Investigating the Intersection of Materials, Construction, and Production in Contemporary Interior Architecture (WIP)
The field of interior architecture is undergoing substantial transformations driven by new material technologies, heightened environmental consciousness, advanced construction methods, and evolving production patterns. From the rise of digital fabrication to the calls for sustainability, interior architects must now navigate a complex web of factors influencing how interiors are conceived, constructed, and experienced. At the core of these shifts lies the triad of materials, construction processes, and production techniques—each integral to shaping interior environments that are functional, beautiful, healthy, and responsive to cultural and climatic contexts.
Contemporary issues abound, and materials sourcing and life cycle impacts have become pressing concerns amid the climate crisis. Modular construction and off-site manufacturing are changing the nature of building processes, while digital tools (e.g., BIM, CNC milling, 3D printing) are overturning traditional relationships between design, craft, and labour. Additionally, global supply chain disruptions and ethical considerations have underscored the importance of local materials and production networks. Meanwhile, human well-being
and occupant health are more central than ever, inspiring interest in non-toxic, biophilic, and culturally resonant materials.
This research project sets out to critically examine these current issues, analysing how innovative materials, emergent construction techniques, and evolving production models shape the practice and outcomes of interior architecture. This project aims to chart pathways toward more sustainable, equitable, and resilient interiors in the built environment by connecting theoretical inquiries with empirical studies.
