Certificate Program in Eco-Sustainable Design

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Program Overview:

The goal of environmentally responsible design is to transform the building industry so that design and environment will enhance the health and well being of our planet. FUA offers professional certificate programs for motivated students seeking new skills and knowledge about the principles of sustainable design while developing a body of work and professional experience in an international learning environment. This two-year professional certificate program offered by the Department of Eco-Sustainable Design prepares the students to enter the working world as professional interior designers. Emphasis is placed on the development of creative skills and problem-solving strategies necessary when designing for spaces requiring renovations and restorations with a sustainable attitude.

The School encourages a philosophy of “learning by doing” in which students integrate theory and practice in all of their studies, which increases personal growth, self-confidence, interpersonal skills, an understanding of self and diverse others, and a heightened sense of ethical standards. Each year consists of two semesters that include core classes and intensive weekend seminars. Each semester, studies include six core courses that provide a solid foundation and which are integrated by five intensive seminars that focus on related specialized areas of study. At IDEAS, students will study with competent and qualified instructors and will have an unparalleled quality in teaching that includes studying in a collaborative working environment that promotes exchange of ideas and methods between students and instructors.

Program Objectives:

The program is comprehensive and includes courses in sustainable interior design, drawing, rendering, 3D computer design, construction technology, materials, furniture, color, lighting, recycling policies and business practice.

Four semesters of portfolio development will give the student the basis to demonstrate the ability upon entering the professional working environment.
Through the internship program, students actually work for interior designers and experience first hand the challenges of the design profession.

Duration and Certification:

Certificate programs may be taken for one semester, one year or two years. All programs devote a portion of each term to the development of a professional portfolio. Students who select the two-year program have the opportunity to complete and/or serve as a teaching assistant in introductory level courses.  Students may attend one single semester and obtain a transcript for credit, or complete the full two-year program and receive a certificate in eco-sustainable design.

Prerequisites:

For beginning levels, the only prerequisite is a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstration of fluency in English. Students who wish to enroll in a different level of the program (either enter at the second semester or in the second year) must qualify by demonstrating ability and knowledge in an entry exam and submit a detailed curriculum vitae and portfolio. A qualified submission of the above mentioned documents will be evaluated by a committee of academic advisors who will determine approval and enrollment in the requested level.

Internship:

The two-year certificate program gives students the opportunity to deepen their experience first by working as a teaching assistant and then through an internship in a professional studio in Florence, where they will practice their acquired skills in a real world environment. The internship is a carefully organized and closely supervised “hands-on” learning experience that provides the students with a wide range of real-world work opportunities as they shadow, observe and contribute while working in a professional environment.  The objective of the internship is to give the students the space to actively apply the skills developed through their studies in a professional work environment. Students will meet with their academic advisors to discuss future goals and professional aspirations as they plan for the internship. Students will also be introduced to the Italian working environment that will enable them to use the technical vocabulary acquired through their three-week language study thereby strengthening their language skills.

Year 1 – Semester 1 (Fall)

Mission:

The aim of the beginning level is to provide students with a basic comprehension of design, with reference to the Italian culture and lifestyle they will be introduced to basic classic and eco-sustainable topics, concepts and design. Students will be taught to be aware of the concept of sustainability and to test their abilities and interests, in order to develop an understanding towards the interior design and its practices. The Italian language class is fundamental to understand the original terms that will be used during lessons and to acquire the minimum conversation skills required for attending the internship.

Core Courses:

Italian Language
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
The language course is offered in different levels according to the student’s knowledge. All students enrolled in Certificate Programs are required to take a three week course of Italian Language before the start of the Certificate Program.

ID SA PS 330  Project for a Sustainable Interior Design I
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course provides students both Conceptual Frames and Analytical Tools for designing with sustainable materials focusing on simple methods consisting of a unique tool which guide the green novice or the design veteran in analyzing the sustainability of a wide range of products and materials. Through the practical experience, students explore the design process and create sustainable furniture, products or interior design from the analyzed materials. The tools and the emerging practices provided during the course help in evaluating and selecting materials for high-performance residential and commercial interior design build-outs, furnishings and green products.

DI VC CG 150  Introduction to Computer Graphics
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This computer graphics introductory course will cover the following topics: computer generated art, Adobe Photoshop, photo adjustments and effects, computer drawing, morphing and modeling in Photoshop and editing. Students will compile a personal portfolio, presenting it to the class at the end of the semester or session.

ID SA DN 310  Design by Nature I
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
The objective of Environmental Design is to conjugate technology to the human biology and psychology needs. This course introduces students the to the fundamentals of product design practice and gives the opportunity to increase their innovation knowledge with a perspective on how to meet human needs while considering sustainable principles. Students learn how to use natural inspiration to generate new ideas for product feature and optimize design and understand the strategic role of product design in the development of manufactured goods.

