TAD2213

History and criticism of interiors and furniture 2

6 points
* 3 hours lecture/tutorial contact and 9 independent study hours per week
* Second semester
* Caulfield
* Prerequisites: TAD1101 and TAD1102

Objectives On successful completion of this subject, students will have a sound knowledge of key epochs of interior design and furniture; appreciate and express lucidly and imaginatively the historical correspondences between the styles of furniture and architecture generally; appreciate historical correspondences between the styles of interiors and other art forms - such as sculpture and painting - with insight and discernment; possess critical opinions and inspirational insights concerning the aesthetic, symbolic and functional merits of historical exemplars; be able to identify or conjecture the social values that interiors and furniture have represented, and discuss the systems of authority to which they belonged; have a readiness to combine imaginative responses concerning the character of spaces and pieces of furniture with historical knowledge and learned opinion about them; appreciate, and have opinions about, heritage issues and relate such opinions to a systematic ethical argument.

Synopsis The subject covers the development of furniture and interiors in various epochs, ranging from the `mainstream' history of western development from Egypt to postmodernism, with frequent references to non-European cultures. Comparisons are made between such developments and the other arts, including literature and music. The subject therefore links the styles of furniture and interior architecture to the cultural discourses of several epochs; and the survey of these historical cases serves to illuminate the historically structural patterns by which furniture and interiors embody the values and enthusiasms of the communities which brought them into being.

Assessment Two class presentations supplemented, where appropriate, with written notes: 40% and 60% respectively

Recommended texts

Nelson R Expressions of purpose in Australian design Monash University, 1992
Nelson R Frameworks of furniture Monash University, 1996