Step One: Select an Interior to Study

The design of interiors, whether commercial, institutional, or residential, whether new or renovation, is highly dependent on new materials, products, styles, and techniques. In order to use new materials, designers must understand structural and fire safety issues, especially regarding possible product interactions. So, published and manufacturers' information must be supplemented with detailed analysis of realized projects in context. This analysis, which directly benefits the health, safety and welfare of the public, is mandatory for maintenance of current professional standards. Your study must, therefore, encompass the following goals:

You must choose a space of architectural distinction, which you can enter and photograph. It is advantageous if you can make your selection before your trip starts, so you can combine the first assignment (developing a bibliography) with choosing an interior.

Interior design and architecture journals are the best way to research current spaces and their designers. It is especially valuable to visit interiors, which you know only through journal publications. You may be surprised at how different they are when experienced in three dimensions, and without photo cropping!

If you decide to select an interior only after you arrive at your study site, we urge you to read about your destination before you begin your trip. Look for books about the country, city, or neighborhoods you will visit. If your practice specializes in commercial interiors, hospitals, residences, etc., and you will study that type for your Sitestudy.com course, you might research that specialty type before you travel.

Remember, however, that we recommend you do consult outside references, preferably including maps, drawings, photographs and articles, as well as books. It will make your studies much more rewarding. See our LINKS section.


Step Two: Research and Develop a Bibliography

If the design or its designer is famous, read specific books or articles. For example, if you will visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh's "Hill House" in Helensburgh, Scotland, read a book or online article about Mackintosh, the other Mackintosh projects in the vicinity, and perhaps gather information on the Arts and Crafts movement.

If the space is not widely published, read about the city and country where it is located, about the historical era during which it was built, or about the type of space. For example, if you see a beautiful church in Budapest that you would like to study, but do not know its name or history, research it as part of your bibliography requirement. Look for books on the churches of Buda, one on St. Mattias Cathedral in Pest, and read a journal article about Imperial design in Hungary.

If you can not find any publications about the space or designer per se, treat your study as a study of a type; read about three spaces of the same type but from different eras or in different locations. For example, if you are studying an unknown church in a little town in New England, read about other New England churches. Or read about sanctuaries in three different religions: a church, a synagogue, and a mosque.

Step Three: Bibliographic References (at least three please)

These can be plans, journal articles, guide books, books, etc. Additional related references: movies, art, crafts, related learning, etc may also be included.

Step Four: Photographs of Each Interior Studied

Below is a list of required photographs. It relates closely to the next section of this study, which is a series of questions for you to answer. The questions are intended to help you think of the many issues that the photographs will document. Please print two copies of your photographs; keep the "negatives" and one copy of each print. Enclose one copy of the required photographs with your completed coursepack. Be sure to identify each photo with your name. We can't assume responsibility for any losses in handling. You retain the copyright for all photos.

1. Sufficient photos to document three different scales or levels of detail in the space (for example, patterning or materials that carry throughout, scale of space, fenestration, circulation, lighting, signage, mechanical components that become part of the space.
2. All visible interior elevations and (exterior elevations that are relevant)
3. At least four photos of the context, be sure to show how the space relates to the building itself or the exterior. Use the building(s) next door, to illustrate relative heights or relationships if relevant. Are you in the Deco district of Miami, Florida? If so, illustrate the transition from outside to inside if relevant. Is the space playful (restaurant), educational (museum), functional (hospital), sacred (place of worship). Show the space in use.
4. At least four photos of unusual architectural details, materials, colors, views from the interior space(orientation), transitions, furnishings.

As you photograph the interior, try to answer the following questions in both words and photographs. Think a lot; write just a few words! Remember that the goal here is your continuing education. If you finish the exercises, you will earn the learning units!

Step Five: The Interior Study
 
Please click on the "Download and Print Course Pack" link to view the full course content.