Furniture and domestic space as identifiers of time and place

We gain insight into the human dimension and into societal values when we study the design, construction, and use of furnished domestic space. This chapter begins with an overview and etymology of space and furniture and our definition of the human dimension, followed by an introduction of iconic, furnished domestic spaces. Systemic relationships between furniture and domestic space are explored, concentrating on the human dimension, societal values, and design pillars linked to the theme of time and place. The authors look at furnished domestic spaces across time and place, focusing on European scenarios from Modernism to the post-pandemic present. The following components are explored and serve as a framework to build an understanding of furnished domestic space as identifiers of time and place: * Time and place concepts: historical, cultural, and spatial context. * The human dimension: use, users, proxemics, human behavior, gendered space, privacy, and collective space. * Design pillars: (i.e., multifunctionality, nature, and ethics). The chapter concludes with a didactic learning experience in which students explored furnished spatial solutions for co-living and co-working in the post pandemic present, incorporating concepts of multifunctionality, sustainability, and ethics in their work.