Prefabricated Interior Studios

Publisher: Common Ground Publishing

E-ISSN: 2325-1395|6|1|43-62

ISSN: 2325-1379

Source: The International Journal of Designed Objects, Vol.6, Iss.1, 2013-01, pp. : 43-62

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Abstract

This paper examines the integration of prefabrication into a series of Interior Design Studios; three utilizing a prefabricated steel building as a site, and one with Amtrak train cars as a site. A review of the literature revealed that while there is a paucity of categorical research focused on Prefabricated Interior Design, the subject is historically significant with an abundance of evidence regarding the prefabrication of the interior environment dating back thousands of years. At the end of one of the semesters, students were questioned about their education, attitudes, and professional objectives toward Prefabricated Interior Design. The survey uncovered that students feel Prefabricated Interior Design is “unrepresented” in historical content and the professional practice. The survey also revealed that students’ initial awareness of prefabrication in Interior Design is weak, however, with the implementation of the topic into a studio-based course, their attitudes and perceptions toward prefabrication heightened. Studio project work revealed innovative prefabricated interior solutions and incorporated sustainable strategies. It is a critical challenge for the Interior Designer to consider not only the typical scenario of design for building interiors but to also consider emerging specialties within the discipline. The incorporation of Prefabricated Interior Design into an atypical non-architectonic environment addresses this need for expanded specialties within the practice of Interior Design. This teaching study’s examination of interior design in a non-traditional environment demonstrates a necessity and enthusiasm for alternative approaches to interior design pedagogy.