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The Fundamentals of Interior Architecture
The Fundamentals of Interior Architecture offers an introduction to the key elements involved in the creation of aesthetically appealing and practically appropriate interior architecture. The book contains five sections, which together encapsulate the principle ideas, skills and knowledge that are employed in effective interior architecture and design. Areas of study include space and form, site and function, materials and texture, light and mood, and presentation and representation. Emphasis is placed on spatial solutions that support the needs of the client and which recognise the qualities of the building and its situation. The theory is contextualised using practioner biographies and work from leading designers.
- GenresArchitecture
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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About the author
John Coles
1 bookJohn Coles is programme leader for the MA Interior Architecture course and joint programme leader for the BA Honours Interior Architecture and Design course at Middlesex University, UK.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 8, 2013
This is a very (no seriously), very basic introduction. Most of the images used to illustrate these very basic concepts are also very unexciting. At times the book seems like it's giving some general superficial obvious advice with no content or breadth whatsoever. Sometimes the author mentions works that are inherent to the description and explanation that it is trying to make and yet fails to include pictures of them, rather choosing a different architect working in a different style to accompany the part.
The book is mildly successful in identifying design problems and things the designer needs to keep in mind (acoustics, lighting, temperature, air quality etc.) yet is severely lacking in solution to these problems - even in a theoretical or conceptual form (like: southern exposure of the most important rooms in an east-west axis). One exception is the enjoyable chapter on light. Even though simple it is nicely written and more breadth than most of the book. Sometimes the small boxes introducing the reader to well-known architects and designers seem to be used without any connection to the text. At some point Ray and Charles Eames are introduced after a concise explanation of hospitals, clinics and spas.
Not for architects or students of architecture in my opinion, but it might give amateurs a very general idea of interior architecture and design.
The book is mildly successful in identifying design problems and things the designer needs to keep in mind (acoustics, lighting, temperature, air quality etc.) yet is severely lacking in solution to these problems - even in a theoretical or conceptual form (like: southern exposure of the most important rooms in an east-west axis). One exception is the enjoyable chapter on light. Even though simple it is nicely written and more breadth than most of the book. Sometimes the small boxes introducing the reader to well-known architects and designers seem to be used without any connection to the text. At some point Ray and Charles Eames are introduced after a concise explanation of hospitals, clinics and spas.
Not for architects or students of architecture in my opinion, but it might give amateurs a very general idea of interior architecture and design.
April 4, 2021
2-3 stars.
This book is exactly what the title says... FUNDAMENTALS of Interior Architecture. That is to say, it provides a basic introduction to concepts and concerns of the Interior Architect. As a third year student on this kind of course, I barely found any information that I did not already know. Additionally, the images used throughout the book are very limited in range; the author uses photographs of the same series of spaces or from the work of the same designers on and on. This becomes especially annoying when (in my opinion, at least) many of these spaces do not have any real quality to them. Reading the book in 2021, a number of them are also quite dated. (I believe good design to be timeless)
I am also the kind of student more interested in reading those more philosophical readings about the feeling of space (Gaston Bachelard or Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows') and this is pretty much at the other end of the spectrum, with quite a commercial approach. I definitely think that as a student first coming into contact with this specialism, a more idealistic presentation of design would be preferable. Still, maybe that is just my preference. I would perhaps recommend 'The Architect's Eye' as a book which covers a little of the technical terms and representation techniques, as well as being a little bit more interesting, just a touch more concerned with sensitivity.
Despite all my dislike for this book, it is factually correct and provides introductory information about the subject. So if you do not know anything about interior architecture and really want to read it... go on.
This book is exactly what the title says... FUNDAMENTALS of Interior Architecture. That is to say, it provides a basic introduction to concepts and concerns of the Interior Architect. As a third year student on this kind of course, I barely found any information that I did not already know. Additionally, the images used throughout the book are very limited in range; the author uses photographs of the same series of spaces or from the work of the same designers on and on. This becomes especially annoying when (in my opinion, at least) many of these spaces do not have any real quality to them. Reading the book in 2021, a number of them are also quite dated. (I believe good design to be timeless)
I am also the kind of student more interested in reading those more philosophical readings about the feeling of space (Gaston Bachelard or Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows') and this is pretty much at the other end of the spectrum, with quite a commercial approach. I definitely think that as a student first coming into contact with this specialism, a more idealistic presentation of design would be preferable. Still, maybe that is just my preference. I would perhaps recommend 'The Architect's Eye' as a book which covers a little of the technical terms and representation techniques, as well as being a little bit more interesting, just a touch more concerned with sensitivity.
Despite all my dislike for this book, it is factually correct and provides introductory information about the subject. So if you do not know anything about interior architecture and really want to read it... go on.
December 24, 2021
Comprehensive!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews