Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.31664/zu.2023.112.07
Interior Architecture, Design, and Decoration: Definitions of Terms and Differentiation of Meanings as a Starting Point for Valorisation of Interior Creation
Dora Stupalo
; samostalna istraživačica, Split, Hrvatska
Ana Šverko
; Institut za povijest umjetnosti – Centar Cvito Fisković u Splitu, Split, Hrvatska
Abstract
Terms related to interior design are insufficiently explored in terminology, and homonymous names for various concepts are used simultaneously, not only in Croatian but also in English. In this paper, by reviewing scholarly and professional sources, a framework is proposed for defining certain key concepts in the interior creation process whose names are often imprecisely used as synonyms. The research analyses and compares creative processes of planning and decorating interiors, connecting them with characteristic examples of interior design by relevant authors. Defining the terminology is emphasised as one of the starting points in the process of advancing the profession in Croatian contexts at an academic level and forming criteria for the valorisation of interior creation. Clear boundaries between architecture and interior design do not exist, nor are they necessary, as the discipline of interior design should not be considered outside architectural discourse. However, it can and should receive more attention in terms of professionalisation, i.e., the development of additional, organised expertise. Architecture is understood as a normative discipline, a scholarly discipline, and an art according to which other related fields are judged and categorised. In order to move away from such a hierarchy, the goal is to advance interior design into a progressive discipline through courses (or standalone studies) at an academic level, following the research and implementation of experiences from some of the best examples worldwide, as well as specific national achievements, where the distinction between interior creation through the planning and decoration process is clarified. To contribute to the discussion of concepts describing the processes of creating interiors in relevant scientific literature with more clarity, and to try to explain the distinction between them in the Croatian language, we illustrated the difference between designing and deco - rating interiors with examples. When selecting authors, we were guided by geographical and temporal criteria (USA, first half of the 20th century), recognising as relevant authors those whose work in interior design is globally recognised and significant for the history of interiors. As an example of integrating building architecture and interior design, we chose the Robie House in Chicago by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and for an example of interior decoration, the Colony Club, the first exclusively women’s club in New York, by author Elsie de Wolfe. In this text, we have tried, following a survey of scientific and professional sources, to clarify some basic terminological questions and provide arguments for the proposed distinctions. Therefore, we do not recommend the term “interior architecture”, because even in global practice, it is avoided as an imprecise substitute for the term “interior design”. If we define the term “interior design” broadly enough, there is no “gap” in the creative process between interior architecture and interior design. Interior decoration can be part of the interior design process, but it can also be an independent practice, with a clear distinction in the method - ology of work: the interior designer designs, and the decorator decorates. A lack of discussion on the subject in Croatia suggests the need to promote research and explore interiors actively. This is essential to reach the ultimate goal: an attempt to establish methods and criteria for a well-founded valorisation of interior creation within Croatian contexts. This effort aims to contribute to understanding the history of Croatian interiors, recognising their specificities, and creating guidelines for future creation.
Keywords
interior architecture; interior design; interior decoration; decorating interior; interior designing; interior; profession; valorisation of interiors
Hrčak ID:
315661
URI
Publication date:
1.7.2023.
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