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Arts & Design

UT Celebrates 100 Years of Design Studies

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In the early 1900s, students in the College of Home Economics took art class on the top floor of Tennessee Hall, which also housed the drawing and art department.

A century ago on UT’s campus, a design movement began that has evolved into today’s School of Interior Architecture. On Saturday, the school opens its doors to celebrate its design legacy.

Design studies at UT started in the College of Home Economics as house planning and decoration, and expanded into related arts, home planning, interior design, and interior architecture. The program of study also has been housed in the College of Human Ecology and the School of Art, and now has its home in the College of Architecture and Design.

In 1947, students in the College of Home Economics create a layout in their home furnishing class.
In 1947, students in the College of Home Economics create a layout in their home furnishing class.

While the evolution of the field has had a varied path, the faculty and students who have spent time in the classrooms and created in the studios share a passion for design and appreciation for how it touches lives.

All design alumni, former faculty, and friends of design are invited to attend the Centennial Jubilee on Saturday, March 24, at the Art and Architecture Building, 1715 Volunteer Boulevard.

“We want to honor the faculty who brought design passion and vision to UT and today’s faculty who are continuing that visionary legacy,” said David Matthews, director of the School of Interior Architecture. “We also will salute the students who answered their calling to study design and in doing so built an enduring reputation for design excellence at UT.”

Andrianna Thompson, fourth-year Interior architecture student, presents her final project to a panel of visiting critics and students during spring semester 2017.
Andrianna Thompson, fourth-year Interior architecture student, presents her final project to a panel of visiting critics and students during spring semester 2017.

The Centennial Jubilee includes a walking tour of campus in the morning and an evening celebration at the Art and Architecture Building, the home of the School of Interior Architecture. The evening event includes a lecture by design historian Penny Sparke, a grand reception, live music from UT students, a showcase of interior architecture student work and textile merchandise, and a reverse auction.

During the evening, the group will unveil the Centennial Exhibit, which will grow to become a personal expression of the school’s history as guests write their memories directly onto the exhibit. Personal memorabilia will be on display.

For a timeline of the 100-year history, see the UT College of Architecture and Design’s 2017 annual report.

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CONTACT:

Amanda Johnson (865-974-6401, amandajohnson@utk.edu)

Karen Dunlap (865-974-8674, kdunlap6@utk.edu)