Beginning in 2012, The School of Constructed Environments offers an MFA double major combining the established Master of Fine Arts Interior Design and Master of Fine Arts Lighting Design programs. The unique curricular track allows students to deeply investigate the design of environments and human inhabitation with a focus on the relationship between light, materials and interior volumetric space. The three-year MFA track will enable students to develop critical sustainable design thinking and technical skills associated with lighting design and interior design.
Students enrolled in this unique multi-disciplinary track to expand their knowledge of light, and space relationships through research and design investigations of material, form and surface interactions with light. Human perception within the interior, and the corresponding psychological and physiological effects of design decisions, are seminal to all investigations. Design as a social practice is a guiding philosophy.
The MFA Double Major offers an opportunity for critical and speculative evaluation of the interior condition; studio-centered, research-oriented focus challenges students to analyze the relationship between human behavior, comfort, perception and social exchange with consideration to light and the built interior. Human health and sustainable strategies associated with material, indoor air quality and energy allow students to position aesthetic and intellectual interests against tangible realities confronted in practice.
Through project-based learning and a culminating thesis year, students pose questions, develop independent ideas, interests and problem-solving skills. Seminars focusing on technologies, analysis, application techniques, biology and design theory compliment the studio coursework. The MFA double major invites re-examination and innovation within the interior design discipline that was founded at Parsons in the early 20th century.
Assisted by Parsons' alliance with professional organizations and a distinguished faculty of prominent practitioners, theorists, historians, critics and scientists drawn from New York City, students pursue professional internships and other partnerships during semester breaks and fulltime positions subsequent to graduation with leading players on the global design and research stage.
Admission to the MFA Double Major requires acceptance into both the Interior Design and Lighting Design programs.
Learn more about the double major's flexible curriculum options.
Interested students should apply directly to their primary program of interest- Interior Design or Lighting Design- select the double major option on page one of the online application, and address their candidacy and qualifications for the double major in their Statement of Interest.
