Interior and Spatial Design

The MA Interior and Spatial Design programme investigates the design of interior/architectural spaces and architectural furniture. It offers the possibility to pursue two areas of concern, each of which has its own distinct design emphasis:

1. Research orientated: here you will develop your own research proposal, developing projects that question the boundaries between architecture, design and fine art. You are encouraged to establish a connection between your theoretical concerns and your studio practice. This mode is particularly appropriate for students coming from a fine art or architectural background wishing to explore more conceptual spatial or furniture concerns within an architectural remit.
2. Professional practice orientated: this area of study emphasizes site investigation and spatial resolution, where you bring your research concerns to a site context set by staff. Here the outcomes are focused on the detail design resolution of interventions into existing architectural or built conditions, and on the developing of challenging social programmes that engage with a wide cultural environment.

In pursuing either areas of concern, you are expected to employ both rigour and open-mindedness to the making and depiction of architectural spaces and objects. Students all undertake a preliminary design exercise to determine which area of concern to focus upon, and there is a constant dialogue between the two areas.

Course Structure

The course follows an outline of three main phases:

• Phase 1: Analysis of Practice and Exploration of Methodologies
• Phase 2: Development and Consolidation
• Phase 3: Resolution

These phases are set within a credit framework of three assessed units: Studio Practice, Advanced Studio Practice (which run sequentially), and Theoretical Studies, running throughout the course.

Studio Practice involves evolving and developing a personal programme of studio work and related research. Theoretical Studies provides a framework for you to develop a critical research paper, enabling you to locate your ideas and practice in relation to contemporary debate on cultural and theoretical issues.