Abstract
This research repositions the threshold—not as a static boundary—but as a transformative spatial condition that connects domestic interiors to the wider urban realm. From personal entryways and transitional corridors to semi-public courtyards and bustling city plazas, thresholds embody more than architectural demarcation; they represent emotional, social, and cultural exchanges that shape human experience. These in-between spaces, often overlooked, serve as catalysts for memory, movement, identity, and belonging. Situated at the intersection of interior design, urban theory, and spatial pedagogy, the study investigates how spatial experiences are curated and interpreted across multiple scales and settings. It employs a qualitative, design-led methodology that includes spatial mapping, ethnographic fieldwork, sensory and narrative analysis, and comparative case studies across homes, institutions, and public spaces. The research further integrates studio-based academic projects and real-world design interventions, tested in both educational and professional contexts. Feedback loops with students, users, and experts ensure iterative refinement and applied relevance. The outcome is a multi-scalar framework and applied design toolkit aimed at architects, educators, urban designers, and spatial practitioners. Key focus areas include material transitions, spatial sequencing, sensory immersion, and cultural interpretation. The research also emphasizes empathy-driven and narrative-based design strategies that move beyond form and function. Ultimately, this study advances a more human-centered and experiential approach to spatial design. By reimagining thresholds as powerful experiential tools rather than mere connectors, it opens new possibilities for creating inclusive, meaningful, and responsive environments across the built landscape.
Presenters
Kunica KhoslaProfessor, Interior Design, Atlas Skill Tech University - ISDI, Maharashtra, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—From the Home to the City: Designing Spatial Experiences
KEYWORDS
CULTURE,SPACE,URBAN, INTERIOR,SPATIAL, EMOTIONAL,PLACE
