Inclusive Exterior and Interior Design (PhD.)
Inclusive Exterior and Interior Design is a doctoral study programme focused on research into universal, accessible, and user-centred design, linking landscape architecture, interiors, furniture, and participatory place-making.
About the Program
Are you interested in design, space, landscape architecture, and creating environments that are accessible to the widest possible range of people?
Inclusive Exterior and Interior Design connects landscape and garden architecture with furniture and housing design. It focuses on universal design for all, taking into account the diversity of users, their needs, abilities, and varied expectations.
The doctoral study programme is oriented towards research in inclusive exterior and interior design. Students may choose a specialisation in either interior or exterior design and, within their dissertation research, focus on space, furniture, vegetation elements, participatory planning, or co-creation of the environment.
How is the program focused?
The programme combines creative design and landscape-architectural practice with research methods. It emphasises inclusion, accessibility, participation, and research by design.
- Inclusive and universal design: focuses on spaces and elements that are accessible and usable for the widest possible range of people.
- Participatory planning and co-design: involves future users and stakeholders in the creation process.
- Interior or exterior: students may choose a specialisation in interior or exterior design.
- Research by design: the programme links scientific research, authorial creation, experimentation, and practical implementation.
What will be in your schedule
Core Courses
- Experimental Design Laboratory
- Spatial Design
- Principles and Methodology of Scientific Research in Landscape and Garden Architecture
- Spatial Planning and Settlement Renewal
- Landscape Assessment, Planning, and Design
- Current Issues in Design Theory and Methodology
- Ergonomic, Ecological, and Logical Aspects in Furniture and Living Space Design
What will you learn to do?
- work with the principles of inclusive, universal, and participatory design,
- explore users’ needs and diversity in creating exterior and interior environments,
- use research by design as part of scientific and authorial research,
- facilitate participatory planning and co-creation processes,
- connect spatial composition with the design of furniture, vegetation, and abiotic elements,
- carry out authorial and experimental creation as a form of research,
- link creative and scientific methods with practical implementation,
- communicate with experts, stakeholders, and users of the environment.
Research by Design
The programme develops a synthesis of scientific and artistic research. It applies qualitative and quantitative methods, authorial creation, and research approaches that connect theory, experimentation, and design practice.
Here, design is understood not only as an aesthetic discipline, but also as a social tool that responds to the need for accessibility, ergonomics, user diversity, and environmental quality.
What will you work with during your studies?
During your studies, you will address topics that connect design, landscape architecture, ergonomics, participation, and the creation of accessible environments:
- inclusive and universal design,
- landscape and garden architecture,
- interior and exterior design,
- furniture and housing design,
- participatory planning and co-design,
- research by design and the experimental design laboratory,
- exterior and interior furniture,
- vegetation elements, ergonomics, accessibility, and user experience.
Interior or Exterior
A student specialising in exterior spaces may focus their dissertation research on public spaces, designated spaces, or private residential spaces, and explore approaches to inclusivity, participatory planning, landscape democracy, or design for disadvantaged user groups.
A student specialising in interior design may focus on comprehensive interior design linked to composition and spatial design of interiors, furniture, and interior vegetation elements.
Where the program will take you
Graduates of the doctoral study programme Inclusive Exterior and Interior Design are prepared to work as researchers, university lecturers, designers, experts, or consultants in inclusive and universal design, landscape architecture, and interior and product design.
They may find employment in research and educational institutions; design, project, and architectural studios; state administration and local government bodies; municipal and regional institutions; non-profit organisations; cultural and community centres; as well as platforms within the creative and cultural industries.
They are able to lead research, development, and creative projects, facilitate co-creation processes, connect theoretical knowledge with practical outputs, and develop new approaches to shaping space, furniture, or objects.
What makes the program unique?
Research by Design
It connects scientific methods with authorial and experimental design practice.
Both Interior and Exterior
It enables specialisation in interior or exterior design within a unified inclusive concept.
Participation and Co-design
It emphasises involving users and stakeholders in the creative process.
Socially Responsible Design
It develops accessibility, ergonomics, sustainability, and sensitivity to diverse user needs.
Program Information
Program Length
4 years
Degree
doctoral study
Degree
PhD.
Study Mode
full-time / part-time
Language
Slovak / English