In complementing theory with hands-on training, the Building Technology Department has the following strategic industrial collaborations and partnerships with industry leaders such as Devtraco Limited; Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS); Ghana Limited; Frigo Ghana Limited; Architectural and Engineering Services Limited; David Walter Limited; 48 Engineer Regiment; and the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Faculty is made up of the:
This three-year HND programme ends with a certificate in Furniture Design and Production. The aim of the programme is to provide first-class practical-oriented tertiary education in the fields of furniture design, construction and marketing, and also equip graduands to play a supervisory role in furniture and its allied industries. Going through the programme, one develops the desired skills for continued job satisfaction and self-enhancement in order to appreciate the role of being self-employed and to offer employment opportunities to others in society. One can also gain expertise in the efficient management of the dwindling basic raw materials in the industry, and thereby explore the use of other non-traditional materials in the trade. At the end of the programme, one can embark upon projects and network with other professionals in solving problems in the local construction industry. There is a two (2) year Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech.) top-up in Interior Design and Technology course to give a progression path for those who have completed or will complete the Higher National Diploma in Furniture Design and Production.
With the increasing demand for quality and skilful human resources in the world of work, coupled with unrestrained globalization and competitiveness, the Competency-based Training (CBT) model of this HND programme, prepares students specifically for the labour market. It is an acceptable global trend for teaching and learning geared towards developing the appropriate skills, competencies and attitudes for the world of work.
(i) Research Component:
Learners of the programme are required to undertake research project work at the end of every semester.
(ii) Competency-Based Training (CBT) component:
The adopted Competency-based Training (CBT) model uses a hands-on approach to sharpen the skills and talents of students. Such graduates can adequately satisfy most of the required job qualifications on the job market and therefore help to reduce youth unemployment in the country. This model prepares learners specifically for the labour market.
(iii)Work Place Experience Learning
A Work Place Experience Learning component of a maximum of eight (8) months (comprising of two (2) months each during the long vacations of 1st and 2nd year and the entire fourth (4th) semester of the programme. This is aimed at making learners gain practical experience in the industry. Group work, presentations, and simulations among others are employed as approaches to teaching and assessment.
The structure of the programme is such that students are supposed to complete a minimum of 79 semester hours of credit towards graduation. The programme aims at developing technical, problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making, and entrepreneurially inclined skilled graduates so that they can set up themselves and perform efficiently at the workplace. Accra Technical University, through this programme and in collaboration with the industry will provide project opportunities for student training, student employment, as well as networking of students with local establishments.
a) Research Component:
Students of the programme are required to undertake a research project at the end of the programme. It is a requirement for graduation.
b) Competency-Based Training (CBT) Component:
Competency Based Training (CBT) model which is the government approved plan for preparing students specifically for the labour market are used. It is an acceptable global trend for teaching and learning geared towards developing the appropriate skills, competencies and attitudes for the world of work. School facilities include studio space for student work and additionally, a research project and internship are required.
The B-Tech Top-Up in Interior Design and Technology, therefore, takes cognizance of the national human resource needs and aspirations for the utilization of the products of the tertiary materials processing industries and the housing and construction sectors.
The curriculum is based on a four (4) semester plan. It has clearly stated aims and objectives of knowledge, skills and attitudes to be acquired which among others include; preparing graduates with the aptitudes and abilities for further education so as to encourage research and advance knowledge in the field and improve technology in the industry; training operational and supervisory level human resource in Interior Design and Technology to fill in the gap in the industry; providing a basis for career advancement in the area of interior works for the building industry.
Group work, presentations, simulations and others are employed as approaches to teaching and assessment.
c) Industrial Attachment /Internship:
An internship/ industrial attachment component of a minimum of eight (8) weeks long vacation at the end of the second semester, will enable students to gain practical experience in the industry. A joint assessment of the students on attachment will be done by both lecturers sent from the institution as supervisors and the immediate workplace supervisors. Students will be required to do presentations and or submit written reports as part of the assessment to the department.
The totality of the training, encompasses the following specialisation in interior design works in, Hospitality, Residential, Commercial, Office, Kids room & Nursery, Air Bed and Breakfast, Storage and Organisation Solutions, Smart Homes, Historic Preservation, Sustainable & Green Living, Kitchen, Bathroom, Exhibition Stand & Set Design.
The Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) Interior Design & Technology programme is four years (eight semesters) in duration, the programme is offered by the Department of Interior Design and Upholstery leading to the awarding of the BTech Certificate by the University (ATU) as the awarding university for the programme.
The programme is designed in line with the Competency-Based Training (CBT) approach, which prepares students specifically for the labour market. The approach is a globally accepted trend to facilitate learning by acquiring, skills, competencies and attitudes for the world of work. The department has state-of-the-art facilities with lecturers/technicians who are practising design professionals and who bring to the programme their personal commitment to design, and an awareness of society and its changing technologies. The course structure incorporates an internship/attachment component of Fourteen (14) months maximum, which are done third (3rd ) and seventh (7th ) semesters, where students gain practical experience in the industry.
The Aims of the Programme
a. Offer a curriculum comprising courses in design, design communication, and design resources, serving to prepare students for entry into the profession.
b. Prepare students to identify and solve problems and to respond to user needs with concern for the function and quality of interior environments.
c. Provide students with lecturers/technicians who are practising design professionals and who bring to the program their personal commitment to design, an awareness of society and its changing technologies, and the tools and methodologies essential to contemporary interior design practice.
d. Provide design education that can develop creative designers able to formulate, propose, and carry out design solutions relevant to the needs of people and the environment.
Intended outcomes
At the end of the programme, students will be able to comprehend
a. A broad knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with Interior
Design, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within its context.
b. The ability to conceive, develop and resolve spatial design proposals that respond to
existing context human, aesthetic, environmental, and technical requirements.
c. Broad understanding of the structural, material and environmental issues associated with working in existing buildings.
d. The ability to investigate, collect and analyse information from a variety of sources and use this critically to inform design proposals.
e. The ability to communicate and present arguments, ideas, design proposals and
supporting information clearly and effectively using a range of verbal, written and visual methods.
f. The ability to work with some autonomy within defined guidelines, both independently and in teams, and take responsibility for own work and learning.
g. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the histories and theories of architecture and urban design and their inter-relationship with the allied fields of the arts and design, through the appraisal of existing buildings, places and spaces.
h. The ability to critically analyse quantitative and qualitative information taken from a variety of sources to enhance knowledge, frame questions, and identify a range of strategies in design projects.
i. The ability to work effectively and synthetically, independently and in a team, and continue to take responsibility within agreed guidelines for your own work and learning.
The Objectives of the programme
a. Research and analysis of the client’s goals and requirements; and development of documents, drawings and diagrams that outline those needs
b. Formulation of preliminary space plans and two and three-dimensional design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client’s program needs and are based on knowledge of the principles of interior design and theories of human behaviour
c. Confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental, and sustainability guidelines
d. Selection of colours, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept and to meet socio-emotional, functional, maintenance, lifecycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements
e. Selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description; and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture
f. Provision of project management services, including preparation of project budgets and schedules
g. Preparation of construction documents, consisting of plans, elevations, details and specifications, to illustrate non-structural and/or non-seismic partition layouts; power and communications locations; reflected ceiling plans and lighting designs; materials and finishes; and furniture layouts
h. Preparation of construction documents to adhere to regional building and fire codes, municipal codes, and any other jurisdictional statutes, regulations, and guidelines applicable to the interior space
i. Coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals who may be retained to provide consulting services, including but not limited to architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers; and various speciality consultants
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