Architecture, Interior Architecture, & Designed Objects Undergraduate Overview

Fall 2027 Early Action and Priority Merit Scholarship Deadline: November 15

The Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects (AIADO) is a place where students can explore design and experiment across boundaries.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio (BFA) is an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for life as a 21st century artist and designer. Students are encouraged to take courses in any medium of field of study relevant to their practice. Small class sizes, a commitment to personal attention, and support for free expression define the undergraduate experience.

AIADO offers pathways through the BFA that combine sequenced, project-based design studios with electives that build skills and expand knowledge in design. As a BFA student, pathways offer you a guide to the prerequisites for advanced studios in the BFA, preparation for further graduate study, and support developing your own design portfolio.

AIADO offers combined coursework with departments including Fashion Design, Fiber and Material Studies, Sculpture, and Ceramics, allowing students to build strong connections to other areas of the School. BFA students are encouraged to apply to the department’s External Partnership courses with collaborators in industry and culture. Students participate in the Academic Spine, including the Sophomore Seminar, Junior Professional Practice Seminar, and Capstone experience in their final year. BFA students work in the School’s workshops, libraries, and museum collection, making the most of the resources of the School and the city.

  • With courses on architectural design, representation skills, and architectural history and theory, the Architecture Pathway focuses on architecture and its impacts on public life while allowing students to experiment in areas such as technology and building performance, urbanism and social practice, and the visualization and communication of information.

    The Architecture Pathway is an excellent preparation for graduate study in Architecture.

    Architecture Pathway [PDF]

  • Borrowing critically from product design, systems design, furniture design, and interaction design, the Designed Objects Pathway focuses on the critical and creative rethinking of the systems, tools, furnishings, and products that we use or interact with in our everyday lives.

    Investigations into how objects extend human potential and inspire imagination are balanced with studies in the responsible and imaginative use of new technologies, materials, and production processes. A concern for sustainability provides an opportunity to explore alternative visions of how we live, work, communicate, and play.

    BFA in Fine Arts Studio Designed Objects Pathway [PDF]

  • Review the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio curriculum and degree requirements. Note: This is information for the current academic year. Any future curricular changes will be made when the new catalog is published.

AIADO Course Listing

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Title Catalog Instructor Schedule

Designed Objects Course Listing

For the most up-to-date list of courses, please visit PeopleSoft Self-Service.

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Title Catalog Instructor Schedule

Student Work

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A person points at details of a wooden laser cut architectural model.
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A group of people sitting and talking in front of an architectural model.
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 Architectural rendering of a bike and walking path bordered by large sculptures.
 
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 Image of a hand touching a spherical glass object.

Upcoming Admissions Events

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Nov11

Learn more about our undergraduate curriculum, tour our facilities & residence halls, see what we look for in an admission and merit scholarship portfolio, and learn more about financial aid. Bring your portfolio for a one-on-one conversation about your work with one of our admissions representatives!

Wednesday, November 11 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CST at SAIC MacLean Ballroom 112 S. Michigan Chicago, IL 60603

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