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Domestechtopias

Domestechtopias investigates the inter-dependence of domestic space and emergent technologies by re-examining impacts of spatial and technological precedents, from ‘homes-for-the-future’ prototypes to ‘steam-punk’ domestic fantasies that demonstrate contextual links across time and disciplines. Each precedent shares utopian aspirations of efficient dwelling and seem-less technological experiences. Argued through the lenses of smart-homes, interaction and ethnography research allows comparisons between domestic interiors as experimental ‘labs’ or superficial show-homes. We question how interior design privileges elite architectural interiors and historically significant domestic spaces whilst neglecting the pivotal role domestic interiors played in establishing contemporary interior thinking. Domestechtopias argues for a shift from architectural discourse to re-examine interiors through other research lenses to domestic interiors. The domestic appears to be viewed with suspicion, often reflecting anxiety over its superficial reputation, yet the discipline is well placed to bring a spatial dimension into interactive research methods.

Domestechtopias suggests a new domestic paradigm that embraces wider understanding of technology that redresses a neglect of the fields domestic origins. This is essential if interiors’ is to contribute fully in the issues affecting our digital domestic lives. Re-examining sociological dimensions of the porous home and our capacity to live together yet apart are discussed.

Domestechtopias resulted from a double blind peer review process as one of 16 invited chapters in the inaugural IE Interior Educators conferences in March 2011. The chapter is a key text in leading interior architectural schools and moves interiors ‘outside’ architectural debates helping transform thinking on digital technologies beyond mechanical, CAD representation or construction whilst opportunities for research into behaviours, energy and interaction but few in the interior community are investigating this potential.