Interior and Spatial Design

Overview

About Interior and Spatial Design at Chelsea College of Art and Design

The MA Interior and Spatial Design course has developed a distinctive identity born from our fluid position as designers in an ‘art school’ environment, coupled with our contemporary view of experimental spatial practice and the blurring of disciplinary boundaries. 

With a bias towards research-led practice, all students on the course are encouraged along a path of personal critical discovery, starting with an initial area of individual research interest. 

We believe that all spatial practice should be considered as a form of performance based on ideas of context, narrative and experience and above all intention. The latter is considered a fundamental aspect of design practice whether using empirical prototypes or developing philosophical positions. 

We have a particular expertise in the experiential and sensorial aspects of what it means to inhabit space and interact with our environment. We consider both physical and virtual space as equally valid forms of experience. We work with existing structures both internally and externally, with film and video, and between digital and analogue. Alongside this we value making, drawing, discourse and text as equivalent and complimentary forms of expression and representation.  

The course encourages and facilitates cross disciplinary activity. We provide opportunities for working on live projects and working on collaborations with practitioners in various fields. 

There is scope within the course structure to negotiate the nature of your practice and what constitutes a suitable portfolio submission at each unit conclusion. In this regard, there is scope for a bias to develop in writing, film making or other form of practice as well as the more usual installation or design proposition.

Careers

Graduates from MA Interior and Spatial Design have an excellent record of gaining employment in both architectural and design practices, while our other course alumni either continue their practice as fine artists, have architectural books published or make furniture.