KA6039 - Interior Architecture Theory 3

What will I learn on this module?

A critical appreciation and evaluation of advanced theoretical paradigms that govern the making of interior environments forms the core learning journey of this module. The thematic exposure to theoretic positions and of seminal interiors and building adaptations will develop your critical knowledge to further reveal key theoretical positions and thinking. Presented as a theoretically connected continuum of thought on the interior, the lecture content will thematically align to your wider creative learning journey through an examination of the pluralist and heterogeneous landscape of influences on the interior space. Your e xisting critical learning skills will be honed to critique established theories of interior architecture and creative reuse towards an individually expressed position.

How will I learn on this module?

The module content will be delivered as a sequential programme of lectures supported by research led, participatory group seminars. In response, independent learning will allow you to explore your own themes framed around given assignment work whilst the lectures appraise critical exemplars case studies to encourage specific discussion within the supporting seminars. These seminars are a forum for formative feedback with your peers and your tutor to inform your personal learning journey and they complement your advancing knowledge, your directed and self-directed individual study. The seminars will allow you to formulate an informed and structured approach to your own research enquiry and literary reviews, whilst supporting the direction of your learning with discussion around your chosen area of study.
To aid contextual understanding and critical appraisal, a wide range of visual material will be used to support the module content and your learning as an accessible experience.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Engagement in lectures and participation to group seminars and associated discussion is essential to your development. Feedback on formative work can be offered in a variety of forms throughout the duration of the module. Written feedback will be provided at summative assessment points to help you reflect, develop and learn. Periods of self-directed learning are essential for your personal research, creative explorational and development of assignment work whilst we have an open-door policy so that you can seek further support should you need it.
Your learning will be supported through the lecture programme content and the provision of supporting texts. The structured seminar sessions will allow you to discuss approaches to your research, analysis skills and writing plans. You will also benefit from specialist software to authenticate the originality of your personal enquiry, whilst benefiting from peer support and peer learning. In addition, assignments, presentations, relevant associated module information and specific reading lists will be uploaded to the eLearning Portal (Blackboard), so that you can access module content when needed. The university library offers support through its extensive physical and on-line resources, through e-reading lists. In addition, guidance on developing academic study skills, is provided by the Ask4Help facility.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

You will be expected:

Knowledge & Understanding:
KU 1. Critically appraise accepted knowledge of the wider arts and culture and their relationship to interior architecture.

KU 2. Articulate a developed personal framework of information and references towards an articulated viewpoint with authority.

KU 3. Articulate independent ideas and intent through an authoritative appropriation of language and media with analysis and evaluation.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
IPSA 1. Evidence advanced research and analytical skills with consideration of the influences of the artistic and cultural context within an articulated viewpoint.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA 1. Manage and appraise your working practices within deadlines and a self-determined structure with logic and authority.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment will take place in two ways;
1. within a submitted Outline Proposal (500 words equivalence) where student will indicate their topic of choice and outline the intended structure for their illustrated written assignment (KU2; PVA1)
2. within each seminar and will be delivered in the form of verbal feedback as well as through informal class and individual discussions to provide ongoing developmental guidance


Summative assessment is of the illustrated written assignment (5000 word equivalent) covering all MLO’s … KU1, KU2, KU3, IPSA1, PVA1

Feedback will be offered in verbal and written form to provide advice for further development and a critical appraisal of work and performance.
Moderation of summative assessment will take place at the end of the module.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Within this module you will express an individual, critical synthesis of knowledge of the thematic concepts and theories that underpin Interior Architecture and define the interior condition. Through the use of lectures and research-led group seminars you will contextualise an interconnected critical appraisal of the interior condition within a written, individual perspective. You will critically analyse theory to appraise the thematic, epochal and conceptual shifts within Interior Architecture, explored and analysed against contemporary thinking. Lectures will explore the advancements of architecture, interior architecture and the related arts via the main theoretical and cultural paradigms, contextualised against an advanced technological and material appreciation. The set assessment work will challenge your critical thinking skills and your research led learning will encourage you to synthesise your theoretical knowledge within a personal critical framework that will also help you evaluate and contextualise your own design work and the work of others.

Course info

UCAS Code W251

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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