Module 2: History of Interior Design
Module 2
History of Interior Design
History shapes how we live today so an understanding of the fascinating history of architecture and Interior Design is essential for the professional interior designer. You will also find this rich history a constant source of inspiration and ideas that will inform your work as an interior designer.
Entering the world of history provides us with the ability to view Interior Design with a more informed and appreciative eye. Along with appreciating the splendor and magnificence of man's past achievements, there is a deeper gratification in seeing how different building types have been shaped and developed through vast layers of culture and civilization.
Due to the close relationship between the built environment and human existence, a study of history allows us to develop a deeper understanding of how humanity influences the design and style of buildings as well as how construction techniques have developed and changed through the ages. It's also valuable to comprehend how buildings affect man's well-being and lifestyle and how technology has been used to progress our lives into the modern world. Throughout history, interior design was influenced by many factors, such as religious beliefs, socio-political conditions, and local environmental factors.
From cave dwellings and the first simple manmade structures to today's high tech architecture, this module takes you on an exciting journey through early civilizations to the splendours of Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, the magnificence of Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance palaces and Islamic mosques to the decorative delights of Art Nouveau and Art Deco and finally to the emergence of Modernism and the concept of the building as “a machine for living”. Each civilization developed their culture and approached interior environments and architecture from a different angle. Throughout this journey you will gain a greater appreciation of man's constant striving to create beauty and function through Interior Design and the layers of the past that remain influential today.
Due to the large volume of historical material, we focus largely on the Western tradition in this module, though several non-Western styles are also presented in order to provide a broader understanding of the holistic contribution of all cultures to the overall development of Interior Design.
Through your study of this module, and your own further research into the history of Interior Design, you will develop a discerning eye for detail and an enhanced understanding of how the past influences modern design trends and contributed to the globalized world.
Interior design influencer content
Module 2 also includes professional insights, from American interior designer Suzanne Coleman on the history of interior design. Suzanne covers questions such as;
- Why is the history and origin of interior design important to learn?
- What influenced design in those eras?
- And How history has played an important role in today’s modern civilization?
Module Outline
- Ancient Interior Design
- Prehistoric Ages
- Mesopotamian Era
- Egyptian Architecture
- Asian Civilizations
- Neolithic European, Greek, Roman and Byzantium
- Neolithic Europe
- Greek
- Romans
- Byzantine
- Middle Ages
- Dark Ages
- Romanesque
- Gothic
- Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical
- Renaissance Revival
- Baroque
- Rococo
- Neoclassical
- Islamic Design
- Islamic Interiors
- Modern Interior Design
- Industrial Revolution
- Victorian Style
- Arts and Crafts
- Art Nouveau
- Art Deco
- Modernism and Post War Period
- Organic Architecture
- International Style
- Post Modernism
- High Tech Architecture
