WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE
CAREER AND TECHNICAL PROGRAMS DIVISION
GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE
IND
Course
Prefix
281
Course
Number
Environmental Design Studio
Course Title
(2-2)
Lec-Lab
3
Semester
Hours
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Studies building systems and their impact on the environment. Includes indoor air quality, thermal
control, lighting, acoustic and water systems, solar power, wind power, and other sustainable design
alternatives. Application of these systems will be applied to various sustainable interior design projects
and practices. Investigates LEED certification and other legislative issues. Covers physical and
psychological implications of environmental stress, crowding and institutional living and applies them to
projects along with the introductory concepts and procedures for effective facilities management.
Intended for advanced-level students preparing for the NCIDQ licensing exam.
TOPICAL OUTLINE:
I. Problem identification, problem solving and concept development.
II. Impact on the environment and application of:
A. Indoor Air quality
B. Thermal control systems
C. Electrical and lighting systems
D. Water systems
E. Acoustics
III. Relationship between human behavior and the environment including environmental stress, crowding
and institutional living
IV. Sustainable building components, finishes and furnishings
V. Sources for sustainable products and LEED information
VI. Introduction to Facilities Management
METHODS OF PRESENTATION:
1. Lecture
2. Demonstration
3. Readings
4. Critiques
5. Field trips
STUDENT OUTCOMES (The student should…)
1. analyze and apply the concepts of the relationship between human behavior and the environment
and environmental stress, crowding and institutional living.
2. identify and develop design concepts to solve client problems.
3. formulate conclusions about the effectiveness of the design based upon the relationship between the
physical characteristics of the environment and the observed behaviors of those using it.
4. development of observational and analysis abilities and critical thinking skills leading to effective
interpretation of clients needs.
5. give verbal presentation(s) of the design project(s), which identify how the project(s) meet(s) the
client’s needs.
6. comprehend the theories, concepts and terminology of sustainability and environmental science
7. demonstrate an understanding of the designer’s ability to affect people and the environment.
IND 281 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN STUDIO CONTINUED
8. understand the principles associated with environmental responsibility, including economics,
stewardship, ethics and social justice as it relates to design.
9. knowledge of building systems including heating and ventilation, electrical and lighting, moisture
control, plumbing and water, and acoustical.
10. understand strategies for mechanical systems, lighting and sunlight control in interior applications.
11. define indoor air quality and identify design solutions to address this problem.
12. develop design solutions for acoustical challenges in residential and commercial environments.
13. understand issues related to water and soil conservation and how they relate to interior design.
14. research local and state laws and regulations regarding sustainability and interior environments.
15. understanding of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and how to
verify sustainable claims.
16. identify non-governmental organizations, “green” agencies and collaborative partnerships effecting
design standards.
17. identify sustainable strategies for residential and commercial designs.
18. understand sustainable, reusable and renewable materials for use in interior design and how to
specify them..
19. understand the terminology of Green Design.
20. identify and understand the primary responsibilities of a Facilities Manager and the impact of
environmental design on facilities planning and management.
21. explore current trends in the design field.
22. participate in classroom discussions and critiques
METHODS OF EVALUATION:
1. Peer evaluations
2. Faculty critiques
3. Visual and verbal presentation
TEXTBOOKS/INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Bradshaw, Vaughn, The Building Environment: Active and Passive Control Systems, 3rd ed., John Wiley
& Sons, 2006
Winchip, Susan, Sustainable Design for Interior Environments, Fairchild, 2007
Foster, Karl and Annette Stelmack and Debbie Hindman, Sustainable Residential Interiors, John Wiley &
Sons, 2007
Bonda, Penny and Katie Sosnowchik, Sustainable Commercial Interiors, John Wiley & Sons, 2007
Mendler, Sandra, William Odell and Mary Ann Lazarus, The Guidebook to Sustainable Design, Wiley and
Sons, 2nd ed., 2006
PREPARED BY:
Jacque Mott
Fall 2007