This course surveys key theoretical grounds for the study of Interiors and the practice of Interior Design. It uses the study of Interiors to address a range of issues that concern designers today. It begins by questioning whether there is a theory specific to Interior Design, and thus interrogates the very notion of theory and its relevance for Interior Design practice. The course explores the kinds of discourses that might be considered useful when thinking about the ways in which Interior Design has been practiced at different times, and investigates how a body of theory might be constructed in this field as opposed to the field of Architecture ---within which Interior Design is usually studied. Some of the themes we will study include taste, comfort, fashion, gender, lifestyle and the everyday. The approach, as evidenced through the topics considered,will address Interior Design as a socially relevant practice that is closely in step with daily life and popular culture. The course will be run as a research seminar and will be experimental in character. Students will be expected to contribute significant research and ideas to the course.

This course surveys key theoretical grounds for the study of Interiors and the practice of Interior Design. It uses the study of Interiors to address a range of issues that concern designers today. It begins by questioning whether there is a theory specific to Interior Design, and thus interrogates the very notion of theory and its relevance for Interior Design practice. The course explores the kinds of discourses that might be considered useful when thinking about the ways in which Interior Design has been practiced at different times, and investigates how a body of theory might be constructed in this field as opposed to the field of Architecture ---within which Interior Design is usually studied. Some of the themes we will study include taste, comfort, fashion, gender, lifestyle and the everyday. The approach, as evidenced through the topics considered,will address Interior Design as a socially relevant practice that is closely in step with daily life and popular culture. The course will be run as a research seminar and will be experimental in character. Students will be expected to contribute significant research and ideas to the course.