ID ID TD 160  Technical Drawing and CAD
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This is a course in which student are introduced to the general concepts of CAD (Computer Aided Design), emphasis is placed on two-dimensional drawing applications such as plans, sections, elevations and furniture. During the course students learn how to develop their projects through the use of the computer and how to control the final outcome in plotting their final drawings.

DI PH PS 220  Introduction to Photoshop
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
Adobe Photoshop is the leading software for photographers, graphic designers, and bookmakers.  Photoshop is powerful software that requires a dedicated focus in learning how best to use the program to its full potential. This course, with the guidance of experienced teachers, will introduce the student to the creative and professional issues of Photoshop.  The course is designed for students who have had experience in photography, graphic design, architecture, illustration or bookmaking. The Photoshop Laboratory is equipped with the most up-to-date computers and peripherals.

Seminars:

FT FC CP  200 Art Media: Introduction to the Creative Process
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
Aimed at students interested in visual, plastic arts and creative writing. This course will help each student to define and find his or her own personal style and strengths, which they can then apply to their other art classes.  Students will be assigned writing assignments to develop personal thought processes in order to realize their own creative nature and apply it to the media of their own concentration.

ID SA SP 280 Design Principles for Sustainability
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course is a general introduction to the concept of sustainable development; it provides an overview of design and sustainable development in terms of ecology, economy and culture. Sustainability means create a living system where people live in harmony with the planet and where economy and ecology can coexist. Students learn how can be possible meet our needs and wants saving the future and the health of the planet and are introduced to the various facets of sustainability.  The aim of the course is prepare designers and planners to apply sustainable thinking to any future decision. Sustainability means create a living system where people live in harmony with the planet and where economy and ecology can coexist. In this course students learn how can be possible meet our needs and wants saving the future and the health of the planet and are introduced to the various facets of sustainability. The aim of the course is prepare designers to apply sustainable thinking to any future decision.

ID SA GR 325 Global Recycling Policies
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course examines the history of emerging public policy which promotes design for the environment, referable purchasing and other product policy strategies. The course focuses on the business case for product stewardship and other strategies to reduce the influence of products on the environment. The European, North American, and Asian policy experience with product policy is considered and the context for product policy in the US is also highlighted with an overview of product-specific approaches. The course features an analysis of the tools available to policy makers in order to promote product policy including laws, voluntary agreements and demonstration projects.

ID SA SF 300 Sustainable Future: Historical and Critical Contexts
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course provides students tools and languages to address the creative inspiration between desire and actuality. With a focus on design history, since the time of Industrial Revolution, the course deals a number of contexts in order to examine the possible relationships between form and meaning. Through the analysis of the production and consumption of objects, materials and and environment students learn the relations between social, cultural and economic aspects within a variety of creative practices.  New ways of thinking for innovations and a sustainable future are explored and best practices for personal and business effectiveness are analyzed with emphasis on the connection between natural resources and creativity.
This course is also offered as a special Seminar for 1semester credit, 15 Lecture hours. The regular semester class will introduce the student to the subject and then focus on the area of study, while the Seminar will focus on the specialized area of study.

PS PD PO 350 Portfolio Development  I
2 semester credits (30 Lecture hours)
This course gives students the opportunity to create a personal portfolio of creative work. Through individual guidance in executing boards for original design ideas, students present a theme or career-goal orientated portfolio of finished work. By working with sketches, graphic illustrations and using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, students create a coherent design portfolio for the industry by researching target market studies, trends, and analyzing the design philosophies of contemporary designers and develop a personal drawing style and design concepts presentation appropriate to the focused market.

Year 1 – Semester 2 (Spring)

Mission:

The aim of the Intermediate level is to deepen student’s knowledge in eco sustainability with special reference to the design and the development of computer 3d drawing and rendering skills.
Students will study Interior design and receive detailed information on the green packaging techniques continuing the special projects and developing their skills in specific eco-sustainable fields.

Core Courses:

ID SA PS 330   Project for a Sustainable Interior Design II
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course provides students both Conceptual Frames and Analytical Tools for designing with sustainable materials focusing on simple methods consisting of a unique tool which guide the green novice or the design veteran in analyzing the sustainability of a wide range of products and materials. Through the practical experience, students explore the design process and create sustainable furniture, products or interior design from the analyzed materials. The tools and the emerging practices provided during the course help in evaluating and selecting materials for high-performance residential and commercial interior design build-outs, furnishings and green products.

ID SA SL 355  Sustainable Life Cycle
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
In this course students understand how make choices which lead to sustainability starting from ecological accounting and Life Cycle Assessment. The course teaches how to communicate that life cycle to consumers through visual communication, storytelling and information graphics. Students develop design alternatives, documenting impact, and communicating the results. Designs are followed from material creation through manufacturing, use and end of life; moreover innovative strategies for improvement are explored.

