History of Environmental Arts: Part IV

Part four of a four-part survey of environmental arts of the Western world, this course traces the major movements in architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts of the twentieth century. Subjects covered include Viennese Secessionism, Art Deco, Romantic Revivalism, De Stijl, Bauhaus, International Style, Mid-Century Modernism, Postmodernism, and Contemporary. Instruction focuses on the built environment influenced by geographical location and the social, religious, economic, and political forces of history. Buildings and interiors are discussed in terms of function, symbolism, methods of fabrication, style, use of color, ornament, and significance. Illustrated lectures, readings, and student projects develop an appreciation of the design influences of the twentieth century that inform current developments in the built environment of the twenty-first century.