Program Overview

INTERIOR DESIGN

Course Overview

The aim of the course is to provide the knowledge of the different types of furniture and compositional schemes related to the organization of living space on board. The course confers the ability to address issues related to the design of the furniture, in the management of the different phases of the project, in the graphic setting of the different scales of detail related to the graphic representation of the furnishings and fittings of the motor boat.

Course Details

• Code: 66151
• Academic Year: 2025/2026
• Credits: 6 cfu anno 1 YACHT DESIGN 11958 (LM-34) - LA SPEZIA
• Scientific Disciplinary Sector: ICAR/16
• Language: English
• Teaching Location: LA SPEZIA
• Semester: 2ｰ Semester
• Teaching Materials: AULAWEB

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The teaching provides students with the yacht space design and furniture fundamentals harmonising them with the yacht general design considering materials, industrialisation and costs.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide the knowledge of the different types of furniture and compositional schemes related to the organization of living space on board. The course consists of a general and introductory part - aimed at getting to know the general characteristics of the naval and nautical furnishing sector - and a thematic part. Four main parts (steps) compose the thematic teaching, addressing:

1. The typological analysis related to the distribution and compositional characteristics of the interiors of the different categories of boats.
2. The study of the organization of the general layouts given a typology of reference.
3. The study of detailed drawings of a significant living environment.
4. The definition of finishing materials and components using photo-realistic renderings.

Prerequisites

The course requires the knowledge of the basics of 2D CAD design and 3D modelling.

Teaching Methods

The teaching consists of lessons and reviews on the project exercise, including:

1. The lecture, introducing the project topics developed during the course.
2. Individual/collective reviews to check regularly the progress of the various stages of the project exercise. Intermediate deadlines are set within the course to verify the progress of the project.

Syllabus/Content

The course covers the following topics:

• The inhabited space: characteristics, evolution of the concept of housing, functional subdivisions.
• On-board urban planning: concept of zoning and classification of the different on-board areas.
• Evolution of the functional areas in relation to the type and size of the boats.
• On board ergonomics: dimensions and functions of the main spaces and components of the furnishings.
• Functional and formal analysis of the main living areas on board.
• Ergonomics and perception, the relationship between man and the space inhabited from a functional and perceptive point of view.
• Typological and stylistic classification of nautical interior decor, in relation to the civil architectural reference model.
• Type of furniture. Evolution of construction technique: from the handicraft product to the modern industrialized product.
• Materials and techniques of realization and finishing.
• The chromatic component in the interior design.
• The lighting component in the perception of living space.
• The graphic rules (2D drawings) in the fitting-out project of boats.

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

• Mariateresa Campolongo, Interior yacht design del XXI secolo, Edizioni libreriauniversitaria.it
• Yacht design: dal concept alla rappresentazione. M. Musio Sale
• Interior Yacht Design. M.Gregori Grgic
• Interior Design: a practical guide. J. Gibbs
• Living in Small Spaces. C. Campos
• Arredi di barche. L.Consigli
• Choosing colours in interior design. K. McCloud
• Minimalism and Color design source. A.Lleonart
• Materials and Design. M. Ashby, K. Johnson
• Lighting book. K. McCloud.
• Nautical magazines: AD yacht, Nautica, Superyacht, Barche, Yacht, Barche a Motore, Vela e Motore, DDN, Interni, AD.
• Websites of main shipyards, manufacturers, and suppliers in the nautical sector.

Teachers and Exam Board

• Teacher: MIMO STELITANO
• Exam Board:
  • MIMO STELITANO (President)
  • LEONARDO CECCHI
  • MASSIMO SALE-MUSIO
  • MARIO ZIGNEGO
  • MARIATERESA CAMPOLONGO (President Substitute)

Lessons

• Lessons Start: [To be announced]
• Class Schedule: Available on Portale EasyAcademy

Exams

Exam Description

The exam consists in the presentation of the theme project exercise of the year and in the discussion about the design solutions adopted. There are three calls in the summer session (June, July, and September) and two calls in the winter session (January and February). The design exercise consists in the project of setting up on-board spaces, through the development of general plans, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional settings. The design theme is the motor yacht, in a dimensional range between 23 and 25 mt loa.

Assessment Methods

The assignment of the exam grade will take into account:

1. Knowledge and understanding of the covered topics.
2. Ability and clarity of exposition.
3. Ability to solve problems related to the covered topics.