History of Interiors
A chronological study of housing and furnishings from the Renaissance to the Victorian Period (16th to 19th centuries) and 20th century, with a special emphasis on European history.
This course provides a thorough background of the major design periods and traditions of global civilizations from the 16th century through 19th centuries including the design of furnishings, architecture, interiors, textiles, and the decorative and fine arts. The effects of influence of culture, geography, technology, religion and politics on design are investigated. As it is taught in Florence, Italy, Italian interior design will be given special consideration, especially in visits.
Course objectives are:
– To provide a thorough background of the major design periods and traditions of global civilizations from the 16th century – Renaissance – through the 19th century.
– To provide an understanding of the relationships between furnishings, architecture, interiors, textiles, and the decorative and fine arts.
– To provide an understanding of the influence of culture, geography, technology, religion economics and politics in design traditions.
– To provide skills required to identify and interpret historic interiors and furnishings.
– To provide a grounding in the basic terminology used to discuss the various stylistic periods and interior
features.