Interior Futures module (DJ31046)
Develop your spatial imagination and strengthen the conceptual and contextual understanding of unorthodox sites whose existing condition may be one of neglect, decay, or preservation
Interiors have long been a testing ground for alternative ideas about how we live, work, play and escape. This module uses that tradition as a starting point for exploring the interior as a site of future practice.
You will engage with historical and contemporary case studies, reading key texts to develop a critical understanding of interior futures. A field trip to related exhibitions, museums or sites deepens your contextual awareness. In studio, you use a range of media, materials, and digital and physical processes to develop and communicate a spatial proposal.
The module prepares you to present your work to diverse audiences. You also produce a professional web folio and a short critical text to contextualise your project and articulate your position as a designer.
Projects may vary annually to reflect different sites, audiences and research and industry influences.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- explore the historical significance, contemporary use and future potential of a site
- develop a personal creative response which is critically and contextually informed
- frame interior outcomes against art, design and architecture precedents
By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate:
- knowledge of interior futures in historical and contemporary practice
- autonomy and responsibility in managing a project from concept to completion
- analyse and apply research sources and theories to a project
- discernment and skill in developing, resolving, and communicating a project
Assignments / assessments
You will produce a substantial body of advanced interior practice which addresses each studio brief(s) and reflects the creative and critical scope of the module.
Assessment is based on submission and presentation of a substantial folio of coursework at the end of the module. This is broken down into:
Professionalism (10%)
- Organisation, communication, timekeeping throughout the module
Research (25%)
- Critical and contextual awareness of interior futures themes through case study analysis and key research texts
Concept Development (25%)
- A thorough development process using a range of media, demonstrating spatial imagination, planning and design ambition
Presentation (30%)
- An edited body of work presenting key elements of your process, including materials, structural awareness and finishes
Dissemination (10%)
- A professional web folio and a short critical text contextualising your project and your position as a designer
This module does not have a final exam.
Teaching methods / timetable
- studio projects
- workshop sessions in 2D and 3D CAD
- contextual talks, lectures and seminars
- professional practice sessions to enhance employability
You will mainly learn within a creative studio environment where you will engage in:
- weekly individual/group tutorials
- peer-to-peer learning
- site visits/client meetings
Other types of teaching can take place in:
- lecture theatres
- digital media labs
- workshops, e.g. wood workshops and digital making facilities
- participate in student-led industry evening events to enhance your employability
Approximate key dates
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Module, project introductions |
| 2 | Site/client visits |
| 6 | Reading week; you can continue to attend and use the studio |
| 7 | Mid-point reviews |
| 11 | Final taught week |
| 12 | Final assessment |
| 13 | Assessment feedback |
The module involves 300 notional hours of study across the semester. Attendance in the Interior studios, at lectures, seminars and tutorials is monitored.
Courses
This module is available on the following courses:
Module lead
- Type
- Person
