Perceiving Identity of Period Interiors Based on Visual characteristics: Comparing Aesthetics of Renaissance in England and France

Abstract

Interior spaces are the cradle for activities of the people who use it. These activities reflect the lifestyle of a community. The design of the physical space pertains to the needs of the function it is meant for, while its aesthetics is created to provide the appropriate backdrop to visual and hence emotional satisfaction and pleasure. This is the reason why every Interior bears the signature of the design and ownership of the space. It has been seen that, Civilizations create their own identity within a space by virtue of its Architecture and Decorations which become the Fashion statement for an era. It evolves to signify a style identified with the culture of the particular period and location. However, it is more interesting to observe how remarkably different styles emerge in different locations, though the influence and design of the interiors belong to same historic periods. Although transformations happen over periods of time in history in the same region, but the identity of the interior of a particular region retains its individuality so distinguishable by virtue of its Geometry and Elements. In this paper, a comparison of interiors in England and France during the Renaissance period of 14th-17th Century, attempts to illustrate how the Geometry and the aesthetic elements create the perception of the interior space which is the identity of the style of the period. The innate Geometry of space and visual elements integrates to create a visual experience which goes on to build identity of a period style. The illustrations show how they balance each other to create a general perception for a time period and build an identity for a regional style in fashion. The one that will be known as French or English style of design.