IN-PERSON Prague Research & Teaching Conference

Abstract

Purpose and Context: The transient, seasonal, and customizable nature of interiors distinguishes them from the more permanent structures of the architectural environment. Situated at the intersection of fashion and architecture, interiors counter architectural permanence and extend the human body’s functionality. Unlike architecture, which is fixed and enduring, interiors are highly adaptable and readily personalized, much like clothing tailored to the body. This inherent adaptability and portability prompt exploration into the concept that the interior can be “worn,” thereby empowering the body, in conjunction with wearable elements, to retrofit and transform architectural space in a manner attuned to the individual body. Methods. Academic exploration of wearable interiors in design studios involved three-week charrette projects. The process included readings, analyses of precedent projects, and sewing lessons for students with little prior experience. Students designed, fabricated, and tested wearable interiors, creating full-scale solutions addressing issues like train seating comfort, adaptable COVID-19 dining shelters, and enriched classroom environments. These projects emphasize functionality and user experience over purely aesthetic concerns. Implications: The methodology developed positions the body as a structural element influencing the interior environment. Students engaged in research, analyzed precedents, and developed sewing skills, resulting in wearable interiors that transform and enhance built spaces, demonstrating a progressive integration of body and architecture.