Teaching conceptual approaches to interior architecture students by integrating theory and practice

Abstract

For interior architects, conceptual approach acts as a purpose, and lead to the realization of the final design which requires to be functional yet original and valuable. Existing research has mainly exposed findings related to conceptual approaches in architecture, but it is crucial to consider the conceptual approaches for interior architecture in its own content. Creativity is an important factor for competing in design and education. Current study was developed with concern to the importance of offering a course related to concept development in interior architecture programmes. Integrating theory and practice by offering lectures and exercises about key topics of understanding, communicating and developing concepts were the methods adopted for this course. Results showed that student weaknesses such as communication of ideas with weak presentation skills and an inability to distinguish the main design concept from design ideas was improved towards the end of the semester. The findings of this study contributes to raise awareness about the importance of considering interior architecture concept independently from architecture and transfer this awareness to the level of educational programmes. Moreover, offering theory and practice related to concept development will help interior architecture students gain a higher degree of awareness on creative design development.