Delivery is by distance learning with a comprehensive resource handbook on the VLE and available to download, examples of best practice, project templates and email and telephone support being available through our online VLE, individual tutorials and student forum. Specialist knowledge will be delivered by a diverse team of staff and visiting guest lecturers with a variety of relevant backgrounds and experience.

Key Information Set:
10% schedule learning and teaching activities
90% independent study

This Module is intended to encourage the interior designer to explore the wide variety of cultural influences; artistic, philosophical, literary, social and political, which determine the trends, content and direction of interior design. As a guide, the Module is comprised of a case study of an influential designer (Emile Jacque Ruhlmann) within a culturally eclectic design movement. In order to appreciate why Ruhlmann's work was so highly regarded and influential it is necessary to consider the wide variety of cultural influences on his work. These include artistic, literary and political influences such as Cubism, Constructivism and Futurism which influenced the Art Deco movement. Travel was becoming a popular interest with a fascination for archaeology, particularly with the discovery and opening of recent sites such as the Tomb of Tutankhamen, Pompeii and Troy. New technology was also a major influence as this was the `Machine Age' with aviation, radio, electric lighting, ocean liners and skyscrapers catching the popular imagination. Innovative materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, Bakelite, lacquer and chrome also made it possible to produce designs and finishes that were previously impossible.

Illustrated report - 3000 words - 35% LO 2

Annotated Presentation boards - minimum of 4 - 30% LO 3

Case study - 3000 words - 35% LO 1

Students will be required to submit 10 pages from their reflective design journal to provide evidence of developmental work. This is weighted 0% but is an essential requirement of the final submission

Key Information Set:
100% coursework

Library Services
Tutorial Staff
Range of resources on the VLS
Online Community
Athens
www.lynda.com

Bucsescu, D. & Eng, M. (2010). Looking Beyond the Structure: Critical thinking for designers and architects. London: Berg
Dohr, J. H. (2011). Design Thinking for Interiors: Inquiry, Experience, Impact. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons
Robinson, L.B. & Parman, A. T. (2010). Research-Inspired Design: A step by step guide for interior designers. New York: Fairchild Books
Vibhavari, J. (2012). Interior Design for Non-Western Cultures and Traditions. New York: Fairchild Books
Winchip, S. (2010). Visual Culture in the Built Environment. New York: Fairchild Books

Journals
Interiors: Design, Architecture and Culture (3 times a year)
Berg Publishers
London

OBJEKT International (Quarterly)
Hans Fonk Publications BV.
Raadhuislaan 22B
NL -2451