Core Alignment

ITD.1103 In a commitment to your academic

Interior Building Systems achievement and whole person formation,
this course is presented in alignment with
Belmont University | O’More College of Architecture and Design the mission, vision, and values of O’More
Finis Eliot [BFA, MLA MUP] Assistant Professor of Interior Design College and Belmont University by center-
Office Hours: T/Th from 10a-5p | finis.eliot@belmont.edu ing content on issues of environmental
wellness, vocational discernment, and
equity.
In Building Systems, you will learn and apply foundational design
elements and principles of design, ordering schema, and spatial To ensure the excellence of your interior
relationships to conceptual space, exploring 2D and 3D possibilities design education, preparation for the
for creative outcomes. You will build your vocabulary to speak the NCIDQ Examination, and entry into the
collaborative language shared among design and related fields, and professional workforce, the course learning
explore diverse precedents across the globe from a variety of regions, objectives are structured in accordance
considering “local” vernacular and response to region to inform their with the 2022 Council for Interior Design
approaches to solutions. Accreditation (CIDA) Professional
Standards, including:
Through engagement of texts like Francis Ching’s Building Construction
Illustrated and The Guide to American Homes, as well the documentary 4] Global Context
film The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces, classroom discussion, Interior designers have a global view and
lecture, drawing, drafting, making, and model-building, you will: consider social, cultural, economic, and
ecological contexts in all aspects of
Understand that human and environmental conditions vary their work.
according to geographic location and impact design and
construction decisions 7] Human-Centered Design
Interior designers apply knowledge of
Apply knowledge of human experience and behavior to designing human experience and behavior to
the built environment designing the built environment.

Understand the impact of the built environment on people and 15] Construction
the relationship between the designed environment and human Interior designers understand interior
experience construction and its interrelationship
with base building construction and
Express ideas and rationale developed in the design process systems.
through visual media: ideation drawings, sketches, and models
16] Regulations and Guidelines
Understand interior construction and its interrelationship with Interior designers apply laws, codes,
base buildingconstruction and systems, varying construction standards, and guidelines that impact
methodologies, and integration of vertical and horizontal
circulation through production of construction drawings and
scaled models Commitment to Diversity,
By the end of the semester, you will understand key terms related to
Equity, and Inclusion
interior building systems, the integrations of interior construction and You will be introduced to the Americans
circulation with base building structures and systems, and be able to with Disabilities Act (ADA) and better
express design intentions through appropriately communicated scale understand how to accommodate users of
drawings and models. varied abilities, including applying
pertinent codes and regulations to the
You will be able to understand the impact of the built environment built environment.
on site, neighborhood, and ecology as well as on inhabitants. Most
importantly, you willunderstand the need for design and construction
of buildings that contribute to the good of public health, safety, and
well-being.
Structure Semester Timeline
This class meets Mondays and
Wednesdays from 8:30 - 9:45 in Hitch 302. 1.10 Course Introduction Charrette
You are expected to arrive on time and
prepared for the day. Due to the hands- 1.15 MLK Holiday: No Class
on, collaborative nature of this course,
in-person meeting is mandatory. Virtual The Social Life of Small Urban
1.17 Presentation
participation options will not be available. Spaces
Class meeting times will include periods for The Fashion of American
lecture, discussion and work, project work, 1.22 Lecture McAlester
Houses
and presentations, and critiques.
The Fashion of American
1.24 Work Day McAlester
Houses
What Are We Doing?? American Styles Project
1.29 Presentation McAlester
In Building Systems you will do four Review
things things: read, draw, collaborate, and Neighborhoods, Zoning, and
build. In each unit, you will learn about a 1.31 Building Codes: Health, Safety, Lecture/Discussion
Ching, Chapters 1
new component of building structures and Welfare
and 2
amd systems through reading, lecture,
and discussion. Then you will apply your 2.5 Understanding the Building Lecture/Discussion Ching, Chapter 4
knowledge by working collaboratively
to build a scale model of a building - Framing a Stucture: Floor,
2.7 Lecture/Discussion Ching, Chapters 5 - 8
complete with foundation, walls, doors, Ceiling, and Wall Assemblies
windows, and roof. 2.12 Vertical Circulation Lecture/Discussion Ching, Chapter 9

2.14 Roofing Systems Lecture/Discusson Ching, Chapter 6

Attendance and Engagement
Attendance and engagement will be 2.19 Building Project: Drafting Work Day
assessed from the first class meeting.
The University is committed to the 2.21 Building Project: Drafting Work Day
idea that regular student engagement
is essential to successful scholastic 2.26 Building Project: Drafting Work Day
achievement. Absence is permitted in
cases of illness or other legitimate cause. 2.28 Building Project Review Presentation
In the case of an excused absence, you
have the right and responsibility to make 3.4
up all missed class work. Should the Spring Break
number of absences other than Provost’s 3.6
Excused Absences exceed 20% of the
total class meeting time - or 8 meetings - 3.11 Building Project: Model-Making Work Day
you will receive the grade “FN” (Failure for
Nonattendance). 3.13 Building Project: Model-Making Work Day

