An Interior Approach to Education and Adaptive Reuse

Plevoets, B, Berger, M and Stone, Sally (2019) An Interior Approach to Education and Adaptive Reuse. In: International Conference on Contemporary Positions in Interior Design Theory. BAU International, 17 May 2018 - 18 May 2018, Berlin, Germany. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Over the last generation the transformation and reuse of existing buildings has begun to take centre stage in the practice and theory of the profession of interior design and architecture. As such, the term ‘interior’ does not simply indicate a category of space, i.e. the inside of the building, but it is also a conceptual term; denoting a radically new approach to the discipline of architecture. This shift in emphasis has also influenced the manner in which (interior) architecture students are trained. This revised approach means that the historical built fabric is considered as a palimpsest rather than a monument. Thus students are encouraged to explore and activate the rich potential of the existing site through research and theory informed design. Essential within this process is the consideration that the beauty of the situation is read, the memory is discovered, and the hidden qualities of the sites handed down by predecessors is revealed. Three schools have independently developed a similar three-stage process for the education of the (interior) architect. This complex method will be presented in a dynamically structured presentation using the common approach motto: Remember Reveal Construct. Presentation and Discussion: - Shared vision for adaptive reuse as an aspect of (interior) architecture - Educational approach to projects within Master’s programmes that focus upon adaptive reuse - Approach to the interiority within the design studio; including concept and theme, methods for reading the character and qualities of existing spaces, making interventions, and communication - Relationship with academic research