HOUSE DECORATIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 16 July 1938, Page 12

HOUSE DECORATIONS

NEW FUNCTIONS OF ARCHITECTS An indication of the new functions of architects in modern housing was given at a convention of the American Institute of Decorators. The principal discussion was based on the four following questions:— 1. Should there be a basic difference between the curriculum provided for the decorator and that for the architect? 2. What should be the length of a course of interior decoration, and what proportion of time should be given to design, laboratory and drafting-room practice, and nonprofessional academic subjects? 3. Is it feasible to arrange for a type of interneship or apprenticeship in a decorating studio or business, as part of a regular course of instruction? 4. What should be the prerequisites for admission of students wishing to specialise in Interior Architecture and Decoration in schools granting a degree and those granting a diploma. Although there was much controversy developed during the conference, thought seemed to be definitely converging toward the opinion that there should be no fundamental difference in the training provided for the profession of decoration and that of architect.' The interior specialist, it was thought, must be relied upon to make provision for every practical demand that enters into the space he is required to make habitable and attractive. He must understand the structural problems involved. and the quality and uses of materials: the necessity for and the general layout of utilitarian factors in a building project: and in addition, he must be relied upon to provide corresponding excellence in the high art of interior design and decoration.