This paper describes a first year project on the MA Interior Design programme at the Royal College of Art in London.

The ‘Identities’ project is formulated to ensure that students consider the material qualities of their work and develop design proposals that reslove a small scale interior design problem in finite detail. To achieve this a project structure has been developed where materials selection is the departure point for the work. The problem of planning is removed from the equation as students are given a fixed plan with which to work and the focus of the work then concentrates on the three-dimensional development of an interior design proposal where the consideration of structure, materials, form, detail, colour, pattern, texture and finish are key. Development work utilises model making as the principle means of communication. The project is broken down into clear phases that demand students work through progressively larger scales (from 1:20 through to full size) allowing detailed development of schemes as appropriate. The notion of ‘learning through making’ is crucial and the utilisation of model-making and prototyping is important. Tutorials are tailored to fit around the project structure to provide both support and rigorous critique throughout the process.

The results of this approach are project outcomes that fully resolve interior design proposals in an unequivocal way at scales up to full size.

Keywords:

RCA, Interior Design Project, Materials, Detail, Making, Learning, Teaching