ID ID CD 280  3D Computer Design and Rendering
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
In this course students will learn the concepts and techniques of creating, viewing and manipulating 3D models. Through the generation of drawings and perspectives, students develop an in-depth understanding of the modeling and rendering techniques used for creating objects, furniture and interior spaces.

ID SA DN 380  Design by Nature II
3 semester credits (45 Lecture hours)
The objective of Environmental Design is to conjugate technology to the human biology and psychology needs. This course introduces students the to the fundamentals of product design practice and gives the opportunity to increase their innovation knowledge with a perspective on how to meet human needs while considering sustainable principles. Students acquire the motivations to invent and develop new ideas, learn tools and strategies utilized in the field of sustainable development with a focus on the ones that are directly applicable to sustainable product design. Relevant eco-design and sustainability strategies, such as alternative materials and technologies, are investigated and applied in specific assessments.

ID SA GP 340  Green Packaging Design
3 semester credits (45 Lecture hours)
Packages are handled every day and are the chief support of modern commerce, but on the other hand are the thirty per cent of our waste stream. This course is an essential analysis of packaging: from material selection to environmental impact, to consumer perception and market contest. At the course completion students will be able to look at a packaging problem objectively and be able to maximize a product’s appeal while minimizing eco-impact generating innovative design.

PS SP ES 340  Special Project in Eco-Sustainable Design
3 semester credits (90 Contact hours)
This is an advanced course intended for students who wish to develop skills and experiment with Eco-Sustainable Design. Students create their own digital works in order to be edited. Composite printing and experimentation with different techniques will also be employed and addressed in order to complete the desired final “look”.

or  Italian Language
3 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
The language course is offered in different levels according to the student’s knowledge.

Seminars:

ID ID IL  270  Introduction to Lighting
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
This course introduces students to the art and technology of lighting and explores the use of lighting as a design element in the interior environment. Students will learn to analyze lighting installations, calculate lighting levels for interiors, select appropriate light fixtures, and prepare a lighting plan based on one of their studio projects. Emphasis will be placed on technical and aesthetic issues in relation to the illumination of interiors.

ID SA LS 320  Sustainable Life Strategies
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
In this course students explore sustainability through positive, creative, engaging, hands-on learning making practical steps towards sustainability in their own homes, workplaces, and communities. Based on the well know Natural Step Framework and on the Union of Concerned Scientists three major consumer impacts, students examine the principles of sustainability and experiment the natural procedures how to control the major impacts of our lives. At the end of the course, students know what sustainability is, and have used it to save money and the planet.

ID SA SC 315  Creating a Sustainable Career
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
This course guide students through discovery and exploration of sustainable career choices in the growing green economy. Students learn the notion of the creative entrepreneur in the context of design activity and their strategies to immediately begin to work with sustainable company. The course offer the opportunity to consider ones own personal development, cultural capital and market opportunity and the ability to make career choices based on a better understanding of the changing marketplace focusing on the sustainability values and vision of the future.

ID SA MM 345  Materials and Methods for Green Printing
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course on sustainability and printing is tailored to designers and buyers of print. Students explore the fundamentals for specifying more sustainable papers, inks and printing. Explore the trends and theories; leave with tools and guidelines to help you apply the principles of sustainability to printing.

PS PD PO 360  Portfolio Development  II
2 semester credits  (30 Lecture hours)
This course gives students the opportunity to create a personal portfolio of creative work. Through individual guidance in executing boards for original design ideas, students present a theme or career-goal orientated portfolio of finished work. By working with sketches, graphic illustrations and using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, students create a coherent design portfolio for the industry by researching target market studies, trends, and analyzing the design philosophies of contemporary designers and develop a personal drawing style and design concepts presentation appropriate to the focused market.

Year 2 – Semester 3 (Fall)

Mission:

The aim of this semester is to deepen student’s design skills, and their knowledge and evolution through the study of the most important marketing aspects. The study of graphic design techniques will be continued, and more challenging studies on sustainability are practiced. Students are introduced to the history of sustainability and learn how to manage the acquired information while working on their Portfolio.

Core Courses:

ID SA DG 335  Marketing and Design for a Sustainable Life Style
3 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
This is a highly interactive course in which is showed the way to sustainable, innovative, profitable and competitive products in the global marketplace. Focusing on strategies for using eco-design to obtain new products, concepts and business models this course satisfy the needs of opinion makers and designers involved in new product development, marketing and sustainability. Students understand how to market their eco-designs, and learn techniques for measuring their ability to reduce environmental impacts and build credibility for their efforts.

