Overview

This unit introduces key theoretical concepts that will complement students’ studio-based interior design projects. Students will investigate historical and current spatial and cultural issues relating to the build environment and current industry practice. By developing skills in research, critical analysis and an historical understanding of fundamental theories, students will attain a broader understanding of their discipline.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Rule

150 credit points in any course within School of Design

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
02-March-2026
31-May-2026
Last self-enrolment date
15-March-2026
Census date
31-March-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
21-April-2026
Results released date
07-July-2026

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Apply environmental, spatial and cultural issues to inform concepts of interior space including Indigenous perspectives on Country and Indigenous Knowledge
  2. Analyse the relationship between theory, research and design project outcomes, emphasising the connection to Country and sustainable design principles
  3. Interpret theoretical concepts, process and outcomes of design projects
  4. Analyse contemporary interior design practice within an historical and theoretical context
  5. Critique the social implications of the design of human space, and embed within interior design projects
  6. Evaluate and argue key aspects of design theory that has an environmental impact relevant to the interior architectural discipline

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Activity Type Activity Total Hours Number of Weeks Hours Per Week Venue Type and Activity Detail
On-campus Studio 36 12 weeks 3  
Unspecified Activities Readings 48 12 weeks 4 Readings, Videos, all accessible online
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning 54 12 weeks 4.5  
Total Hours: 138 Total Hours (per week): 11.5  

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Online ParticipationIndividual 20% 2,3,4,5,6 
ReportIndividual 40% 1,2,3,4,5,6 
Research EssayIndividual 40% 1,2,3,4,5,6 

Content

  • Design research (specific to interior architecture)
  • The relationship between theory and practice
  • Philosophy of interior architecture
  • Spatial theories
  • Phenomenology and other architectural movements
  • Digital design and virtual space
  • Sustainable design

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.