3.18 Building Project: Model-Making Work Day

Materials
Drawing and drafting will require your 3.20 Model-Building Workshop Work Day
manual drafting supplies. Model-making
will require 1/2” and 1/4” basswood, an 3.25 Model-Building Workshop Work Day
X-acto knife and blades, miter box and saw,
chipboard, and cardboard. These supplies 3.27 Model-Building Workshop Work Day
are available for purchase at Plaza Art
Supply or any art store. 4.1 Easter Break

Books 4.3 Model-Building Workshop Work Day

Ching, Francis. Building Construction
Illustrated, 7th Edition. Wiley. 4.8 Model-Building Workshop Work Day

Building Project Crit and

McAlester, Virginia. A Field Guide to 4.10 Presentation
Review
American Homes: The Definitive Guide to
Identifying and Understanding America’s 4.15 Casework Lecture
Domestic Architecture.
4.17 Casework Work Day
Documentary Film
Whyte, William. The Social Life of Small 4.22 Casework Project Work Day
Urban Spaces. Documentary Film. 1980.
4.29 Exam Period Presentation
Assessment
Grading System and Scale
Considering drafting plans and building a framing model will take up the bulk of your time in class, these deliverables
rightfully comprise a total of 50 % of your final grade. Both your drawings and your model will be assessed and graded on
accuracy, graphic quality, and craftsmanship.

Supporting assignments assessing your understanding of terminology, concepts, and codes cumulatively account for
25% of your final grade, with attendance and in-class participation comprise the final 25% . All projects and assignments
you submit as a part of this class will earn grades based upon the metrics below:

A 4.0 - 3.8
A/A-: Performance demonstrates excellent familiarity with and understanding of facts,
A- 3.7 - 3.4 concepts and theoretical issues, and produces creative, stimulating, well-organized,
thoughtful, and factual work; assignments are completed with care, accuracy and
B+ 3.3 - 3.1
creativity; students offer intelligent discussion on a regular basis. “A” indicates overall
B 3.0 - 2.8 excellence.
B- 2.7 - 2.4
B+/B/B-: Performance reveals above-average familiarity with, and understanding of,
C+ 2.3 - 2.1 concepts, facts, and theoretical issues; assignments are factual as well as well-written;
graphic work is above-average; students take part in discussion. “B” indicates good,
C 2.0 - 1.8
above-average success.
C- 1.7 - 1.4
C+/C/C-: Performance exhibits a general understanding of basic concepts and facts;
D+ 1.3 - 1.1
assignments are complete and factual; graphic work is competent; students may occa-
D 1.0 - 0.8 sionally take part in discussion. “C” indicates average work and completion of minimum
requirements.
D- 0.7 - 0.4
F 0.4 - 0.0 F: Performance exhibits little or no understanding of basic concepts and facts; assign-

Honor Pledge
The Student Honor Pledge will be enforced. The Belmont community values personal integrity and academic honesty as
the foundation of University life and the cornerstone of a premiere educational experience. The Student Honor Pledge
states, “In affirmation of the Belmont University Statement of Values, I pledge that I will not give or receive aid during ex-
aminations; I will not give or receive false or impermissible aid in course work, in the preparation of reports, or in any other
type of work that is to be used by the instructor as the basis of my grade; I will not engage in any form of academic fraud.
Furthermore, I will uphold my responsibility to see to it that others abide by the spirit and letter of this Honor Pledge.”

Accommodation of Disabilites
All disabilities will be accommodated. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), Belmont University will provide reasonable accommodation of all medically documented disabili-
ties. If you have a disability and require accommodation, please notify the Office of the Dean of Students in the Beaman
Student Life Center (615) 460-6407 as soon as possible.

Course Evaluation
The University encourages you to participate in all course evaluations, providing honest and constructive feedback to
both the institution and I about specific aspects and
elements of the course.

Communication
Healthy communication is essential to success in life, relationships, and work. Maintaining an open and honest dialogue
will help you and I build mutual trust, respect, and understanding as we work together to accomplish your goals this
semester. Your thoughts, feelings, and experiences have a direct impact on the success or failure of your work. Opening
lines of honest communication with your classmates and I will lead to greater personal success and a happier and more
productive studio atmosphere.

If you would like to meet outside of class for questions, additional help, or advice, please email me at finis.eliot@belmont.
edu to schedule a time to chat. I am available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am - 5pm for in-person or Zoom meetings.
My office is located in Hitch 309 (at the end of the hallway).