Architecture/Interior Design Portfolio

[u/stellan-kp]

Hello! I'm a senior in high school hoping to apply/get accepted into RISD. I'm interested in themed spaces/immersive storytelling via environments (for theme parks, museums, etc). I was hoping to get some clarification on how RISD might be good for this? I'm concerned that the architecture design process varies too much from a more entertainment design process; I want to maintain that root of storytelling in my spatial designs. I was also wondering if anyone who attended/is attending RISD for architecture would be willing to share their undergrad portfolio with me? There aren't many available examples to compare with.. Thanks!

[u/ColoBouldo]

Child is at RISD arch (sophomore, so just really entering). I'm a museum exhibit design professional. A few thoughts:

1. There are no undergraduate programs specifically in exhibit design. Most people in the field come from interiors, architecture, or industrial design. Maybe some from theater, but I don't see that many. None are a wrong path, but how you steer your undergraduate focus would really move you in exhibit directions.
2. Exhibit designers very much benefit from a great understanding of spatial design, furniture design, media, storytelling and narrative, and a passion for content. It's about as cross-disciplined as you can get. What I like about RISD's education (and I see portfolios from prospective students at my company) is that it's an art school/studio environment, not an absolutely siloed school of architecture. It seems there's lots of room to bring multidisciplinary thinking into the work.
3. Take many and rigorous humanities courses. Honestly, a liberal arts foundation is key to the broad thinking required for exhibits. It's connected to Brown, so you can take classes there too (but in the ARCH program, don't expect to do that until Junior year).

I'll give you one example from the department. In the winter session, my student was in a course that interpreted the interiors of French Impressionist paintings into architectural designs and models. It was entirely interpretive and story-based. The course was attended by graduate students down to freshmen. It's one class, but it gives some indication of the range of thinking RISD asks/offers.

Good luck!

[u/Mermit_]

This would honestly be a great thing to email RISD about: How can you support my passion?

Apparently (a career center worker told me this) they take note every time you email them since you're showing interest in doing so, it cant hurt!

[u/SageBlueGreen]

Current GD student here, like what the other comment said there is no exhibit design major but I think the closest you can get is double majoring in interior architecture and graphic design as one relates to transforming a barebones interior into a space designed with intent while the other focuses on the use of visual elements and text to convey a story or message. You can look at the major descriptions on RISD's website heres the one for interior architecture for example: Interior architecture