The module will provide an overview of why and how interiors have evolved in response to changing social and political demands. Beginning with the Classical world of Greece and Rome and continuing up until the present day, the module will introduce the students to the inter-relationship between patron and architect, taste and status, decoration and the arts. This module examines the historical development of social trends, codes and requirements in the context of the residential interior.
Formative assessment will involve the selection of an iconic piece of furniture and production of a rendered sketch showing the key features. Summative assessment will include a study of architectural features and research in depth into the social and political influences on one of these. They will also present a written report placing elements of a specific design period within a social and political context. They will conduct an in-depth study of a building and select one room to furnish. Furniture and furnishings selected should have information on sourcing and product specification sheets should be provided. Information may be presented through presentation boards or illustrated reports and work will be assessed in terms of accuracy of knowledge, application of this knowledge and analysis of the information gained.

All elements are required. Coursework will consist of

-Written reports, 1000-1500 words (LO 1, 2, 3) 60%
-Presentation boards (LO 2,3 ) 30%
-Specification (LO 3) 10%

Key Information Set:
100% coursework

Delivery is by distance learning with a comprehensive resource handbook on the VLE and available to download, examples of best practice and project templates are available through our online VLE, individual tutorials and student forum. Specialist knowledge will be delivered by the design team and mentors.

Key Information Set:
10% scheduled teaching and learning activities
90% guided independent learning

Blakemore, R. G. (1997) History of Interior Design and Furniture. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Calloway, S. and Powers, A. (2012) The Elements of Style: An Encyclopaedia of Domestic Architectural Detail. London: Mitchell Beazley.
Ching, F. D. K. (2011) A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. 2nd Ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Gossel, P. (2012) Architecture in the Twentieth Century. Cologne: Taschen.
Miller, J. (2008) The Style Sourcebook. Ontario: Firefly Books.
Pile, J. (2009) A History of Interior Design. 3rd Ed. London: Lawrence King.
Sweet, F. (2007) Vintage Furniture. London: Carlton.
The National Trust. (2011) Manual of Housekeeping. Swindon: The National Trust.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
http://www.hha.org.uk/
http://www.arena.it/
http://glyndebourne.com/
http://www.icon.org.uk/
http://thehistoricinterior.com/

Range of resources located on the VLS
Qualified Interior Designers
Library Services
Image & Materials Library