Induction Week: Reflecting on 'Interior Architecture and Design'

After a very warm welcome back to the University of Portsmouth and to the Eldon building, we started to reflect on our practice and understanding of interior architecture and design; 

In my mind map, I explored the word 'interior' and the idea if that is restricted to only the literal interiors of a building, or if it can be understood in a more metaphorical sense. For example, does the word interior also apply to a city, to moving spaces such as vehicles, or even social networks?

I believe that the word interior is not restricted in definition, but we as designers and architects subconsciously, or even consciously, restrict ourselves to how we understand what an interior is. We restrict ourselves and our designs for many reasons, this may be due to a site that is a protected historical building, or a client or brief is generally restrictive in what they want us to design. Personally, I believe that although an interior may be limited in terms of it being a fixed space, this shouldn't force designers and architects limit their designs, and that we should explore and push the boundaries of an interior. 

I also wrote the different ways that I present interior architecture and design work, such as through models, freehand work, CAD, diagrams etc, as well as my interests within interior design; theatre / set design and inclusivity. 

After finishing my BA in Interior Architecture and Design at the University of Portsmouth, I personally felt that my education within interior architecture and design was not complete, and I wanted to push myself further to achieve a MA, as well as explore and solidify my knowledge and passions within interior design.

I have a strong passion for inclusivity within design, which I chose to focus my dissertation on, as well as for set design, which in my second year of my BA this passion was ignited by being asked to be a set and prop designer by film students for their final year project. I found the experience to be extremely astonishing and was very keen to be a part of more student film projects. 

I am currently unsure in what direction of work I will be considering in the future, but I like to hope that it involves inclusivity or set design, or even both.