglass panels, fabric-wrapped panels, acoustic foam
• Sound isolation between interior spaces: STC ratings for partitions (wall, floor-ceiling), flanking paths (ducts, plenums, electrical outlets),
• Speech privacy in open-plan and shared offices: sound masking (white noise) systems, partial-height partitions, absorptive ceilings, and the Articulation Index (AI)
• Interior noise control: HVAC noise criteria (NC curves), plumbing noise (water hammer, drain noise), footfall impact noise (IIC rating of floor finishes, underlayments),
• Acoustic finish specification: NRC (noise reduction coefficient) and SAA (sound absorption average) ratings

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Describe the acoustic metrics (RT60, STC, IIC, NRC) and explain how they guide the selection of interior finishes and partition construction for different room uses [Familiarity]
2. Design an acoustic treatment plan for an interior space (classroom, open office, conference room) specifying absorptive panel placement, ceiling treatment, [Usage]
3. Evaluate an interior space for acoustic performance, identifying excessive reverberation, poor sound isolation, or noise intrusion, and proposing finish or partition modifications [Assessment]

2.9.6. INT/Universal Design and Accessibility  (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top

Covers universal design principles and accessibility standards for interior spaces: equitable use, flexibility, simple and intuitive operation, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and size and space for approach and use.
Topics:
Core

• ADA Standards for Accessible Design for interiors: accessible routes (width, slope, passing spaces), door maneuvering clearances, turning spaces, reach ranges,
• Applying the 7 principles of universal design: equitable use (entrance and circulation for all), flexibility in use (left- and right-handed operation), simple
• Adaptable and visitable housing: adaptable units for aging-in-place (reinforced bathroom walls for future grab bars, wider doorways, zero-step entries)
• Interior wayfinding for diverse users: color contrast for low vision, tactile signage (Braille, raised letters), audible information (voice announcements),
• Sensory design for neurodiverse and low-sensory users: acoustic zoning (quiet rooms), lighting that avoids flicker and glare, odor control,

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Describe the ADA Standards for accessible interior spaces (clear floor space, reach ranges, turning radius, door clearances) and the 7 principles of universal design [Familiarity]
2. Design an accessible interior layout (restaurant, office, residence) that meets ADA clearances for circulation, doors, restrooms, and accessible counters or work surfaces [Usage]
3. Evaluate an interior design for compliance with universal design principles, identifying barriers to access for users with mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive impairments [Assessment]

2.9.7. INT/Healthcare and Specialized Interiors ↑ Back to top

Covers the design of specialized interior environments: healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, dental offices, laboratories), clean rooms, and other controlled environments, with emphasis on infection control, patient safety, and staff well-being.
Topics:
Non Core

• Hospital interior design: patient room layout (clearances, family zone, caregiver zone, headwall design), infection control finishes (seamless, antimicrobial, easy-clean)
• Clinical area interiors: exam rooms (hand sink, storage, work counter), nurse stations (sight lines to patient rooms), medication rooms (security, temperature control),
• Behavioral and mental health interiors: ligature-resistant design (no hanging points, tamper-proof fixtures), safety glazing, continuous flooring, sloped ceilings over beds,
• Laboratory and clean room interiors: non-porous, chemical-resistant surfaces, air filtration (HEPA/ULPA), pressure differentials (positive vs.
• Evidence-based design for healthcare interiors: patient falls reduction (flooring, lighting, handrails), staff fatigue reduction (access to daylight, break areas),

Learning Outcomes:
NonCore:

1. Identify the specialized design requirements for healthcare interiors: infection control finishes, patient safety (ligature resistance, fall prevention), [Familiarity]
2. Design a patient room or clinical exam room layout that meets infection control standards, safety requirements, and clinical workflow needs, specifying finishes, fixtures, [Usage]
3. Evaluate a healthcare interior design for patient safety, infection control, and staff efficiency, identifying risks and proposing evidence-based modifications [Assessment]

2.9.8. INT/Sustainable Interior Design ↑ Back to top

Covers sustainable interior design strategies: material health, indoor environmental quality, energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, and certification frameworks (LEED ID+C, WELL, RESET).
Topics:
Non Core

• Material health in interiors: Red List ingredients to avoid (phthalates, formaldehyde, halogenated flame retardants), Declare labels (Living Building Challenge)
• Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in interiors: low-VOC finishes, particle filtration (MERV 13), CO\(_2\) monitoring, thermal comfort zoning, daylight access, and acoustic privacy
• Sustainable furniture and waste reduction: specifying reused and refurbished furniture, design for disassembly (reversible connections, standardized parts), take-back programs
• LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) credits: low-emitting materials, daylight, quality views, acoustic performance, and material optimization
• Circular interior design: adaptable wall systems for reconfiguration without demolition, standardized modular furniture that can be re-allocated

Learning Outcomes:
NonCore:

1. Describe the key frameworks for sustainable interior design: LEED ID+C, WELL, and Living Building Challenge, and their requirements for material health [Familiarity]
2. Specify a set of interior finishes and furniture for a commercial fit-out that meets LEED ID+C low-emitting materials credit, selecting products with HPDs and Declare labels [Usage]
3. Evaluate an interior design project for compliance with sustainable interior criteria, identifying material red-list ingredients, poor IEQ strategies [Assessment]