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Research by Middlesex academics wins prize in recognition of its aim to reduce social inequalities

A research paper co-authored by Middlesex academics has won a prize from the Journal of Interior Design for its outstanding contribution to the advance of interior design education and practice.

The research, focused on workshops developed and tested on Middlesex students, argues that design visualisations actively lead people to feel either that they belong or are excluded from an interior space. 

The authors – Director of Interior Architecture and Design Programmes Dr Francesca Murialdo, former Middlesex senior lecturer Peter Thomas and two researchers from the University of Lincoln – were presented with the Journal of Interior Design Best Publication Award 2025, at last month’s Interior Design Educators Council annual conference in Chicago. The jury commended the paper for its “well-written compelling argument,”  “sophisticated literature review,” and “empathy for diverse users and a more diverse vision of future society.”

The workshops have directly influenced how Middlesex Interiors academics teach and embed inclusivity across the curriculum. Rather than just talk about diversity and inclusion, this approach gives a clear entry point through the issue of representation. 

Students are encouraged to think about who they are designing for, and why. In addition, many of the projects that Middlesex Interiors students are involved with are connected to real communities, pushing students to consider diverse needs. 

Students reflect positively in feedback about incorporating inclusion and diversity into designs. One noted that “it’s not about my needs and wants for the space, more about the users… This has allowed me to think deeply about how different people experience a space.”

The record of Middlesex Interiors students in competitions and other external activity shows the impact of Francesca and her colleagues’ work.

For three years in succession Middlesex students have won the Collaborative Practice Award from higher education forum Interior Educators, on top of nominations and awards for individual students in the Social Justice (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) category.

Projects such as Kilburn Museum Lab and ongoing Kilburn-based and Somers Town initiatives have involved collaborating with local communities, councils, and cultural organisations demonstrating real-world application of inclusive design principles. 

Students’ design visualisations have been shared through conferences and academic networks, contributing to broader discussions about inclusive teaching and design practice internationally.

The award-winning research is timely in the context of rapidly evolving digital design tools, with growing concerns about reproducing narrow and biased representations of people, as use of AI-generated imagery becomes more and more commonplace.

“What we showed students is that these design visualisations communicate who a space is ‘for’ and who might feel excluded,” said Dr Francesca Murialdo.

Middlesex is demonstrating “a recognised and sustained approach to inclusive design education,” Francesca says. “Inclusion becomes meaningful when it is embedded in the design process, not added at the end”. 

The images show design visualisations by Middlesex students - the top image is a detail from a montage entitled 'The Fabricated Forum' by Alex Smith (Interior Architecture), and the bottom image is a design for an autism-friendly workspace by Rebecca Shaerf (Interior Design).

Learn more about the Interior Architecture BA at Middlesex University.

Learn more about the Interior Design BA at Middlesex University.