DE5037 - Investigating Interior Design Contexts

What will I learn on this module?

This level 5 block 2 module will demonstrate that successful design does not begin with a clean slate, rather it will always draw inspiration from somewhere. As aspiring designers, it is important to understand that constructing proposals for creative projects requires thorough investigation of the situation within which we are designing. Establishing the contexts of the design project is essential when generating ideas, and this is led by an ethos of ‘the more you look the more you will find’.

Investigating Interior Design Contexts continues to promote the fundamental relationship between designing and storytelling. Whatever project you are presented with must always be supported by a strong narrative. The module will explore the wider extent of global, social, and cultural impacts of significant examples of design whilst considering how they may inspire or provide clarity within your own contemporary conceptual design projects.

Focus will be placed on socially conscious design, challenging consumer focused society and asking how we can produce sustainable spaces which promote human wellbeing and quality of life. The world as we know it is heavily influenced by design outcomes that have gone before, it is our job to make something even better. To help you achieve this, the module aims to advance your established understanding of conceptual design and critical influences.

Through a series of collaborative sessions promoting open discussion, academic staff will present a critical exploration of key influences on socially conscious design, exploring how they can be translated and implemented for contemporary design concepts within tutor guided sessions. Within this module you will continue to explore significant/exceptional pieces of design, building upon understanding gained within level 4.

Topics: socially conscious design exemplars / responsible design initiatives / design strategies for human well-being / global design impact / ethical, sustainable practices.

How will I learn on this module?

Through this theoretical project-based exploration you will research and critically analyse a series case studies. A programme of collaborative sessions will engage you in open discussion, encouraging you to critically consider examples of significant design and the importance of key influences on concept generation.

You will gain knowledge of key design influences through experiential and research driven learning via a combination of presented case studies and critical discussion. You will begin within a series of collaborative discussions which will allow you to experiment with ideas and opinions relating to established design examples. You will then be encouraged to research topics and ideas shared within these sessions and implement within your own conceptual projects. Finally, you will be encouraged to critically reflect upon the narrative you have created during further open discussions, with a focus on ethical, social and/or sustainable aspects.

We refer to this studio approach as follows:

Project brief(s) will be introduced through one or more briefing sessions where the brief will be fully explained and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. The module is delivered via a combination of studio teaching, seminars and interactive activities, tutor guided independent learning and student-led independent learning.

Formative studio-based feedback will support and guide your learning and the progress of your design work. Where appropriate, external site visits will support design briefs and your understanding of the interior design process and site enquiry. This approach will allow you to develop an understanding at both a theoretical and practical level prior to summative assessment.

You will take part in a final review presentation of your design project work where you will receive final feedback from staff, which you will be required to document and process to advance future design projects and define your own learning. Summative assessment is through the submission of a design portfolio, which will enable you to learn through an enquiry-based/problem-solving learning methodologies approach and reflect the accumulation and integration of knowledge accrued over the module.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support and feedback will be provided by a variety of methods throughout theoretical enquiry-based projects, starting at the briefing and concluding upon submission of each report. Support includes:

Staff Contact

Module tutors who provide academic support.

Interim individual staff-student tutorials to guide enquiry and methods used.

Seminars and staff-facilitated group discussions enable staff to interact with students and encourage peer learning and support.

Project briefs are normally introduced via a briefing session, where the brief is fully explained and explored by both staff and students.

The eLearning Portal will be utilised to communicate all relevant module information.

Studio Contact Time

Modules are delivered through a combination of lecture supported seminars and studio activity, studio teaching, guided and independent learning new skills are delivered through group workshop activities.

Studio feedback takes place to facilitate students’ development in the areas being studied, to allow formative feedback and the identification of examples of good practice and development areas to be considered.

Independent study hours will be utilised to continue the development and progression of theoretical enquiry.

Peer and Independent Support

Students are encouraged and expected to maintain a personal development plan (PDP) and are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning.

Studio-based activity supports the development of peer learning, appreciation of peers' work, and ability to critically evaluation one’s own work and that of others.

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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:



Select and appropriately apply a range of research methods and approaches in the development of creative approaches to design. (RESEARCH)



Demonstrate creative thinking, research, analysis and experimentation through written research documents. (WRITTEN)



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:



Articulate, justify and share directional design research and development through sketchbooks or other prescribed communication formats. (COMMUNICATION)



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):



Analyse and debate contemporary and contextual design issues from economic, environmental, ethical, historical, political and social perspectives. (CONTEXTUAL)

How will I be assessed?

A theoretical enquiry project will be carried out and after submission, a final mark will be given for the module. Based on a design research project portfolio comprising two components; a visually rich project report weighted at 60%, and a group presentation weighted at 40%.



The assessment and feedback strategy is:

a. Formative Assessment

Project tutorials and staged reviews with tutors and peers will provide an opportunity for critique and formative direction. This will allow students to reflect upon their own work and act upon feedback prior to final submission. Verbal feedback is designed to help students to identify areas of success and/or further development to be considered.

b. Summative assessment

The project brief/s driving the module will identify the assessment criteria and submission requirements (deliverables) appropriate to the topic of the project. The assessable elements will consist of a project portfolio, which will enable students to demonstrate the process and technical skills developed throughout the module. In addition studio contact, observations and presentations will ensure tutors are able to assess the learners’ overall performance holistically against the learning outcomes for the module. A single grade will then be aligned to the submission based upon multiple deliverables.

c. Feedback strategy

Feedback will be delivered verbally at the point of each tutorial, where discussion will clarify future direction. Upon receiving summative assessment students will receive a grade reflecting achievement against the learning outcomes of the module. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning by recording verbal feedback in order to reflect upon it as they engage in subsequent learning.

Pre-requisite(s)

Introducing Interior Design Contexts (or equivalent experience)

Co-requisite(s)

Interior Design for Wellbeing

Module abstract

Investigating Interior Design Contexts invites you to look beyond the aesthetic to consider how successful design projects can positively effect well-being and wider social impact. As aspiring designers, it is important to understand that successful design does not begin with a clean slate, design always draws its inspiration from somewhere - influenced by history, culture, society, natural or man-made environments and the outcomes of design that have gone before. It is our job to make something even better.

Design is a form of storytelling. Investigating Interior Design Contexts continues to help you construct robust narratives that guide, justify and support your design work. designers as storytellers. Establishing the contexts that comprise the design situation you are working with is essential when generating ideas for successful design projects, following the ethos of ‘the more you look the more you will find’.

Course info

UCAS Code W252

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

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

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria School of Design

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.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints