IR3596-DRP000568

Faculty: Amal Shah

An inquiry into the cause and effect of material innovation in Interior Architecture practices

Throughout history, built spaces have been shaped by the continual transformation of material technologies and application methods. Consequently, its development course is inseparable from the shifting terrain of technology and its social effects. This intrinsic alignment with change—whether from a welcomed or critical perspective—reveals how architecture and design are inherently tied to material innovation. On the one hand, new products and processes have transformed space-making and interior design practice by enabling alternative construction techniques and novel spatial possibilities. On the other hand, the designer’s use of materials in unexpected ways has shown the design’s ability to inspire new growth in construction-related industries and stimulate cultural change. Both trends show the extent to which the innovative application of materials has been vital to the advancement of interior design.
Materials are manipulated and assembled to form an interior space. This practice can create unique or novel experiences for its occupants. The function and occupancy of any space can be affected by its materials. Innovations in materials can develop novel solutions for spaces through an intentional application. Critically analysing such materials’ features and characteristics can help designers understand the role and importance of creating innovative materials.
Technology has become a critical factor in influencing innovative materials, which can make them beneficial for the practice of interior architecture. It can also create a difference in how they are applied in space. The innovative materials which will be studied will focus on these issues along with construction and assembly techniques which drive them in the field of interior architecture.

Directed Research Project

Dhavni Kanuga investigates the impact of Material Innovation on the Sustainability of Interior Architecture Practice. Design Practices have become interconnected with Sustainable Development by relying on materials to decrease production costs and generate minimal waste. Material Innovation is an indispensable tool partaking in the design process. Through a comprehensive analysis of materials’ performance and aesthetic influences on Surfaces, this study evaluates the effectiveness of different material innovation methods and the factors influencing practice. The results of this research review Interior Architecture Practices, offering insights into the role of material innovation in producing interior surfaces, emerging sustainable practices and their qualities.