1. The Contemporary Design Era
During World War II
America – limited design activity Europe - brought design to a virtual stop
In the United States, economic health rapidly encouraged new building to make up for the suspensions of the war years
Expanding businesses required new offices and other facilities
The expansion of programs in colleges, hospital and other institutions created an extensive need for interior design work. Design firms grew and prospered in Europe and America.
After the war, design began to come alive again in Europe.
As countries recovered from the war and its economic impact, there was a gradual return to prosperity
Theories of Architecture and Interior Design Sofia Sebastian

2. History of Interior Design Sofia Sebastian

3. The Contemporary Design Era
Interior Design Materials
Synthetic materials such as plastics replaced older natural materials
Textiles and carpets using synthetic fibres
Vinyl floor tiles
Melamine plastic as impervious material for furniture and counter top surfaces
Glass fibre-reinforced plastics for chairs in curvilinear forms
Plastic were binders for paneling made of wood chips – wall surfacing and furniture construction
Plaster for walls and ceiling were used for factory made products – sheet rocks or dry wall
History of Interior Design Sofia Sebastian

4. The Contemporary Design Era
Interior Design Constructions
Ceiling hung from above by a system of metal strips that held panels of sound absorbing materials
Lighting and air circulation integrated into the ceiling design
Windows as a source of light and ventilation replaced by mechanical air conditioning systems
Inexpensive fluorescent lighting for commercial and institutional spaces
Plastics for carpets, textiles and furniture
Design became more international – spread everywhere
Growth of internationalism
Air travel made movement anywhere on the globe a matter of hours
Speed of communication have increased awareness of design
History of Interior Design Sofia Sebastian