ID SA SG 385  Sustainable Graphic Design for a Contemporary Green World
3 semester credits  (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course explores sustainable graphic design through readings, exercises and projects. The objective is to apply various eco-design theories while exploring practical techniques and applications specific to graphic design. Students acquire new insight into the design process and the aesthetic and physical relationships between humans and nature, as well as new techniques and tools such as lifecycle assessment and planning, sustainable design principles, process and material evaluations that incorporate sustainability into everyday design work.

ID SA HS 370  History of Sustainability: a look to the past for a Future Vision
3 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
This course analyzes the Richard Buckminster Fuller work and how his designs are still far beyond our practice. He was part of the chain of Transcendentalists, which included Emerson and Thoreau. Buckminster Fuller, along with many others (including Ian McHarg, Victor Papanek, Paul McReady and John Todd), pioneered the sustainability field that is extremely up to date today. Students can develop skills in design inspiration discovering the farsightedness of these pioneers.

ID SA ST 360  Systems Thinking Design
2 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
This course analyzes the today market and gives students the tools required to succeed in this dynamic transition. Systems thinking, languages of design, and product life cycles are strictly connected and form the solid foundation for innovative products.  Theory is practiced through market specific projects.

PS IN TA 420  Teaching Assistant Internship
3 semester credits  (90 Contact hours)
The course is suggested to students who have already successfully completed a semester. Students can meet with the academic prerequisites laid down for the teaching assistant program for which they are applying. To be eligible they must produce proof or having successfully completed at their home institution the preliminary courses necessary and at the levels stipulated. Further guidelines on admission are available on request.

Seminars:

ID SA ME 380   Marketing Ethical Strategies
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
Ethic is today an intangible extra value, which people are looking for products or services. From production methods, business practices and relationships to corporate giving and vendor associations, people are paying attention to who serves their needs as much as what they are selling. This course analyzes these connections, opportunities for applying marketing levers based on corporate values, and how to establish and profit from healthy.

ID SA BE 390  Built Environment Influence on the Human Life
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
This course examines the interactions between social, behavioral, cultural and technological dimensions of the built environment. Through lectures, discussion and research projects, students explore the theoretical, historical and scientific context of the built environment as they develop and increase their level of environmental knowledge.

PS PD PO 380  Portfolio Development  III
3 semester credits (30 lecture hours)
This course gives students the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio of creative work. Working with professional design critics, students learn the fundamentals of assembling a portfolio for employment in the industry. Using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, they practice advanced rendering, theme pages, and print work. Areas of specialization are showcased.

Year 2 – Semester 4 (Spring)

Mission:

The aim of the fourth semester level is to complete student’s ability and to develop and control a project. An overview of worldwide sustainable studies and design will be provided, in order to allow students to compare different cultures and to develop their own style. The goal of this semester for the student is to achieve and complete the Portfolio as the basis for demonstrating the ability of entering in a work environment.

Core Courses:

ID SA SC 350  Sustainable Community: a Way of Life
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
Prosperity and ecological health depend on one other; this is in the common sense the notion of sustainability that, like democracy, is an ideal, an organizing strategy and a future state. A sustainable world requires changes in the design of most of the things around us: our businesses, energy and materials use, product design, financial systems, how we build our cities and houses, and how we live day by day.  In this course students critique and redesign an existing community space using elements of a more sustainable lifestyle.

ID SA HL 365  Holistic Living and Permaculture Design
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
Permaculture Design uses holistic principles to design living systems that provide benefits without exhausting resources. Starting with observation and ending by approaching change, Permaculture Design brings a new appreciation for adversity; students study the principles of Permaculture Design and build examples, map environmental relationships and ecological requirements of their work.

ID SA BN 375  Biomimicry: Nature as Inspiration for Designers
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course analyze the living systems which provides ample inspiration for sustainable design, gives students the basics of biological principles and supply a wealth of examples from the natural and designed worlds. The course provides powerful metaphors and methods for looking to nature as model, mentor, and measure in our designs.

PS PD PO 400  Portfolio Development   IV
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course gives students the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio of creative work. Working with professional design critics, students learn the fundamentals of assembling a portfolio for employment in the industry. Using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, they practice advanced rendering, theme pages, and print work. Areas of specialization are showcased.

PS IN IN 450  Internship
3 semester credits (150 contact hours)
An nonsalaried, 14-week internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Integrates students’ design knowledge with field experience at a specific manufacturer with a company supervisor. The internship is open to students who have already successfully completed a semester (minimum 12 credits). Candidates must meet with the academic prerequisites laid down for the internship program for which they are applying. To be eligible they must produce proof of having successfully completed,  at their home schools, the preliminary courses necessary and at the levels stipulated. Further guidelines on admission are available on request. The program combines an internship in a professional workplace.  Students serve as interns part time, generally Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours, depending on the area chosen. Students will have regular meetings with their internship supervisors who will monitor their progress and the drafting of an extensive analytical internship report. At end of the course, students will be well trained and ready to enter the professional world.